UFO Navigator - No 059 - 2003

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest from July 2003 (Issue N 59), focuses on debunking common UFO sightings and exploring various anomalous phenomena. The cover highlights topics such as UFOs and anomalous phenomena in Chechnya, a quote from Polish Colonel Zdislav Tsekirda about a special UFO intelligence unit, and the increasing appearance of crop circles globally.

Main Articles and Reports

Rocket Launches Mistaken for UFOs

The lead article addresses the recurring phenomenon of rocket launches being mistaken for UFOs. It details an incident on June 21, 2003, where a Moscow resident, Artem Mikhailov, reported seeing a bright, undulating band of light. The article explains that this was likely the plume from a "Molniya-M" rocket launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The plume, illuminated by the sun at high altitudes, can appear as a glowing trail for hundreds of kilometers, even when the launch itself is not directly visible. The article notes that similar sightings were reported in the Urals, where the phenomenon was captured on video and described as resembling a "bright, beautiful comet."

It further discusses a report from NTV on July 8, showing footage of a UFO-like object over Ulyanovsk, which the magazine identifies as the typical flight path of a rocket's second stage. The article cites James Oberg, a specialist in Russian spaceflight, who confirmed that a "Molniya-M" launches from Plesetsk can create such aerial displays visible over long distances.

The Crop Circle Season Begins

This section reports on the emergence of crop circles worldwide and in Russia. The first reported Russian crop circle appeared near the village of Tenginskaya in the Kuban region. Other international reports include a formation in Poland near the Academy of Agriculture, described as a large circle with complex geometric figures, and a circle in Italy near Sabaudia. In Canada, a formation was found in Stewarttown, Ontario, consisting of a large circle with surrounding rings and smaller satellite circles. A farmer in Rockville, California, discovered a large circle with geometric figures, initially suspecting vandalism.

The article then delves into the debate about the authenticity of crop circles, referencing an experiment by the BLT group involving students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The experiment aimed to replicate a "real" crop circle, including details like stem damage and metallic particles. The students used tools like planks, ropes, a portable microwave emitter, and a device to spray iron powder. The experiment successfully created a large, geometrically precise circle with damaged stems, demonstrating that artificial creation is possible. The article concludes that the increasing complexity of crop circles might be due to the growing experience of those creating them, rather than extraterrestrial origins.

Flying Saucer Over Taiwan

A resident of Chiayi, Taiwan, filmed a white, oval-shaped UFO described as silent and performing complex maneuvers for twenty minutes before flying south and disappearing. A local ufologist confirmed the object's unusual flight characteristics, stating that no known terrestrial aircraft could move that way. This was the third such sighting in Taiwan in a week.

Amateur Astronomer Observes UFOs Near the Moon

On May 15, an amateur astronomer in Baraboo, Wisconsin, observed and filmed numerous bright, moving lights near the moon during a lunar eclipse. The objects, described as red-white glowing points, moved erratically, some appearing to chase each other. The astronomer noted that these objects approached the moon, hovered, changed direction, and disappeared, some even crossing the lunar disk.

Unidentified Object Spotted Near the ISS

NASA is investigating a small, unidentified object observed by astronaut Edward Lu outside the International Space Station on June 12. The object, described as rectangular and metallic, flew parallel to the station for nearly a day. Initial speculation suggested it might be a fragment from the Russian segment of the ISS, but Russian specialists denied this. Later, it was suggested to be a label from external equipment, possibly from a cable. The object was last seen 1.7 km ahead of the station.

Meteor Activity in New Zealand and Greece

A rare bright green meteor (bolide) was observed over New Zealand on June 12, visible even in daylight. It traveled from north to south and was observed for ten seconds. In Greece, two meteor events were reported: one on July 21 near Halkidiki, described as a large, fiery ball that appeared to crash into the sea, and another earlier in July near Elefsina, Kavala, and Ioannina.

Space News

This section covers updates on space missions. The American Mars rovers "Spirit" and "Opportunity" are mentioned, with details on their launch dates, trajectory corrections, and expected landing dates on Mars. The European probe "Mars Express" is noted for taking images of Earth and the Moon from a distance and conducting atmospheric measurements. The American probe "Stardust" continues its journey to comet Wild-2, with its next trajectory correction performed on June 18.

Following Up on Our Publications

This segment revisits a previous report about a giant pit found in a field in the Dobrovsky district of the Lipetsk region. The article includes an excerpt from an article by Galina Ivanova, detailing how a tractor driver discovered the pit, which had perfectly smooth walls and bottom. The local administration and MChS (Ministry of Emergency Situations) investigated, finding no radiation anomalies. The pit's origin remains unexplained, with speculation pointing towards non-human intervention.

It also touches upon the controversy surrounding Vadim Chernobrov's findings related to the Vitim meteorite impact, with an agency report and an astronomer from Irkutsk University refuting his claims and suggesting his search area might be incorrect.

Reports from the Field

This section includes several brief reports:

• "Belgian Triangle" and Anomalous Phenomena in Chechnya: A soldier recounts an encounter with a strange object over Chechnya in August 1990, describing it as a silent, extraterrestrial object that hovered nearby and emitted beams of light.
• "Star" in the Sky Over Perm: A brief mention of a sighting.
• Anomalous Zone of Tagil Pond: A brief mention of a sighting.
• UFOs Circling Over Talmenka: A brief mention of a sighting.

"Belgian Triangle" and Anomalous Phenomena in Chechnya (Detailed Account)

Andrey Orlov describes an encounter in Chechnya on August 3, 1990, where he witnessed a UFO for about fifteen minutes at a close distance. He describes it as a clearly non-terrestrial object that hovered silently, emitting different colored beams of light. The experience deeply impressed him and frightened his mother. He notes the object's speed and ability to stop instantly, far exceeding terrestrial technology.

The soldier expresses skepticism about military reports of UFO encounters, recalling an incident where A-50 aircraft and Il-76 planes on a training flight scattered when a UFO appeared. He also recounts an attempt in September 1992 by anti-aircraft gunners to shoot down an unidentified object with an Igla-1 missile, which failed due to equipment issues. He reflects on his desire to see a UFO shot down.

He then describes his service in Chechnya on the Terksky Ridge, mentioning an incident where soldiers wrote "HOLLYWOOD" on a mountain for visibility. He details the terrain, which is heavily fortified with bunkers and bomb craters. He recounts a night incident where he saw a light emanating from the ground, which he initially mistook for an enemy position. He describes a strange, matte light that appeared about 6-8 meters from his position, piercing the darkness for a few seconds before disappearing. He also mentions soldiers experiencing terrifying nightmares where a heavy presence sits on their chest and restricts breathing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards sensational UFO reports, often attributing sightings to known phenomena like rocket launches, atmospheric effects, or misidentified aircraft. There is a clear emphasis on debunking and providing rational explanations. However, the publication also acknowledges the existence of unexplained phenomena and continues to report on crop circles, anomalous events, and space exploration, suggesting an open-minded yet skeptical approach to the subject of UFOs. The recurring theme is the separation of genuine mysteries from misinterpretations and hoaxes.

This issue of "Anomalous Phenomena" (Volume 1, Issue 1, dated August 1990) focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent cover headline about "UFOs Over Chechnya." The magazine presents a mix of personal accounts, historical cases, and analysis of official investigations and alleged cover-ups.

Personal Account from Chechnya

The issue begins with a personal narrative from an individual who claims to have witnessed a strange phenomenon in Chechnya. While on duty, the narrator and a subordinate experienced a bright, milky light that caused extreme fear and disorientation. The subordinate, a seasoned soldier, also witnessed the event, leading the narrator to believe it was not a hallucination. The event involved a sudden, intense light that illuminated the area, followed by its abrupt disappearance. The experience left them shaken, and they spent the rest of the night in a heightened state of alert. The narrator later sought confirmation from a fellow soldier, who admitted to seeing it but was reluctant to discuss it further, citing its unbelievable nature.

Analysis of the Chechnya Incident and Related Phenomena

Following the personal account, the magazine offers several observations:

1. The August 3-4, 1990 Incident: The night in question was marked by numerous UFO sightings. Notably, on August 3rd at 23:45, the "Cosmos-2089" satellite was launched from Plesetsk. The magazine includes a vivid description from the city of Manturovo, detailing a luminous object that ascended vertically, emitted a pink column, and then rapidly approached the city, displaying a silver-blue glow and a shape resembling a cobra's hood. The object then changed trajectory and emitted dazzling yellow beams, described as laser-like, before disappearing. The residual glow was visible for about an hour, and a local photographer managed to capture it.
2. Triangular UFOs in Chechnya: The article notes that triangular UFOs, often referred to as "Belgian triangles," are frequently observed over Chechnya, with personal accounts published in local military newspapers.
3. "Black Creature on the Chest": This phenomenon is described as a typical hypnopompic hallucination, common in various cultures, and is compared to the Scottish "old hag" or the Russian "domovoy" (house spirit).
4. Light from Under the Ground: This is presented as an anomalous phenomenon, possibly related to the light emissions observed above mountain fault lines ("tectonic light").

Case Study: "Map in the Sky" over Perm

This section details an account from Pavel Filippov, deputy editor-in-chief of the UFO magazine "Dialog: Earth - Cosmos." On March 29, 1968, at 7:20 AM, Filippov and a classmate witnessed a strange object near Perm. It was described as a matte, elongated, cigar-shaped object moving silently. It later transformed into a dumbbell shape, with a bright light in the center. After a bright flash that momentarily blinded them, the object disappeared, leaving behind a holographic image resembling a large map, complete with rivers, steppes, and mountains. This image remained visible for three to five minutes before fading. The witness recounted their initial disbelief and the dismissive reaction of their physics teacher.

Anomalous Zone near Tagil Pond

Student Dmitry Volobuev reports a strange incident on August 6, 1998, near Tagil Pond. While fishing with his grandfather, he observed a hat-shaped object moving erratically over the water before rapidly ascending and disappearing with a piercing sound. He also mentions sightings of unusually large pike in the pond, suggesting possible mutation due to toxic waste. He supports his observations with accounts from a local resident who claims to have caught a 1-meter 16 cm pike with an unusual taste. Volobuev also recounts a separate incident on July 27, 2001, where his friend Alexei Shaburov saw a strange, cephalopod-like creature near the pond.

UFOs Over Talmenka?

This brief report mentions a sighting of a luminous "saucer" over the village of Staroperunovo in the Altai region. The object reportedly separated into a star-shaped object, and both then moved away rapidly. Witnesses noted that dogs became agitated during the sighting.

Historical UFO Cases and Government Investigations

This section delves into historical UFO reports and official responses, particularly focusing on the US government's involvement.

• Mysterious Glow in Troitskosavsk (1896): An old newspaper clipping describes a phenomenon in the Troitskosavsk cathedral where the interior appeared illuminated by a bluish, electric-like light, creating a grand impression.

• Two CIA Documents: 1952 and 1965: The magazine discusses declassified CIA documents that are heavily redacted. One document from July 1952 describes a large formation of "flying saucers" observed over Arnhem, Netherlands, by a woman and her children. Another report from July 1965 mentions a luminous object seen over Meshhed, Iran, causing fear among locals who thought it might be a rocket attack.

• Luminous "Comet" over Abastumani Observatory (1977): Scientists at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory reported observing a luminous object resembling a comet with a bright nucleus and a silver glow in the northwestern sky.

• Mini-UFO Attacks Benzene Storage in Malaysia? (1980): A report from London-Washington details an alleged incident where mini-UFOs, about 60 cm in size, attacked a benzene storage facility in Port Kelang, Malaysia, using laser-like beams to ignite a tank. The report cites eyewitnesses and mentions the Malaysian police's refusal to comment.

The "Flying Saucer" Problem: A Major Scientific Issue of Our Time

This article, attributed to J. MacDonald, Professor of Meteorology at the University of Arizona, discusses the history of UFO investigations, particularly focusing on the US government's response.

• The Kenneth Arnold Sighting (1947): The article highlights the pivotal sighting by businessman Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947, which led to the coining of the term "flying saucer." The wave of UFO reports intensified after this event.

• Project Sign, Project Grudge, and Project Blue Book: The article outlines the US Air Force's involvement in UFO investigations, starting with Project Sign in 1947, followed by Project Grudge, and eventually Project Blue Book, which operated until the late 1960s. The Washington National Airport sightings in July 1952 caused near-panic and led to a press conference where many sightings were explained away as atmospheric phenomena.

• The Robertson Commission Report and the CIA: The commission, led by physicist H. Robertson, met in January 1953. The author criticizes the commission's limited scope and the lack of UFO expertise among its members. He notes that the commission's findings were heavily influenced by CIA representatives. The commission's fourth recommendation, which was never fully published, reportedly called for the "systematic discrediting of flying saucers" to reduce public interest. The author argues that this policy, driven by a narrow interpretation of national security concerns, led to the suppression of valuable data and harmed scientific research.

• Instruction BBC 200-2: This instruction, issued in August 1953, aimed to minimize the reporting of unidentified phenomena. It was reinforced by directives that imposed severe penalties for disclosing information about such objects. The article suggests that this policy led to the misclassification of many genuine UFO sightings as mundane phenomena (e.g., "birds," "weather balloons," "mirages").

• Discrediting Radar Observations: The article highlights the detrimental impact of Instruction BBC 200-2 on the reporting and investigation of radar UFO sightings. Despite numerous instances of high-speed objects being detected by radar, official explanations often dismissed these as equipment malfunctions or atmospheric conditions.

• International Disinterest: The author questions why other governments have not conducted their own thorough UFO investigations, suggesting that the US policy of discrediting the phenomenon might have influenced other nations.

• The Impact of Discreditation: The article concludes that the systematic discreditation of UFO reports, particularly through the "Blue Book" project and Instruction BBC 200-2, has led to a significant reduction in credible sightings being reported and investigated. Many witnesses, fearing ridicule or disbelief, have remained silent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the existence of anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs, and suggests a pattern of government secrecy and deliberate efforts to suppress or discredit evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for open scientific investigation and challenging official explanations that are perceived as inadequate or misleading. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in the reality of UFOs and a critique of how authorities have handled the subject matter over the decades.

This issue, identified as issue 59 and dated July 2003, is a Russian publication focusing on ufology and related phenomena. The main article, "UFO's: Greatest Scientific Problem of our Times" by James E. McDonald, critically examines the history and methodology of UFO investigations, particularly contrasting the US Air Force's 'Blue Book' project with the more rigorous work of NICAP. The issue also includes a "Dictionary" section with entries on various UFO-related terms and locations, reports on specific sightings and incidents, and a "Criticism and Bibliography" section reviewing new books and periodicals.

The 'Blue Book' Project and Government Secrecy

The lead article by James E. McDonald expresses strong criticism of the US Air Force's 'Blue Book' project, which he states was initiated in 1958. McDonald asserts that NICAP's investigations were more significant and valuable, based on his thorough study of reports from both organizations. He recounts his initial lack of knowledge about these groups until mid-1966, after which it became clear that 'Blue Book' operated unscientifically, while NICAP's work deserved praise, especially considering its small budget.

McDonald addresses the question of whether secret investigations into UFOs occurred. He acknowledges that past cases might have suggested a conspiracy but now believes otherwise. He dismisses the idea that the CIA or other high-level security agencies possess definitive knowledge about UFOs being extraterrestrial and are hiding it. Instead, he attributes the situation to a "dirty trick" or a significant mismanagement by individuals with limited scientific competence, who are overwhelmed by the complexity of the UFO phenomenon. He argues that it's not a conspiracy but rather a case of incompetence and a reluctance to admit that objects with superior capabilities are operating in national airspace.

His firsthand experience with 'Blue Book' revealed its low scientific level. He found no one within the Air Force with a satisfactory understanding of UFO history. McDonald believes that the researchers at NICAP, who had diligently investigated UFOs for years, were frustrated by the 'Blue Book' project's superficial explanations, which they attributed to deliberate efforts to discredit UFO reports and ensure secrecy. He characterizes 'Blue Book' as a nearly defunct group within the Foreign Technology Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, responsible for filing away incompetently investigated reports rather than engaging in genuine research or conspiracy.

McDonald criticizes 'Blue Book's' "five-day delay tactic," where after a significant press report, they would wait for public interest to wane before issuing a "plausible" explanation, often attributing sightings to atmospheric phenomena or meteors. This tactic, he suggests, leads the public to dismiss UFO reports.

He also questions the scientific competence of 'Blue Book,' noting that despite the US Air Force having talented scientists, they had not been involved in UFO investigations for 15 years. He wonders if Pentagon press informants believe 'Blue Book' has scientists comparable to those at Wright-Patterson. McDonald argues that if the CIA and Air Force intended to conceal information, they would have assigned competent officers to 'Blue Book' to create more convincing explanations. He concludes that the lack of such competent personnel indicates a lack of genuine cover-up.

Specific Sightings and Incidents

The UN Building Sighting (New York, USA)

The issue details a sighting on November 22, 1966, where eight employees of the American Association of Newspaper Publishers observed a rectangular, pillow-shaped UFO above the UN building in New York City. The object reportedly moved in a southerly direction, hovered, vibrated, and then disappeared. Despite the witnesses reporting the event to the US Air Force, no official investigation followed, which the author uses as an example of the Air Force's lack of serious engagement with UFO reports.

Kapustin Yar Sightings (Russia)

Kapustin Yar, a former missile test site in Russia, is highlighted for numerous UFO and pseudo-UFO sightings. A typical report from November 1979 describes a light-green ellipsoid object seen hovering over the test site, changing color to yellow and then disappearing. Another sighting in January 1986 involved a similar green ellipsoid object, which officers reportedly dismissed as a common occurrence.

Kartaly Incident (Russia)

One of the most publicized incidents occurred on the night of March 13-14, 1990, at the Kartaly station. Witnesses reported a luminous white ball that changed shape, emitting beams of light, and was accompanied by a small green star-like object. The event was described in local newspapers. The incident involved a luminous object that appeared to descend, emit beams, and then disappear, with a smaller object also observed.

Chilean Creature (Chile)

On July 2, 2003, a large, round, fleshy creature, approximately 12 meters long, was found washed ashore in Chile. Initially mistaken for a whale, scientists noted its unusual structure and lack of whale characteristics. It was described as possibly being part of a giant squid or a previously unknown marine species. DNA samples were sent for analysis, and later reports suggested it was a whale carcass, though questions remained about its identification and the presence of its bones.

Lake Tianchi Sightings (China)

Around 20 "monsters" were reportedly seen in China's Lake Tianchi. Local officials described seeing white and black spots moving in the water, suggesting the presence of unknown creatures. This sighting is linked to local legends of a lake monster.

Loch Ness Fossil (Scotland)

In Scotland, a 67-year-old pensioner found fossilized remains on the shore of Loch Ness, identified by a museum director as possibly belonging to a plesiosaur, a marine reptile from about 150 million years ago. The discovery raised questions about how such ancient remains could be found in Loch Ness, which formed only about 12,000 years ago.

"Ossuary of James" Forgery (Israel)

The issue reports that the famous "ossuary of James," believed by some to be the "fifth Gospel," was found to be a forgery. While the ossuary itself was genuine, the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" was determined to have been carved recently, cutting through the ancient patina, indicating it was a modern fabrication.

Criticism and Bibliography

The "Criticism and Bibliography" section includes a rating system for ufological periodicals and books. The issue reviews "Poltergeist" by Boris Marchenko and Boris Sidorov, rating it "excellent" and recommending it. It also announces the release of the first issue of the illustrated ufological journal "Dialogue: Earth - Cosmos," founded by Nikolay Subbotin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of official UFO investigation methods, particularly the perceived incompetence and secrecy surrounding the US Air Force's 'Blue Book' project. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding high-level conspiracies, favoring explanations of bureaucratic mismanagement and a lack of scientific rigor. The issue also highlights various unexplained phenomena, from alleged UFO sightings and encounters with unusual creatures to cryptozoological discoveries, suggesting that many mysteries remain unsolved and warrant further investigation, often by independent researchers rather than official bodies.

Title: ДИАЛОГ ЗЕМЛЯ - КОСМОС (Dialogue Earth - Cosmos)
Issue: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Country: Unknown
Language: Russian

This issue of the magazine 'ДИАЛОГ ЗЕМЛЯ - КОСМОС' focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly extraterrestrial communication and UFOs. The cover prominently features a striking image of a crop circle and headlines that suggest an exploration of the unknown.

Main Article: ОТВЕТ ИНЫХ МИРОВ (Answer from Other Worlds)

The central article, 'ОТВЕТ ИНЫХ МИРОВ', discusses the appearance of mysterious crop circles in a wheat field in the region of Hogland, England, in August 2001. The article posits that these intricate formations, which appeared in a field of flattened wheat, were not just a singular event but potentially an answer to the 'Message to Humanity' that was sent into the depths of the Universe in 1974 from Puerto Rico. The sheer scale and complexity of the crop circle were enough to shock the scientific community, suggesting an intelligence beyond human comprehension.

Cover Headlines and Themes

Beyond the main article, the cover also includes other intriguing headlines:

• НЛО: ОБЪЯСНЕНИЕ НЕОБЪЯСНИСИОГО (UFO: Explanation of the Unexplainable): This suggests a section dedicated to analyzing and attempting to explain UFO sightings and phenomena.
• ПЕРСИСКАЯ АНОМАЛЬНАЯ ЗОНА: 20 ЛЕТ НЕИЗВЕДАННОГО (Persian Anomalous Zone: 20 Years of the Unexplored): This indicates an exploration of a specific geographical or thematic 'anomalous zone' that has been under investigation for two decades, hinting at ongoing mysteries.
• НЕИЗВЕСТНОСТЬ, ЗАСТАВЛЯЮЩАЯ СМЫСЛИТЬ (Unknownness, Forcing to Contemplate): This tagline encapsulates the magazine's overall theme of confronting and contemplating the unknown.

The magazine's quote, "It is impossible to know everything, but it is also impossible to say that you know enough," sets a tone of continuous inquiry and the vastness of what remains undiscovered.

Other Content

Page 2 contains a section titled 'РАЗНОЕ' (Miscellaneous) with images of what appears to be a large, unusual object washed ashore on a beach, with people observing it. The caption asks, "Что выбросило..." (What washed ashore...). This suggests a brief report or photographic feature on an unexplained find.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, crop circles, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena and anomalous zones. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to contemplate mysteries and the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding. The magazine aims to present intriguing cases and prompt deeper thought about humanity's place in the cosmos and the nature of the unknown.