UFO Navigator - No 053 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Issue Date: March 2003
Issue Number: 53 (0053)
Cover Headline: The Secret of Yuri Andropov's UFO Folder; History of UFO Sightings: The 1896-97 Wave; 'Fiery Hail': France, Italy, USA...

Main Articles and Reports

The Secret of Yuri Andropov's UFO Folder

The article, based on a report in "Komsomolskaya Pravda" (March 19, 2003), reveals that Yuri Andropov, then Chairman of the KGB, was interested in UFOs. Igor Sinitsyn, Andropov's former assistant, recounts how Andropov reviewed a report from a military counterintelligence officer about a UFO sighting. The officer, a navigator, described a bright object that descended from the sky near Astrakhan in 1978, transformed into a saucer-shaped craft about 50 meters in diameter, hovered at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, emitted two bright beams of light, and then rapidly ascended, disappearing into a star-like point. Sinitsyn noted the object's incredible speed. Andropov reportedly instructed Sinitsyn to give the folder to Andrey Kirilenko, Chairman of the Military-Industrial Commission, but its subsequent fate remains unknown.

The magazine's editorial team states that this sighting was included in a compilation of military documents for investigation by the USSR Academy of Sciences under the 'Setka-AN' program. In August 1978, the Military-Industrial Commission forwarded the report to the Academy. A joint report by the Air Defense Forces Institute and the Space Research Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences mentioned this case among reliable close-range UFO observations.

The article includes the full text of the report from the counterintelligence officer, dated July 27, 1978. He describes the event on the night of June 26, 1978, near the village of Mumra in the Astrakhan region. He details the object's descent, its saucer shape, its bright blue-gray color, and the emission of two bright beams of light. One beam pointed vertically into the water, while another scanned the area around their boat. The object then ascended rapidly. The officer emphasized the object's speed and the lack of any sound or thermal effects. He lists six witnesses, including himself, his relatives, and friends, all of whom confirmed the observation. The report notes that no alcohol was consumed during the observation.

Erich von Däniken Opens 'Park of Wonders' in Switzerland

Erich von Däniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods," is opening a theme park near Interlaken, Switzerland. The park will feature life-size reproductions of ancient structures like Mayan temples, Stonehenge, and Egyptian pyramids. Von Däniken states the park will show the world's greatest mysteries without offering answers. It will include IMAX screens and 'krugoramas' for immersive experiences. "Serious" scientists, like historian Brian Fagan, criticize von Däniken's work as a "grotesque parody of scientific approach" and accuse him of elevating his ancient astronaut theory to a cult.

Is There No God, Only Electricity?

Canadian professor Michael Persinger of Laurentian University has developed a helmet that uses electromagnetic radiation to stimulate brain areas associated with religious experiences. He believes God is a function of electrical activity in the brain and offers to induce mystical sensations. His research is based on studies of temporal lobe epilepsy, where chaotic electrical activity can cause visions similar to those of prophets. A BBC "Horizon" program tested the helmet on skeptic Richard Dawkins, who reported experiencing "something" but not the promised profound religious experiences. Persinger suggested Dawkins might have a genetic predisposition against belief.

'Fiery Hail': France, Italy, USA...

France: Residents of the Upper Pyrenees region have reported fiery spheres falling from the sky since March 2003. One object, the size of a handball, landed near a village and continued to burn. Another incident occurred near Tibiran-Jonac, where two spheres reportedly fell, one near a river and another in a field. These objects were described as light brown and sponge-like. The incidents have led to speculation that they might be debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Italy: On March 15, 2003, witnesses near Venafro observed a burning object crash into a forest, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. The object itself was not found due to snowfall. Italian authorities initially denied a cosmic origin, but the number of witnesses and the description of a long orange tail, followed by a tremor, suggest otherwise. UFOlogists suspect a meteorite or satellite debris.

USA: On March 25, 2003, a meteor exploded over Illinois, scattering fragments that damaged at least five homes and a car. In Park Forest, residents brought at least sixty fragments to the police station. The largest piece weighed 7.5 pounds. The debris field spanned 80 miles by 20 miles. The meteor was estimated to have been the size of a Volkswagen before breaking up.

Chile: Humanoid on the Roof

Students in Calama, Chile, reported seeing a 1.2-meter tall humanoid moving in small jumps on a rooftop in late February. Shortly after, a UFO was observed near the Calama airport on March 5, described as much brighter than Venus and flashing on and off.

Will the 'Black Box' Reveal the Mystery of the 'Columbia's' Demise?

Search efforts for the Space Shuttle Columbia wreckage have cost over $137 million. A "black box," the flight recorder, was found among the debris and is undamaged, though slightly scorched. Investigators hope to retrieve information from the magnetic tape to determine the cause of the accident. However, there is uncertainty about whether data can be extracted. The article also notes that the cause of the shuttle's destruction is believed to be multifactorial, not just a single event like the damage to the left wing from foam insulation.

A Scorched Cat Mistaken for a UFO

Residents of Lardal, Norway, reported seeing a fiery ball explode in the sky and fall to the ground, leading to speculation about alien visitors. However, experts concluded that the phenomenon was likely a scorched cat that had climbed an electricity pylon and was electrocuted, causing it to fall and appear as a fiery object.

Search for Signals from Arecibo: Another Failure?

Scientists have failed to detect any extraterrestrial signals from 150 "candidates" identified by the SETI@home program. The signals were analyzed using the world's largest radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. While participants were prepared for disappointment, they had hoped for a positive result. Susan Lendrot of The Planetary Society stated that they did not expect a positive outcome from a three-day listening period. SETI@home organizers remain hopeful that further analysis of cosmic radio signals will yield more significant findings.

Transparent UFOs over Louisiana

According to "Filer's Files" (March 19, 2003), two workers in Westlake, Louisiana, observed three triangular craft moving at high speed. The most shocking aspect was that the craft were transparent, allowing the workers to see clouds inside them. The article speculates whether these were holograms, projections, or advanced technology, noting that while partially transparent UFOs have been reported before, the internal components were usually opaque.

Space News

European astronomers have made the first direct measurements of stars outside the Solar System, determining the diameters of the three stars in the Alpha Centauri system. Proxima Centauri has a diameter of approximately 200,000 km, Alpha Centauri A is about 1.708 million km, and Alpha Centauri B is 1.204 million km. No planets have been detected yet, but their existence is not ruled out.

NASA's MESSENGER probe will be sent to Mercury in a year, taking five years to reach its destination. It will orbit Mercury for one Earth year, collecting data on its atmosphere, magnetosphere, composition, and surface geology. The probe's assembly is expected to be completed by early September, followed by tests and pre-flight preparations.

Jupiter now has fifty-two known moons, with twelve new ones discovered in 2003 (designated S/2003 J1 to S/2003 J12). These small moons (around 1 km in diameter) orbit Jupiter on distant paths, mostly in retrograde motion, suggesting they are captured asteroids. Astronomers estimate Jupiter may have around a hundred such small moons, and similar discoveries are expected for other gas giants. Saturn has 30 moons, Uranus has 21, and Neptune has 11.

Following Up on Our Publications

Raelians Show Photo of Cloned Child

The Raelians have presented a photograph, allegedly of one of their cloned children, which they claim shows the third cloned child in an incubator. The article expresses skepticism about the photo's authenticity and the Raelian movement's promises of further "proof."

UFO Incident in Scotland Debunked

An alleged UFO incident in Scotland that was linked to traffic accidents has been revealed as a hoax. Police have no records of any accidents at the time and location mentioned, and the "witness" admitted to fabricating the story.

Mysterious Objects in Iraq

Sightings of mysterious objects continue in Iraq, with their nature (allied drones, Tomahawks, or advanced technology) remaining unclear. It is also difficult to ascertain the cause of unexplained flashes in the desert.

Exopolitics Website Claims Iraq War is About Alien Technology

The website "Exopolitics" claims that the true goal of the war is to secure alien technology, alleging that Iraq discovered ancient alien structures and bases. The site suggests that the US fears Iraq gaining this power, which could influence climate and cause natural disasters.

'25th Frame' Detection Efforts Continue

Attempts to find "25th frame" (subliminal advertising) have not yielded conclusive results. The "hidden insertion detector" found that most of the materials presented were likely due to careless editing rather than deliberate insertions.

Reports from the Field

'Satellite' over Vologda

On February 20, 2003, residents of Vologda observed a bright yellow, unusually large object moving silently and rapidly from west to east over treetops. Correspondent Larion Lushnikov proposed three theories: a meteor, a stage from a rocket launched from Plesetsk, or a UFO. The article notes that no launches from Plesetsk occurred in February, but the International Space Station could appear bright. The object's slow speed ruled out a meteor.

Cluster of Lights over Saint Petersburg

On the evening of March 28, 2003, Irina Rumyantseva and her son observed an unusual phenomenon over Saint Petersburg. They described a wide triangle with its apex pointing upwards, composed of yellow lights. Using binoculars, they refined the shape to an oval. They estimated there were more than seven lights. The object moved eastward, and a bright point of light approached it and then disappeared. The phenomenon lasted about fifteen minutes. Rumyantseva's mother-in-law confirmed seeing a vertical rectangle moving in sync with the main object. Witness estimates of the object's angular size varied, suggesting further investigation is needed to determine its exact position.

Ball Lightning (?) Flies Out of a Cloud over a Pasture

Alex Chupikov from Taldy-Kurgan, Kazakhstan, reported an incident from the summer of the previous year. While on a mountain pasture, he and his friend observed a large, dark cloud from which a small, bluish-white, spherical object emerged after a lightning flash. The object, about half a meter in diameter, changed shape as if it were plasma before returning into the cloud. Chupikov initially thought it was ball lightning.

Ice Circle near Arkhangelsk - Twenty Years Ago

An unnamed witness recounts an event from about twenty years prior, when he and his brother were hunting near Arkhangelsk. The witness mentions that the event involved a UFO and that the object's angular size was estimated to be between 0.5 and 2 degrees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, government interest in UFOs (particularly historical cases involving Soviet-era figures like Andropov), and scientific investigations into the phenomenon. There's a recurring theme of debunking hoaxes and misidentifications, as seen with the Norwegian cat incident and the Scottish UFO report. The publication also explores fringe theories, such as the connection between technology and religious experiences, and the possibility of alien influence on human history and current events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and reporting on both credible sightings and potential explanations.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1991, focuses on a broad spectrum of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) reports, spanning from historical accounts in the late 19th century to more recent incidents in the late 20th century. The publication delves into eyewitness testimonies, physical evidence, and the ongoing debate surrounding the nature and origin of these sightings.

The Ice Circle Incident

The issue opens with a personal account from a witness identified as 'Vanya' who, along with his brother, discovered a perfectly formed circular indentation on the ice of a forest river. The circle, approximately 4-6 meters in diameter, was found on a thin layer of transparent ice covered by a light snowfall. The witness emphasizes the perfect geometric shape of the circle, noting its precise form and equidistant placement from the riverbanks. They found no other traces of activity or damage to the surrounding environment, concluding that the phenomenon occurred overnight. Attempts to retrieve a piece of the ice revealed that the circle was a surface marking, not a deep impression, and the ice thickness was insufficient to support a person's weight. The witness expresses certainty that not all crop circles are man-made hoaxes, citing this ice circle as an example.

Historical Wave: 1896-1897 Airship Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Great Wave' of aerial phenomena sightings that occurred in the United States between 1896 and 1897. This section, investigated by Jerome Clark, compiles numerous reports of 'airships' observed across various states.

California Sightings (1896)

The wave reportedly began in California in November 1896. Eyewitnesses described lights and objects flying at low altitudes, some with discernible shapes and movements that defied conventional explanations. Reports included sightings of a large, cylindrical object near an airport in Saratov, Russia, in 1980, which caused flight delays. Another incident from March 1988 involved a bright object near the Canary Islands that dived into the sea, leaving a large circular imprint on the seabed. In March 1990, a family in the Moscow region witnessed strange, volumetric images appearing on their window. A 1991 report details a complex, disc-shaped object observed over Asbest, Russia.

Early Reports and Descriptions

Early reports from California described objects that were sometimes mistaken for balloons or balloons with wings. Lawyer George D. Collins claimed to represent an inventor of a 150-foot 'airship' with two canvas wings, which he stated had flown over Sacramento. However, subsequent accounts from Collins and others became contradictory, leading to speculation about hoaxes or misrepresentations. The investigation eventually pointed towards E. X. Benjamin, a dentist, as a potential inventor, but he denied involvement with aerial vehicles, stating his inventions related to dentistry.

Widespread Observations

Throughout late 1896 and early 1897, similar sightings were reported across the US. Descriptions varied, but common themes included cigar-shaped objects, large lights, and sometimes occupants described as 'aeronavts' or beings. Some accounts involved alleged interactions or attempts at communication.

Specific Incidents and Descriptions

Reports detailed objects with specific characteristics: a 180-foot conical object with red, white, and green lights in Ohio; a cigar-shaped object with a square light in Minnesota; and 'monstrous cigars' with three bright headlights in Illinois. In Texas, an astronomer observed a 50-foot cigar-shaped object with two large wings and a powerful searchlight. Other reports mentioned V-shaped objects with powerful beams and egg-shaped craft.

Alleged Landings and Encounters

Several incidents involved alleged landings or close encounters. In Iowa, a large airship landed, and its occupants were described as human-like figures. In Illinois, a large airship was seen with a smaller 'trailer,' and its occupants were described as wearing Western-style clothing. In Indiana, a 40-foot cigar-shaped craft was observed with occupants described as 'talking dwarfs.'

Aeronavts and Their Purpose

Some accounts suggested the occupants of these craft were not human. In Nebraska, witnesses claimed to have encountered beings who stated their ship was loaded with dynamite and destined for Cuba. In Illinois, two beings repairing a searchlight claimed they were traveling from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast. In Texas, a similar claim was made about a ship loaded with dynamite for Cuba. In Michigan, a 9.5-foot-tall, nearly naked figure was encountered inside a landed craft.

Aeronavts or Astronauts?

The magazine notes that while the press often leaned towards terrestrial explanations, some reports hinted at extraterrestrial origins. The article mentions a witness named Shaw who claimed to have encountered three strange, seven-foot-tall beings who communicated with bird-like chirps. These beings reportedly entered a 150-foot airship and departed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UAP sightings throughout history, the challenges of verifying such reports, and the spectrum of explanations ranging from misidentifications and hoaxes to potential extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine presents a collection of diverse accounts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while implicitly suggesting that the phenomenon is real and warrants serious consideration, as indicated by the quote about crop circles not all being man-made.

This issue of UFO Magazine, volume 18, issue 3, from 2003, tackles the enduring mystery of 'flying ships' reported in the late 19th century. The cover headline poses the question, 'What was it?', and the introductory text highlights the difficulties in uncovering the truth due to unreliable newspaper reports and the lack of independent investigation.

Historical 'Flying Ships' of the 19th Century

The article discusses the challenges of investigating early UFO reports, noting that most witnesses from the late 19th century were never interviewed, with one exception: a former employee of the 'San Francisco Chronicle' who spoke to Captain Edward Ruppelt in 1952. This individual recalled seeing a 'ship,' as they called it, with the newspaper editor and newsroom staff. He mentioned that journalists did not want to be perceived as 'crazy' and thus did not widely discuss the sightings.

A 1952 call for witnesses by the 'Civilian Saucer Investigation' in Los Angeles yielded reports from the 1930s and some from 1896 and 1898. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of these letters are unknown.

In 1990, 'Fate' magazine published a letter from a reader whose deceased mother, Hilda Stoll Wallace, reportedly saw a 'flying ship' near Beatrice, Nebraska, in 1897. Her daughter, Audrey M. Wagner, recalled her mother describing a cigar-shaped, silver object that flew slowly over their farm. The article concludes that while newspaper reports of 'aeronauts' should be treated skeptically, the nature of these 1896-97 sightings remains an enigma.

Key Concepts in Ufology

Altered States of Consciousness (ASC)

The magazine explores how many UFO witnesses and abductees report significant life changes, often becoming more spiritual or developing new worldviews. These experiences are sometimes described as mystical. However, some cases involve negative changes, leading to substance abuse or aggression, suggesting a complex individual psychological reaction.

Ufologists like Keith Basterfield suggest that some UFO experiences might be explained by ASC, such as trance or highway hypnosis, which can induce hallucinations. The 'Oz factor' is also mentioned as a potential indicator of ASC. Some radical theories propose that UFO phenomena are manifestations of a paranormal world that becomes accessible to certain individuals during ASC.

Isolationism

This viewpoint advocates for a strict ban on any attempts to communicate with extraterrestrials, fearing they could be hostile or impart dangerous knowledge. Proponents in the 1960s and 70s even tried to halt space radio signals, urging humanity to 'sit tight and don't stick out.' The article suggests this stance might be outdated, as aliens may already be aware of us.

Reviews and Bibliography

Book Review: 'UFO over Kazan' by Ravil Iskhakov

This section reviews a significantly expanded edition of Ravil Iskhakov's 2002 brochure, 'UFO over Kazan.' The 2003 version, with 75 pages and a print run of 100 copies, compiles UFO reports not only from Kazan but also from surrounding regions of Tatarstan. The review notes a current deficit in well-vetted UFO reports and praises Iskhakov's work for presenting data that allows readers to draw their own conclusions. While acknowledging that some misidentified phenomena (like launches from Plesetsk or artificial clouds) might be included, the reviewer believes professionals can easily filter these out, rating the book '+++++' (highly recommended).

News and Events

Congress on Time and Gravity

The research center 'Cosmopoisk' invited participation in a scientific congress on experiments related to altering space-time properties, held on April 12, 2003, in Moscow at the 'Cosmos' hotel. Topics included time and gravity in ether dynamics and practical applications.

XXV Sigeliev Readings in Moscow

The 25th Sigeliev Readings took place in Moscow on March 22-23, 2003, organized by the 'Ecology of the Unknown' association. The event included representatives from St. Petersburg, such as Mikhail Gershtein, editor of 'UFO Navigator.' The article notes with regret that many presentations were unrelated to UFOs or failed to materialize, promising to cover some of the missed topics in future issues.

Miscellaneous Reports

Lenticular Cloud: 'Photo of the Day'

A 'photo of the day' from the website 'Nauchnaya Set' (Nature.ru) featured a lenticular cloud photographed near Yellowstone National Park. The caption explained that these lens-shaped clouds form on the crests of atmospheric waves, often appearing like 'flying saucers.' They typically form at altitudes of 2-6 kilometers and remain stationary due to continuous updrafts and downdrafts. Their appearance signals strong horizontal air currents and potential worsening weather, including hurricane-force winds.

Did a 'Snow Man' Visit?

Residents of Arbazh reported finding large, two-legged footprints in the snow on February 16, 2003. The prints measured 40 cm in length and 20 cm in width, leading to speculation about a 'relict hominoid' or 'snow man.' The article notes that not all residents believe the reports, as no traces were found on some properties.

Ancient Tunnel in the Inca Capital

Archaeologists discovered a two-kilometer-long ancient tunnel beneath Cusco, Peru. The tunnel connects the Coricancha temple (later converted into the Santo Domingo church by the Spanish) and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Dr. Anselm Pi Rambla, the discoverer, believes the tunnel might be part of a larger system of galleries and chambers, potentially altering views on ancient Peruvian history. Chroniclers like Garcilaso de la Vega and Cieza de Leon had mentioned underground citadels, but this is the first attempt to verify such accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with historical mysteries, psychological states, and scientific inquiry. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance, presenting various theories and reports while acknowledging the inherent difficulties in definitively proving or disproving many UFO-related claims. The editorial team aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of current ufological research and historical cases, encouraging critical thinking and further investigation. The inclusion of book reviews, event coverage, and miscellaneous reports suggests a commitment to covering the breadth of the UFO field.