UFO Navigator - No 056 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Issue: No. 56 (0056)
Date: May 2003

This issue of "UFO NAVIGATOR," a Russian ufological digest, focuses on significant UFO phenomena and related events from late 2002 and early 2003, with a special emphasis on triangular UFOs and the destruction of an Italian satellite.

Main Topics

The cover highlights three main themes: "Belgian Triangles" – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow?!; the destruction of the satellite "VerpoSAX" causing worldwide panic; and the failure of "crazy prophecies" regarding a new "End of the World."

News

UFO Over Baghdad?

In early May 2003, residents of Baghdad, Iraq, reported seeing an unusual light in the sky, distinct from rocket flares. Journalists staying at the "Palestine" and "Sheraton" hotels also witnessed an unidentified flying object (UFO) surrounded by lights. The object was observed for three hours before disappearing. The report, referencing Turks.Us, noted that the sighting likely occurred earlier than the May 4th date suggested by the source.

Return of the "Belgian Triangle"

Günther Schlachmann of Belgium reported two sightings of a UFO, described as a black triangular object with lights at its corners and center. The first sighting occurred on April 4, 2003, at 12:15 AM near Coutens, where a bright point of light descended and moved slowly. Later, it became clear it was a distinct object with at least six small lights. The second sighting was on April 23, between 11:15 PM and 11:45 PM, near Tamines. This object, also triangular, had three light sources and emitted a low hum, moving slowly at an estimated altitude of 200-300 meters.

Richard Dolan's opinion on triangular UFOs is mentioned as being available in the "Investigation" section.

Destruction of the Italian Satellite "VerpoSAX"

The Italian research satellite "VerpoSAX" disintegrated in the Earth's atmosphere on April 25, 2003, causing minor panic worldwide due to falling debris. The most significant damage reported was a piece falling on a coffee plantation in Guatemala, setting fire to several trees. Other fragments fell in Chiquimula, Guatemala, and near Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it was described as a "burning pencil." The Italian Space Agency had warned Indonesia about potential falling debris, some of which might be poisonous. Residents of Queensland, Australia, also reported seeing something fall from the sky. The coast guard confirmed the event.

"Saucer Festivals" Hit McMinnville

McMinnville, Oregon, USA, celebrated its fourth annual "saucer festival." The event commemorates the 1950 photographs taken by Paul and Evelyn Trent of a disc-shaped UFO, which were deemed credible even by the Condon Committee. The festival included a costume ball, UFO film screenings, a "War of the Worlds" radio play reenactment, a parade, and literary contests.

"Mock Sun" Over Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

On April 29, 2003, a phenomenon resembling two suns was observed in the sky over Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The local meteorological department explained this optical illusion as the refraction of sunlight by ice crystals in the upper atmosphere, a rare and beautiful natural event known as a "mock sun" or "parhelion."

Space News

On May 9, 2003, the "Muses-C" probe was launched from Japan with the mission to reach the asteroid 1998 SF36, located 300 million kilometers from Earth, collect a gram of its soil, and return it. This mission is expected to provide scientists with the first samples of asteroid soil. The probe is scheduled to arrive in June 2005, and the sample return is planned for June 2007.

China is also advancing in space exploration, preparing for the fifth "Shenzhou" spacecraft launch, which will carry one to three astronauts. Despite concerns about atypical pneumonia, preparations are proceeding on schedule.

The European Space Agency planned to launch the "Mars Express" mission with the British lander "Beagle 2" on June 2, 2003. Russia is providing the launch vehicle. The "Beagle 2" lander is equipped with a drill to excavate and analyze subsurface materials, and its findings will be transmitted to Earth. The mission aims to search for signs of past or present life on Mars and to create a detailed map of the planet's surface.

Following Up on Our Publications

Corso's Diaries

Referring to a previous issue (No. 26) that discussed Philip Corso's book "The Day After Roswell," this section mentions the upcoming publication in Italy of Corso's complete diaries. Edited by Maurizio Baiata, the book, titled "L'alba di una nuova era: I segreti alieni nascosti dal Pentagono" ("The Dawn of a New Era: Alien Secrets Hidden by the Pentagon"), contains 192 pages and was expected to be available for fourteen euros.

Mercury Transit

The transit of Mercury across the Sun, reported in the previous issue, occurred as predicted on May 7, 2003.

UFO Sightings from March 28, 2003

Further reports of UFO sightings from March 28, 2003, are being analyzed. One witness, Alexander Mikhailovich Nazarov from Garbolovo, described observing an object with 13-14 bright lights from which a bluish smoke rose, visible for about 3-4 meters. He has witnessed UFOs four times.

Calendar (On This Day... Years Ago)

• May 9, 1946: "Cross" over Maslovka, near Voronezh. A fiery cross with wide horizontal and vertical arms was seen against a dark storm cloud. The vertical arms extended beyond the moon's disc.
• May 1958: Thermal effects on an aircraft in Uruguay. Pilot Carlos Rodriguez experienced intense heat in his cockpit while flying near the naval base of Curbelo, forcing him to open doors and windows.
• May 1971: Spheroid maneuvers in the sky over Sweden. Engineer Per Borg observed a small white object that transformed into a spherical shape and performed erratic movements.
• May 1990: Daytime visit by "enlonauts" in Buryatia. Dozens of residents in Kudara-Somon village witnessed a strange, iridescent object and figures resembling "aliens."

Investigation: What Are Triangular UFOs?

This section, authored by Richard Dolan, delves into the phenomenon of triangular UFOs, which have been widely reported and often ignored by official circles. Dolan notes that while the objects themselves are strange, the silence from official sources is even more perplexing.

He discusses several key sightings:

• Dallas, USA (March 2, 2003): A security guard observed a massive, black triangular object with no lights flying silently at an estimated altitude of 1200 feet. The object disappeared rapidly. Police confirmed multiple reports of similar objects.
• Arkansas, USA (January 24, 2003): A witness saw a triangular object hovering silently about 10 feet above a telephone pole, with lights at its corners.

Dolan highlights that most witnesses do not describe the size of these craft, which can range from small to enormous. They often move slowly at low altitudes, sometimes described as boomerang-shaped. The lack of sound and incredible maneuverability are common characteristics.

He then recounts the famous "police sighting" of a giant triangular object in Illinois in the early 2000s, which was significantly larger than a Boeing, flew silently at about 500 feet, and exhibited incredible acceleration and deceleration.

Similar sightings were reported in the Hudson River Valley in the early 1980s, including a December 31, 1982, incident where a gigantic, triangular UFO was filmed. The object performed tight turns, shone a white light onto a highway, and later interfered with the operations of the Indian Point nuclear power station.

Observations in Belgium in late 1989 and early 1990, and extending to Russia, are discussed. On November 29, 1989, a black triangular object with a humming sound hovered over a Belgian police car. On March 30, 1990, thousands witnessed a low-flying UFO with a bright light. Belgian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the object, which was tracked by NATO radar. However, the F-16s could not keep up with its extreme speed and altitude-changing capabilities.

Colonel Wilfried de Brouwer of the Belgian Air Force stated that the object's movements showed "definite logic," suggesting intelligent control. Nick Pope of the UK Ministry of Defence concluded that a "material flying apparatus" had flown over Belgium, but its origin remained unknown.

Dolan then explores the possibility of secret US projects, such as the TR-3 "Black Manta." He notes that while official sources deny the existence of such aircraft, rumors suggest they are advanced reconnaissance planes developed in the early 1990s.

He discusses the TR-3B's alleged capabilities, including radar-absorbent coating, color-changing properties, and an "electromagnetic field disruptor" that uses plasma to reduce the craft's effective mass, allowing for extreme acceleration and maneuverability.

The article also examines earlier sightings, including a 1968 incident in Hastings, Minnesota, where a triangular object hovered silently before rapidly ascending. Dolan points to NUFORC data showing approximately 25 detailed reports of triangular UFOs between 1967 and 1973, with some dating back even earlier. He mentions a possible 1936 sighting in the USSR.

He questions whether advanced US technology could explain these sightings, noting that while military technology often surpasses civilian capabilities, the characteristics of triangular UFOs do not align with known aircraft like the F-15, F-16, B-1, or Apache helicopter.

Dolan addresses the "Aurora" aircraft rumors, suggesting that while it's a hypersonic aircraft, it doesn't explain the hovering or rapid altitude changes observed with triangular UFOs.

He concludes that while secret US projects might explain some sightings, the sheer volume and consistency of reports, especially those predating the early 1990s, present a significant challenge to conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFOs and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts, expert opinions, and investigative reports without outright dismissal of the phenomena. There's a clear interest in the potential for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, technology, as well as government secrecy surrounding such matters. The recurring theme is the persistent and widespread nature of UFO sightings, particularly the enigmatic triangular craft, and the ongoing challenge they pose to conventional scientific and governmental explanations.

This issue of "UFO UpDates" (dated April 24, 2003) delves into the phenomenon of triangular UFOs, exploring various hypotheses and related topics. The publication appears to be Russian, based on the language of the articles and references to Russian locations.

What are the Triangles?

The main article, a translated piece originally from "UFO UpDates" and compiled by Mikhail Gerstein, examines the nature of triangular UFOs. It begins by discussing a hypothesis suggesting that these craft might be advanced military projects, citing their potential for high speeds and maneuverability, and questioning why defense ministries wouldn't develop such technology. The article references a case in Millstadt, Illinois, as a potential origin for this hypothesis, though it questions the feasibility of the proposed microwave propulsion system due to the need for line-of-sight transmission and potential hazards.

The author notes that while the hypothesis was initially developed to explain US sightings, the geographical aspect of 'triangles' being primarily associated with North America and Western Europe might be skewed by higher witness activity in these regions. The article acknowledges that the Institute for Advanced Studies' research was limited to US sightings from the 1990s and suggests that triangular UFOs have been seen in other countries, including Russia.

It concludes that the hypothesis is far from proven and only explains a portion of triangular UFO observations. The possibility of secret American groups deploying these craft over Russia during the Soviet era is raised. The article also contrasts these craft with those encountered by military aircraft, suggesting the occupants are not necessarily American military personnel. It highlights cases like the Indian Point incident in 1984, where a triangular object's origin is debated, with some suggesting terrestrial, possibly secret, military origins, while others point to non-terrestrial technology.

The piece emphasizes that no single explanation covers all triangular UFO sightings, and many remain unexplained, with some clearly not appearing to be of terrestrial origin.

Glossary of Terms

The issue includes a glossary of terms:

• "ET, the Extraterrestrial": Refers to Steven Spielberg's 1982 film, noting its record-breaking box office success and its plot about an alien stranded on Earth. It's mentioned that despite the film's popularity, there was no significant increase in UFO sightings reported in 1982.
• Insectoids: Described as aliens resembling insects, with long, multi-jointed limbs, large compound eyes, and mandibles. They are often depicted as commanding over more humanoid or 'grey' aliens, suggesting a higher rank in extraterrestrial hierarchies.
• Institute for Cosmic Research (ICR): A contactee group founded in Michigan in 1967 by someone named 'Gordon'. The group aimed to build a flying saucer to save Earth. Gordon, inspired by Otis T. Carr's failed attempt to demonstrate a fourth-dimensional spacecraft, sought to raise funds and attribute the saucer's design to aliens. The ICR was registered as a non-profit organization in Michigan in 1967, focusing on religion, science, and space travel. Members paid $7 monthly. Gordon claimed to be a scientist from Atlantis and to have visited Jupiter's moon Io. The group disbanded by 1974 when the 'Blue Bird' project failed to materialize.
• Integratron: A large, white dome structure near Giant Rock, built by contactee Van Tassell based on alien instructions. It was designed to generate a strong magnetic field to 'recharge' human cells, potentially extending lifespan. Construction began in 1954 and continued until Van Tassell's death in 1978. Skeptics suggest he prolonged the project to extract money from followers. The Integratron is now considered a monument to human gullibility.
• Interactivity: Refers to instances where UFO witnesses report establishing 'interactive' contact with presumed aliens, such as thinking a UFO should come closer and the object complying. This phenomenon has led to various theories, including deception, hallucination, misinterpretation, or the UFOs being controlled by intelligent beings capable of reading minds. Some accounts describe witnesses becoming fearful and commanding the UFOs to leave, which were reportedly obeyed.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section reviews current UFO periodicals and books, using a rating system from [+] (throw away) to [+++++] (highly recommended).

• "How to Resist the Evil Eye and Curse" by Elena Mesharova: The reviewer, who worked with Mesharova at the "Anomaliya" newspaper, praises her ability to extract information from interviewees and present it engagingly. While not endorsing the content on magic and occultism, the reviewer acknowledges the author's skill in presenting "professional secrets" of Russian sorcerers.

Announcements

• System for Emergency Notification of UFO Sightings: This system, developed by the "Kosmopoisk" association, allows witnesses to report UFO sightings via the internet or phone, alerting field expeditions in real-time. It aims to facilitate observation, coordinate data, and dispatch response teams to interesting events. The success of this program depends on the activity of UFOlogists and observers. Contact information for the pager and website are provided.

Miscellaneous

• Ruins of Kadath the Unknown Found?: This section discusses a report from "Atlantis TV" journalists who allegedly filmed ruins of a monstrous city under the ice in Antarctica near Vostok Station in November 2002. The press release from "Atlantis Mapping Project" is critically examined for inconsistencies, including the claimed depth of the ruins (3200 meters), the alleged suppression of the film by the US government, and the similarity of the description to H.P. Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness." The article suggests the story might be a promotion for the book "Raising Atlantis."

• Another End of the World Did Not Happen: This article reports on a sect called "Pan-Wave Kankudze" that gathered in Hachiman, Japan, in May 2003, anticipating the end of the world due to electromagnetic waves. They erected white barriers and covered trees with white fabric for protection. The sect members claimed their leader was suffering from cancer caused by microwave radiation from communist terrorists. They were seeking a location free of electrical poles. The group, founded in the late 1970s, believes electromagnetic waves are destroying the environment and causing global warming, leading to the end of the world. They wear white clothing for protection and believe white shields and fabrics can ward off these waves. The article notes that the predicted end of the world on May 15th did not occur and references a Japanese newspaper report and a prediction by contactee Nancy Lieder.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained and the fringe, with a focus on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial theories, and unconventional beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting various hypotheses and claims while also highlighting skepticism and potential misinterpretations or hoaxes. The inclusion of a glossary and a book review section suggests an effort to educate readers on UFOlogy and related topics. The magazine seems to lean towards the idea that while many UFO phenomena can be explained by terrestrial or psychological factors, a significant portion remains unexplained and potentially points to non-terrestrial origins or advanced, secret human technology.