UFO Navigator - No 060 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Issue: No. 60 (0060)
Date: August 2003

This issue of the Russian ufological digest, UFO Navigator, delves into several intriguing topics, including a massive power outage in America, a mysterious creature sighting in Chile, and statistical data on UFO reports. It also touches upon crop circles, meteorite falls, and space news.

Main Cover Story: America in Darkness

The lead story details the widespread power outage that plunged New York and other major cities in the US and Canada into darkness on August 14th. The blackout, which occurred shortly after 4 PM, affected 21 power stations within three minutes, leaving millions without electricity, transportation, and water. Cities like New York, Cleveland, Detroit, Ottawa, and Toronto were impacted. Authorities initially dismissed it as not being terrorism, with President George W. Bush confirming this later. Canada was initially blamed, but Canadian officials suggested a lightning strike at Niagara Falls or a fire at a New York substation as possible causes. The article notes that four nuclear power plants in northern states were shut down and could not resume operation until other power stations were functional. It also recalls similar, larger blackouts in 1977 and 1965, affecting millions of people. Some ufologists have suggested UFO involvement, referencing past sightings during similar incidents, though a direct link has not been established.

Feature: The Winged Monster in Chile

This section reports on a strange encounter by three boys in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. While staying alone at their grandfather's house, they heard dogs barking and strange noises. Shortly after, something began knocking and scratching at the door. The boys hid, and the activity stopped. When they looked outside, they saw a 'terrifying creature' about 1.5 meters tall with a wingspan of 3.5 meters. It was covered in smooth, black, non-wet skin, had a large head with a small, possibly damaged beak, and huge, gleaming black eyes. The creature's wings resembled those of a pterodactyl or bat, with visible bone structures. Its legs were powerful with large vulture-like claws. The creature then flew into the night sky. The boys, fearing its return, spent the night together. The article questions whether it was a prehistoric creature or something else, noting its differences from known cryptids like the 'chupacabra' or pterodactyls, and expresses skepticism pending further credible witness accounts.

Ufological Statistics from the USA

The National UFO Reporting Center's data for the past year reveals that California had the highest number of UFO sightings with 2599 reports. Washington followed with 1535, and Texas with 917. The article lists the number of reports from numerous other US states and Canadian provinces. It acknowledges that this data likely reflects population density and reporting activity rather than actual UFO prevalence, noting that southern states with clearer weather often top the lists.

Crop Circles in the Perm Region

Ufologists from Perm, Russia, investigated strange formations in a wheat field near the village of Gorny. Although the wheat had already been harvested, similar patterns were found in an adjacent oat field, where the oats were flattened in one direction. Attempts to replicate the flattening by hand were unsuccessful, suggesting human intervention was unlikely. The researchers photographed and videoed the formations, noting at least five large flattened areas, some up to 50 meters in diameter. The flattened stalks were bent about 10 cm from the ground. The article mentions that local residents have reported observing unidentified objects over their village.

Meteorite Fall in Argentina

On August 1st, a large meteorite fell in the Mendoza province of Argentina, causing an explosion and ground tremors felt hundreds of kilometers away. Witnesses described the falling body as nearly blinding. Astronomer H. Garcia stated that at least two large fragments fell, one near Sierra Pintada and another near Aqua Escondida. He suggested that the high temperatures of the meteorites could cause fires in the dry terrain. The newspaper 'Los Andes' reported that the location of one fragment was found but would not be disclosed to prevent 'collectors' from taking the pieces.

Space News

Asteroid Naming: Seven asteroids have been named after the astronauts who perished in the Columbia space shuttle disaster. These asteroids, discovered in July 2001, have diameters ranging from 4.9 to 6.9 km.

Mars Mission: NASA has selected a project from the University of Arizona for a 2007 Mars mission. The lander module, named 'Phoenix', is scheduled to land near the planet's north pole in May 2008 to search for ice. The project's cost is $325 million.

Cassini Probe: The Cassini probe, en route to Saturn, is experiencing minor issues with its transponder, which scientists are working to resolve. A practice maneuver for deploying the probe into orbit around Saturn was conducted in early August.

Cosmos-2399 Satellite: On August 12, 2003, the Russian Space Forces launched a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying the military satellite 'Cosmos-2399'. Unofficial reports suggest it is a 'Don' type satellite for detailed and general photo reconnaissance.

Follow-up: The 'Ossuary of Jacob'

The magazine revisits the 'Ossuary of Jacob', previously declared a fake. The current owner, Israeli antiquities collector Oded Golan, has been arrested for allegedly forging ancient artifacts. Police found a workshop in his home, suggesting he was involved in creating and selling fakes. Golan denies the accusations, claiming an Egyptian friend used his workshop.

Reports from the Field: Ghosts in Belarus

This section details a peculiar incident reported in Vitebsk, Belarus. According to a reader and articles from local newspapers, a group of teenagers allegedly performed black magic rituals on a military cemetery, leading to reports of ghosts or apparitions of soldiers appearing in the villages of Poddubye and Tishkovo. The apparitions were described as demanding the teenagers who summoned them. A local priest, Archpriest Antoniy (Drozd), performed a protective rite at the cemetery, after which the phenomena reportedly ceased. The article includes a detailed letter from a reader questioning the events and the nature of the 'black magic' books involved, and the magazine's editorial response, which expresses skepticism about the direct link between the teenagers' actions and the apparitions, suggesting a possible misinterpretation or 'broken telephone' effect in the reporting, and also touches upon the concept of vampirism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a continued interest in unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, cryptids, and paranormal events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, presenting reports and statistics while also expressing skepticism and seeking logical explanations, as seen in the analysis of the Belarusian ghost reports. There's a clear distinction made between factual reporting and speculative interpretation, particularly when discussing potential UFO involvement in mundane events like power outages. The magazine also engages with reader feedback, as evidenced by the detailed response to the questions about the Belarusian ghost incident.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 11, dated November 2003, with a cover price of $4.95, focuses on 'The Truth About UFOs'. It presents a collection of UFO sightings and encounters from various locations and time periods, alongside critical analyses of scientific explanations and discussions on the potential for government secrecy.

Key Articles and Reports

"Four-Pointed Star" Over Dnepropetrovsk

Igor Kolokhin reported seeing a UFO on August 15, 2003, in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. He described it as a bright, four-pointed star that hovered silently over an auto-base for approximately five minutes. Kolokhin questioned the lack of sound and the object's speed, suggesting it was not a conventional aircraft.

Our Calendar: On This Day... Years Ago

• This section provides brief historical notes on UFO sightings:
• 1985: A strange "strip" was observed over Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. Bella Sheynina described a stationary, rectangular object that later widened and brightened.
• 1995: A "Crystal Chandelier" was seen in the sky over Kirovo-Chepetsky District, Russia.
• 1996: A motorcycle-powered hang glider was reportedly abducted in mid-air.
• 2001: A "Cigarette-shaped" object was sighted over Karelia, Russia.

Strange "Strip" Over Sumy Oblast. 1985

Bella Sheynina recounts her experience on August 3, 1985, in the village of Tokari, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. She observed a rectangular strip of light, similar to a star, that remained stationary for about 20 minutes. The object later widened, descended to an altitude of 17-20 meters, and became brighter. The phenomenon was completely silent. She noted a similar sighting in 1978.

"Crystal Chandelier" in the Sky Over Kirovo-Chepetsky District. 1995

On August 13, 1995, near Rublevo, Russia, witnesses described a large, house-sized object with a structure resembling a crystal chandelier, emitting a bright blue-white light. It hovered over fields for about an hour, illuminating the area with a spotlight-like beam. The report also mentions earlier sightings in the area, including a white oval object in July 1995.

Mid-air Daylight Abduction of a Motorcycle Hang Glider. 1996

This case, reported by Beverly Trout, details an incident on August 12, 1996, near Burlington, Iowa, USA. A witness named John reported seeing a small motorcycle hang glider followed by a large, brown-red, cigar-shaped UFO. The UFO opened like a jaw and abducted the hang glider and its pilot. The object then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The witness's son, Richard, also observed the UFO.

"Cigarette-shaped" Over Karelia. 2001

On August 4, 2001, near Petrozavodsk, Russia, a witness named Victoria Vikhoreva saw a white, cigar-shaped object hovering low over the ground in foggy conditions. The object gave off two small flashes and moved north.

Investigation

Unidentified Flying Objects: The Greatest Scientific Problem of Our Time

This section, authored by J. McDonald, a professor at the University of Arizona, critically examines the scientific approach to UFOs, particularly critiquing the work of Donald Menzel and the findings of Project Blue Book.

Critique of Donald Menzel's Explanations:
McDonald argues that Donald Menzel, a former director of the Harvard College Observatory, attempted to explain UFO sightings through meteorological and astronomical phenomena, often misinterpreting optical principles. Menzel's explanations for sightings, such as those involving bright lights, are dismissed by McDonald as lacking scientific rigor and ignoring key details provided by witnesses. McDonald specifically refutes Menzel's explanations for the Clyde Tombaugh sighting (August 1949) and the Levelland, Texas incident (November 1957), where Menzel attributed sightings to atmospheric refractions, fog pulsations, and ball lightning, respectively. McDonald points out that Menzel's explanations often contradict known physics and atmospheric conditions, and he accuses Menzel of selectively ignoring evidence that doesn't fit his theories.

Critique of Philip Klass's Explanations:
McDonald also criticizes Philip Klass, a journalist for 'Aviation Week', who suggested that UFO sightings could be explained by plasma phenomena from electrical discharges or ball lightning. McDonald argues that Klass, like Menzel, ignores important details from witness reports and fails to consider the size limitations of ball lightning.

The Nature of UFO Data:
McDonald emphasizes that studying rare phenomena like UFOs often requires relying on eyewitness accounts, similar to how seismologists and meteorologists gather data. He argues that scientists should not dismiss reports solely because they come from non-specialists, citing the historical resistance to accepting meteorites as extraterrestrial objects.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis:
McDonald states that after reviewing numerous UFO reports, he is compelled to consider the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft. He acknowledges that this hypothesis is more disruptive than the idea of falling stones but believes it is the most plausible explanation for the available evidence. He calls for rigorous scientific investigation to either prove or disprove this hypothesis.

Critique of the USAF's Approach:
McDonald criticizes the US Air Force's Project Blue Book for its alleged efforts to debunk UFOs, suggesting that this approach has hindered scientific progress. He notes that many scientists are reluctant to engage with the UFO problem due to the prevailing skepticism and the perceived lack of scientific interest.

Call for Congressional Investigation:
Given the perceived shortcomings of Project Blue Book and the reluctance of scientific institutions like NASA to seriously investigate UFOs, McDonald calls for a full congressional investigation into the problem. He believes that the media can play a role in pressuring Congress to act.

Critique of the Colorado University UFO Project:
While acknowledging the existence of a UFO research program at the University of Colorado, McDonald deems it insufficient in scope and staffing to address the magnitude of the problem. He suggests that NASA would be a more suitable organization to lead UFO research, given its mandate to explore life in the universe.

USAF's Desire to Divest from UFO Problem:
McDonald mentions that the USAF has reportedly attempted to transfer the UFO problem to NASA, indicating a desire to distance itself from the issue. He suggests that the Colorado project might be a way for the USAF to manage public perception rather than conduct genuine research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO sightings, particularly those provided by military and scientific bodies like Project Blue Book and Donald Menzel. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards established authorities and a belief that crucial evidence is being ignored or suppressed. The extraterrestrial hypothesis is presented as a serious possibility, and the need for more rigorous, open-minded scientific investigation, potentially led by governmental bodies like Congress, is a recurring theme. The magazine appears to advocate for a more proactive and less dismissive approach to the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated August 2003, delves into the historical handling of UFO phenomena by governmental and scientific bodies, with a critical stance on perceived cover-ups and a lack of serious scientific inquiry. The magazine features a mix of historical analysis, eyewitness accounts, and explanations of related terms.

Project Blue Book and Government Response

The article begins by criticizing the US Air Force's approach to UFO investigations, particularly through Project Blue Book. It highlights how public skepticism and media ridicule, exemplified by the Oklahoma planetarium director's comments, influenced the Air Force's stance. The author suggests that instead of a thorough scientific investigation, the Air Force relied on a consultative committee, led by individuals like O'Brien, who did not appear to take the UFO problem seriously. The establishment of a university team, like the one at Colorado University, is seen as an attempt to shift responsibility away from the Air Force.

The author expresses doubt about the genuine scientific interest of the Colorado University group, led by Dr. Edward Condon, and suggests that the Air Force's primary goal was to disengage from the UFO issue. The influence of the Robertson Committee's findings and the CIA's efforts to discredit UFO reports are noted as pivotal in changing the perception of UFOs from potentially extraterrestrial phenomena to something explainable by mundane causes.

The article posits that the US Air Force viewed UFOs as a public relations issue rather than a scientific one. It criticizes the lack of qualified specialists within the Air Force who could distinguish between plausible explanations and genuine anomalies. The author argues that the continuous flow of UFO reports, if properly analyzed by competent individuals, could have prevented the decline in serious investigation that began in 1953.

Global Nature of UFO Sightings

The magazine emphasizes that UFO sightings are not confined to the United States but occur globally with similar characteristics. The author cites research by Dr. Jacques Vallee on French UFO reports and mentions close contact with an Australian UFO research group, noting the similarity of descriptions, such as disc-shaped or cigar-shaped objects with metallic appearances and domes.

Eyewitness accounts from South America, France, Australia, and England are mentioned, contrasting with the limited reporting of international sightings in American newspapers. A detailed report from a missionary in Papua New Guinea about UFO sightings in 1959 is highlighted, suggesting the reality of these events. The author also notes that current Australian UFO reports are as credible as those investigated in the US.

Key Incidents and Case Studies

Katta-Kurgan Landing

This section details an incident that occurred on the night of July 8-9, near Katta-Kurgan in the Uzbek SSR, where an unidentified flying object reportedly landed. The primary witness, electrician Shamil Safnovich Yuayakhmetov, along with four technicians, observed a large, elliptical object resembling a dirigible with bright spotlights. The object emitted a faint humming sound. Upon investigation, researchers found two large patches of flattened, dried vegetation on a green field. One patch had three indentations, and the surrounding vineyard was completely dried out. A small conical depression was also found between the patches. Soil samples were taken, but no comprehensive analysis beyond 'chronal charge' determination was performed. The site was later plowed over in November 1985, destroying the evidence.

Donald Keyhoe

The magazine profiles Donald Keyhoe (1897-1988), a prominent ufologist and head of NICAP, a major US UFO organization in the 1960s. Keyhoe, a former US Navy aviator, became a leading proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs, arguing that authorities were aware of this and concealing the truth. His articles and books, such as "Flying Saucers Are Real" and "Flying Saucers from Outer Space," significantly influenced public perception.

Kelly-Hopkinsville Incident

This case study recounts the events of August 21, 1955, near Kelly, Kentucky, USA. Residents of the Sutton farm reported an encounter with small, metallic-suited humanoids. The incident began with a sighting of a bright, round object by a boy named Billy Sutton. Later, strange creatures, described as small (around 3.5 feet tall) with large heads and metallic suits, approached the farmhouse. The Suttons and other witnesses fired at the creatures, which then fled. Police investigated but found no definitive evidence, though they acknowledged the witnesses were terrified and had likely seen something unusual.

Glossary and Other Sections

Catadioptria

This term is defined as lens flares, optical reflections from camera lenses that can be mistaken for UFOs. The article clarifies that these are natural photographic artifacts and not evidence of extraterrestrial craft.

Loch Ness Monster

The magazine reports on a scientific expedition to Loch Ness that concluded the existence of the Loch Ness Monster is a myth. The team used sonar and other equipment but found no evidence of a large creature. They suggest that sightings are likely misinterpretations or hoaxes.

Ball Lightning Incident

A tragic incident in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on August 8, 2003, is described, where a ball lightning strike resulted in the death of a young woman and injury to a teenager. The phenomenon reportedly passed through power lines before striking the victims.

Book Review: 'Truth About UFOs from KGB Safes'

A review of a 2003 Russian book based on declassified KGB materials about UFOs. While the book is praised for its interest, it is criticized for including dubious materials, poor translations, and inaccurate information about some ufologists.

New Magazine: 'Dialogue: Earth - Cosmos'

An announcement of the first issue of a new illustrated ufological magazine from Perm, Russia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged cover-up of UFO information by governments and military organizations, the scientific community's skepticism or reluctance to engage with the topic, and the global nature of UFO sightings. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations and supportive of continued investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting that important truths are being suppressed. The magazine aims to present evidence and accounts that challenge conventional explanations and encourage a more open-minded approach to the UFO mystery.