UFO Navigator - No 050 - 2003

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator: Russian Ufological Digest," dated February 2003 (Issue No. 50), focuses heavily on the catastrophic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, exploring various theories and related phenomena. It also includes reports on UFO sightings, cloning aspirations, and geopolitical reactions.

Main Cover Headlines

The primary cover headlines highlight "ALL ABOUT THE UNREVEALED SECRETS OF THE COLUMBIA SHUTTLE DISASTER," "MOSCOW ASTRONOMER RECALLS VADIM VILINBAKHOV," and "CLONEMANIA HAS SPREAD TO RUSSIAN UFOLOGISTS."

News Briefs

Brief news items cover the Columbia disaster, including official data and alternative theories about the cause, potential UFO involvement during the descent, reactions from Muslim countries, Canadian ufological statistics for 2002, transparent UFOs, UFOs and bird strikes, alleged alien involvement in the US state budget, and a Russian ufologist's desire to clone his mother.

The Columbia Disaster: Official Data and Theories

The magazine provides a detailed account of the Columbia disaster, which occurred on February 1, 2003. It describes the visual spectacle of the shuttle breaking apart in the sky and delves into the technical details of the event. The report highlights anomalies in temperature readings on the shuttle's wings just before its disintegration. Specifically, it notes a significant temperature increase in the left wing's landing gear bay and the fuselage above the wing, while the right side remained normal. The automatic flight control system struggled to compensate for increased drag on the left wing, leading to extreme adjustments of the elevons.

Official NASA data indicated that three temperature sensors on the left side failed at 16:58, triggering warnings on the Columbia's computer. The report details the loss of communication with the shuttle and the immediate suspicion of thermal protection system failure. The mission was the 113th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 28th for Columbia.

NASA appealed to the public for photos and videos to aid in understanding the final moments of the shuttle. Debris from Columbia was scattered across several states, with the epicenter of the impact in Nacogdoches, Texas. Authorities reported over 1,500 calls about debris and deployed soldiers to secure the sites. Residents were warned about potential radioactivity and toxicity from the debris, with some hospitalized due to contact. Hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide were identified as potential toxic agents.

The search for a specific, classified device on board the shuttle, reportedly used for encrypting communications, was also underway in the Bronson, Texas area.

The issue also lists the seven crew members of the Columbia: Rick Douglas Husband (Commander), William Cameron McCool (Pilot), Michael Phillip Anderson (Payload Commander/Mission Scientist), Kalpana Chawla (Mission Specialist/Payload), David McDowell Brown (Mission Specialist/Payload), Laurel Blair Selton Clark (Mission Specialist/Payload), and Ilan Ramon (Payload Specialist, the first Israeli astronaut).

Versions of the Shuttle's Demise

Initially, the primary hypothesis was damage to the thermal protection tiles caused by a piece of insulation foam from the external fuel tank. NASA confirmed that a piece of foam had struck the leading edge of the left wing during launch. However, initial assessments suggested the damage was not critical. Professor Paul Fishbeck's 1994 research is cited, warning that impacts from debris during launch could lead to catastrophic damage, noting that an average of 25 tiles per shuttle mission sustained dents of over 2.5 cm.

Historical incidents of thermal protection damage are recounted, including a 12 cm breach on Columbia in 1992 and over 300 damaged tiles noted in a 1997 NASA report, with 132 cases exceeding one inch in size. Despite these findings, NASA concluded in 1997 that the damaged tiles posed no threat to crew safety. The magazine notes that 90% of thermal protection tile damage is caused by fragments from the external fuel tank's insulation foam.

In 1999, changes were made to the foam production process, but a similar incident occurred in October 2002 with the launch of Atlantis, where a piece of insulation struck a solid rocket booster, causing superficial damage.

NASA initially stated that the insulation fragment impact could not have caused the catastrophe, even with doubled calculations for impact speed. However, they later suggested that "some other event" might have occurred, such as a collision with a small meteorite or space debris.

On February 9, 2003, a military radar at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida reportedly detected an unidentified object near Columbia as it orbited Earth. The object was estimated to be at least the size of a football. This object was detected on January 17, 2003, about a day and 20 minutes after Columbia's launch, and it entered Earth's atmosphere two days later. This raised questions about whether the shuttle began disintegrating in orbit.

UFOs During Descent?

Bob Beck reported observing a small, bright light following the shuttle during its descent, which appeared to move erratically. Other witnesses reported seeing a "green self-luminous object" flying towards the shuttle. An amateur astronomer in Sparks, Nevada, captured a "strange white object" on video following the shuttle. Australian astronomer Anthony Beasley also observed a similar phenomenon, suggesting it might have been a shiny piece of thermal insulation.

The discovery of Columbia debris in California, rather than Texas as initially assumed, led to the conclusion that the shuttle began breaking up over California. This lent credence to the idea that the "UFO" sightings might have terrestrial explanations.

A particularly sensational report involved an amateur astronomer from San Francisco who allegedly captured images of an "energetic discharge" hitting the shuttle, described as a "lilac-pink glowing cord resembling an electric discharge."

Photographs, though not widely circulated, reportedly showed an uneven orange flash with a violet tint, resembling the letter 'L'. When this flash crossed the shuttle's trail, the trail became brighter and wider, as if the shuttle was shaking. The photographer, using a digital camera, described it as "very much like lightning" and suggested it occurred as the shuttle began to break apart.

This photographer, who requested anonymity, had difficulty reporting the phenomenon to NASA. Tammy Jernigan, a former astronaut, later collected the photos and camera. The most striking image reportedly showed a "glowing mysterious pink cord."

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the discharge struck the shuttle seven minutes before it began to break apart. The camera used, a Nikon 880, was known for color "glitches" that could create orange fringing, a fact acknowledged by Nikon's general manager, Michael Rubin. NASA remained silent on these suspicious images, and James Oberg also noted the camera's tendency to "glitch."

Reactions from Muslim Countries

Dmitry Klimentov, a correspondent for RIA Novosti, noted elements of mysticism surrounding the Columbia disaster. The crash occurred near Palestine, Texas, President George W. Bush's home state. The first Israeli astronaut on board, Ilan Ramon, had participated in a 1981 Israeli Air Force operation to destroy a nuclear reactor in Iraq. The timing of the disaster, just weeks before a potential US military operation in Iraq, was seen as significant.

Iraq viewed the shuttle's demise as divine punishment. A government spokesperson stated, "We are happy that the shuttle fell. This is God punishing America. God wanted to show Americans how great He is and that they are not omnipotent. Now we know for sure that Allah supports us, that He is on our side."

The death of the Israeli astronaut was also seen as symbolic. In Baghdad, it was believed that Israel was being punished for "unprovoked aggression against Iraq."

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, head of Hezbollah, stated that the shuttle's loss indicated that the US was not all-powerful, offering hope to Arabs and Muslims worldwide in anticipation of a potential war in Iraq. He asserted that despite US attempts to rule the world, their fate also depended on God's will.

Nasrallah further declared, "What happened yesterday is a message to all humanity, especially Arabs, Muslims, and the people of the Third World; a message to those who for the last few years thought that America – which cannot be defeated or resisted – is invincible." He added, "America, which threatens the whole world with war, millions of soldiers, aircraft carriers, and nuclear weapons, has frozen in amazement, unable to do anything, watching the shuttle explode and crash to the ground... Yesterday, America submitted to the might of God."

Canada: Ufological Statistics-2002

Canadian ufologists, led by Chris Rutkowski, reported 483 UFO sightings in 2002, a 30% increase from 2001 and a 250% increase from 1998. Rutkowski could not explain the sharp rise in sightings. British Columbia led the provinces with 176 sightings, followed by Ontario (128) and Alberta (51). This activity was partly attributed to the presence of two active ufological organizations in British Columbia.

Transparent UFOs: Bird Hunters?

A witness from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, reported seeing a bird fly into an invisible object in mid-air and fall to the ground. The object it hit was described as transparent. The magazine notes similar incidents where birds have died after striking unseen objects, citing examples in Maryland and Russia.

Aliens in the US State Budget

US President George W. Bush stated in the proposed federal budget that humanity possesses various evidence suggesting life exists on other planets. He indicated that "extraterrestrial beings likely exist, and their discovery is a matter of time." The budget proposal included funding for the "Prometheus" project, aimed at sending space probes to Jupiter's moons to search for signs of life, with a budget of $279 million for 2004 and a planned $3 billion over five years. NASA's budget was also increased by $470 million.

Yaroslavl Ufologist Wants to Clone His Mother

Yuri Smirnov, editor of the Yaroslavl ufological newspaper "Fourth Dimension and UFOs," reportedly wishes to clone his deceased mother. The newspaper has maintained contact with the company "Clonaid" since 1999. Clonaid claims that human cloning technology is proven, but cloning from dead cells is not guaranteed. They offer cloning services for $200,000, though it's speculated they might offer discounts to fellow ufologists.

Space News

On February 2, Jupiter made its closest approach to Earth, appearing as the brightest celestial body in the southern sky, leading some to mistake it for a UFO. The magazine also reports a large bolide observed over Japan on February 6, which broke into three pieces and likely fell into the Pacific Ocean.

Following Up on Our Publications

A UFO video recorded in Khabarovsk by Yuri Malyarchuk, previously shown on ORT and featured in "Komsomolskaya Pravda," is now being used by the video's owner, who works as a psychic, to "treat" patients by placing printouts of the frames on affected areas, charging $20 per session.

Reports from the Field

Two reports describe similar sightings: on January 7, 2003, an object resembling a "flaming airplane or candle flame" was seen over Espoo, Finland, disappearing after about two minutes. On February 2, an object described as a "bright yellow spot with a large red tail" was observed over Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, moving from southwest to northwest for about 1.5 minutes.

Sergei Efimov, chairman of the Commission for Anomalous Phenomena at the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, suggested that these sightings might be military jets or a "Progress" spacecraft launch. Readers are invited to report similar sightings.

January Reports on UFOs

The magazine notes the lack of precise dating in January's UFO reports. One report describes a "firework" display by an unidentified flying object over Gremyachinsk on New Year's Eve, where a bright object emitted rays and detached smaller, luminous objects that performed geometric patterns in the sky before the main object illuminated the ground and then departed.

Another report details a "bright blue pear-shaped" object observed over Krymn, Volyn, shortly before New Year's. Three high school students reportedly experienced a "supernatural flow of energy" within the object's epicenter. One of the students, Yuri Kovalchuk, described being enveloped in a blue circle of light, feeling time stop, and then the object rapidly ascending.

Residents of Kilmez observed a cigar-shaped object that shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow and moved silently for two hours until dawn. A retired man in Kuvshinovo, Tambov Oblast, reported seeing a disk-shaped object, described as brilliant and silver, moving across the sky.

Our Calendar (This Day ... Years Ago)

• 1977: Aurora Borealis or UFO?
• 1989: A sphere emitting "fiery liquid."
• 1990: "Saturn" over the Voroshilovgrad region.
• 1992: A chase after a UFO over the Yellow Sea.

Aurora Borealis or UFO? 1977

This section recounts a pilot's experience in a snowstorm where the aircraft's wings were illuminated by blue flames. The pilot ascended to the stratosphere, where they encountered a disk-shaped object with ragged edges, emitting bright colors, which appeared briefly before disappearing into the polar night.

This issue of A.B.C. UFO, Volume 1, Issue 1, dated February 1990, delves into various UFO sightings and the history of ufology in Russia and the Soviet Union. It features personal accounts, historical analysis, and profiles of key figures in the field.

Cover Stories and Articles

Pilot's Encounter with a Luminous Disk (February 1, 1977)

The issue begins with a dramatic excerpt from an essay by I. Davydov in "Moskovskaya Pravda" (February 1, 1977), describing a test flight where a pilot, Semyon Mikheevich Antonov, experienced his autopilot malfunctioning under the influence of a 'luminous disk' and unusual atmospheric phenomena. The event remains unexplained, with speculation ranging from atmospheric electricity to a genuine UFO.

The Sphere Emitting 'Fiery Liquid' (1989)

Nina Aleksandrova from the village of Bolshaya Inya in the Krasnoyarsk Krai recounts a sighting in February 1989. She observed a bright spot near a hill, which later revealed itself as a large, orange sphere. From this sphere, a liquid of fiery color poured out onto the snow-covered ground, flowing down the slope like icicles. After about five minutes, the liquid was reabsorbed, and the sphere moved away. The experience left her with a profound sense of awe and the feeling of humanity's insignificance.

'Saturn' Over the Voroshilovgrad Region (1990)

On February 12, 1990, the editorial office of "Voroshilovgradskaya Pravda" received a report from the Donetsk Railway about a glowing sphere observed by a train crew and station workers. A. Kravtsov, a worker at Novaya-Kondrashevskaya station, described a brightly glowing sphere, bluish on the perimeter and yellow inside, hovering over pine trees near the station. It was about four kilometers away and disappeared after a few minutes. On the same day, G. A. Matsay, an operator at the Parkhomenko plant, witnessed a fiery yellow sphere about six kilometers away and at an altitude of about a kilometer. It ascended vertically, disappeared, and then reappeared, emitting two bright beams towards the ground before moving away.

The Chase for a UFO Over the Yellow Sea (1992)

In February 1992, 20 South Korean Air Force jets were scrambled to intercept a UFO detected by military radar over the Yellow Sea. The object was initially mistaken for a Chinese aircraft but disappeared from radar screens 15 minutes later. Despite extensive searches by aircraft and naval vessels, the object was not found. The South Korean Ministry of Defense attributed the radar image to electronic interference, a claim the author questions.

Investigation: Vadim Borisovich Vilinbakhov and the Formation of Domestic Ufology

This section, authored by L. M. Gindilis, details the life and work of Vadim Borisovich Vilinbakhov, a prominent figure in Soviet ufology. Gindilis recounts his collaboration with Vilinbakhov, highlighting his multifaceted personality as a historian with broad philosophical views.

The Formation of Ufology in the USSR

Gindilis describes the challenging environment for UFO research in the Soviet Union, where researchers had to contend with state opposition, ideological controls, and the mainstream scientific establishment. Vilinbakhov played a crucial role in advocating for the scientific status of UFO research.

The Leningrad Commission on Anomalous Phenomena

The text details the efforts to establish a commission for studying anomalous phenomena in Leningrad. Vilinbakhov was instrumental in this process, engaging in extensive correspondence and organizing meetings. The commission eventually became part of the Geographical Society.

Vilinbakhov's Approach to UFO Research

Vilinbakhov's approach was characterized by a deep interest in the philosophical and historical aspects of the UFO problem. He meticulously collected data on UFO sightings from ancient times to 1947, believing that a comprehensive historical record was essential for understanding the phenomenon. He viewed the UFO problem not as purely technical but as philosophical and psychological.

The Role of Mythology and History

Vilinbakhov emphasized the importance of historical material, arguing that UFO phenomena have been present throughout human history, interpreted differently in various eras. He saw connections between UFOs and ancient myths, suggesting that these myths might reflect genuine encounters with advanced civilizations or phenomena.

Challenges and Transformations in UFO Terminology

Due to the term 'UFO' being discredited and censored, alternative terms like 'anomalous aerospace phenomena' (AAP) and 'anomalous phenomena' (AP) were adopted. This shift broadened the scope of research to include a wider range of unexplained events.

Vilinbakhov's Correspondence and Views

The article includes excerpts from Vilinbakhov's letters, revealing his views on the 'multi-layered structure of space,' the concept of extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs), and the need for a broader, less dogmatic approach to science. He expressed concerns about the 'amateurish enthusiasm' and 'psychopaths' that plagued the field, advocating for a more rigorous and organized approach.

Vilinbakhov's Unpublished Works

After Vilinbakhov's untimely death, two of his unpublished manuscripts were shared: "UFOs in Our Skies" and "Essays on the Unknown." The first manuscript compiles UFO observations from across the Soviet Union, finding them consistent with global data. The second explores the nature of UFO phenomena, their connection to human consciousness, and the potential for them to be regulators of human societal development.

Historical Aspect of UFO Problems

Vilinbakhov's work on the historical aspect of UFOs highlighted how ancient myths often described 'star civilizations' as superior beings from whom humanity originated. He believed that these myths, despite their symbolic nature, pointed to an underlying objective reality that needed to be understood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, historical analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach to understanding UFO phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance favoring a scientific and critical examination of reports, while acknowledging the profound philosophical and psychological implications of the subject. The issue also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in the Soviet Union and the dedication of individuals like Vadim Vilinbakhov in pursuing this often-controversial field of study.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: 50
Date: February 15, 2003
Publisher: Miger
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" is dedicated to exploring the complex and often controversial field of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the research of V.B. Vilinbakhov and the life and work of Felix Zigel, a prominent Soviet ufologist.

V.B. Vilinbakhov and the 'Rejection Effect'

The issue highlights the work of V.B. Vilinbakhov, who argued that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) might exist in forms unfamiliar to human perception. His research suggested that understanding these phenomena requires a fundamental shift in scientific paradigms and a willingness to abandon established scientific views. Vilinbakhov pointed to historical anomalous events, such as the mysterious 'airships' reported in the USA in 1897, unknown 'aeroplanes' over Europe in 1913, and sightings in Scandinavia in the 1930s, as evidence that something beyond conventional explanation was occurring. He also referenced the 1917 mass sighting in Fatima, Portugal. Vilinbakhov introduced the concept of the 'rejection effect,' which describes how science often dismisses or ignores phenomena that do not fit within its existing frameworks, even when documented.

He proposed that a significant cognitive restructuring is needed to comprehend such phenomena, moving beyond traditional scientific methods. Vilinbakhov's work, presented at the K.E. Tsiolkovsky Readings, emphasized the need to consider non-traditional possibilities and to adapt our understanding of reality.

Felix Zigel: A Pioneer of Soviet Ufology

The magazine provides an in-depth profile of Felix Yu. Zigel (1920-1988), a renowned Soviet astronomer and ufologist. Zigel's fascination with astronomy began in childhood, and he participated in an expedition to study a solar eclipse in 1936. Despite facing academic and personal challenges, including his father's arrest and his family's exile to Kazakhstan during World War II, Zigel eventually completed his studies.

Zigel became seriously involved in ufology in 1958, influenced by accounts from Soviet pilots and the work of authors like D. Menzel. He was instrumental in establishing early UFO research committees in the USSR, including an initiative group in 1967 that later evolved into a section within DOSAAF. This group, which included approximately 250 members, aimed to collect and study UFO reports. Zigel's efforts led to the publication of his first manuscript, "UFO Observations in the USSR," in 1968.

Despite facing opposition and the eventual disbandment of official UFO research groups, Zigel continued his work. In 1974, the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) officially sanctioned research into UFO phenomena under his guidance, utilizing a database of over 500 observations. However, his work faced renewed criticism and a subsequent "anti-saucer" campaign following a lecture in 1976. Nevertheless, Zigel and his team continued field research at various landing sites.

By the time of his death in 1988, Zigel had amassed a significant body of work, including 13 volumes of manuscripts totaling 2670 pages on UFOs, poltergeists, and other anomalous phenomena. While some of his work was published posthumously, much of it remains unpublished.

Other Topics

The 'Sign' Project

The issue briefly mentions the US Air Force's "Sign" project, initiated in 1947 to study UFOs. Specialists concluded that UFOs were extraterrestrial spacecraft, but their report was rejected and destroyed. A subsequent report indicated that only a small fraction of analyzed UFO cases were definitively identified.

Zodiacal Light

A description of zodiacal light, a faint glow in the night sky caused by sunlight scattering off interplanetary dust, is provided. It notes that this phenomenon is rarely mistaken for UFOs.

Book Reviews

A critical review of Yuri Gogolitsyn's book "XX Century. Chronicle of Anomalies" is included, labeling it as a compilation of unoriginal and fabricated 'facts' with significant factual errors and poor illustrations.

Mammoth Cloning and 'ZetaTalk'

In a section on current events, the discovery of a mammoth cell in permafrost, potentially viable for cloning, is reported, citing research by Petr Lazarev. Additionally, the issue addresses a prophecy from the 'ZetaTalk' website, attributed to contactee Nancy Leader, which foretells an impending global catastrophe linked to the passage of a '12th planet.' The article expresses skepticism about the prophecy and the financial motives behind the ZetaTalk website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Navigator" consistently explores the intersection of science, belief, and the unknown. It champions the idea that established scientific paradigms may be insufficient to explain anomalous phenomena like UFOs, advocating for open-mindedness and a willingness to explore unconventional theories. The magazine highlights the historical struggles of researchers like Vilinbakhov and Zigel, who faced skepticism and opposition from the scientific establishment. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations while remaining grounded in evidence and rational analysis. The inclusion of topics like the 'rejection effect' and the critique of pseudoscientific claims suggests a desire to promote a more rigorous approach to the study of the unexplained.