UFO Navigator - No 062 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Subtitle: Russian ufological digest
Issue: No. 62 (0062)
Date: September 2003

This issue of "UFO Navigator" presents a collection of intriguing reports on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), anomalous phenomena, and related investigations from around the world, with a particular focus on Russian cases.

Main Cover Story: Mysterious Traces Near Voronezh

The lead story investigates mysterious, burnt-out circular patches discovered on a collective farm meadow in the village of Arkhangelskoye, Khokholsky district, Voronezh region. Local residents, including Sergey Duhanin, reported feeling unwell after encountering these spots, which were characterized by a greenish residue and a powder-like texture, with no vegetation growing in them. Despite initial checks for radiation and electromagnetic fields yielding normal results, an official from the regional environmental inspection suggested a chemical or thermal source, possibly from an aircraft releasing burning substances like napalm or components of vacuum bombs. While the local health center reported no significant increase in overall illness, the incident raised concerns about potential contamination.

Other Featured Articles and Reports

UFOs and Anomalous Phenomena:

• Voronezh Traces: The article delves deeper into the Voronezh incident, referencing similar events in France and questioning the possibility of UFO landings, citing the president of UFOS, Boris Shurinov, who stated that such traces cannot be explained by terrestrial means.
• 'Ghost Plane' in Ireland: Two witnesses in County Kerry reported seeing what they believed to be a distressed aircraft. A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched, involving coast guard, police, firefighters, and a military helicopter. Radar confirmed an object in the area, but no crash was found, leading authorities to believe the witnesses genuinely saw a falling plane.
• Crop Circle in Ohio: Researcher Kenny Young investigated a recently discovered 'circle' in a field near Hillsborough, Ohio. The formation was described as an oval with stems inside and several curved 'spikes' attached to the oval.
• Two UFOs over Tel Aviv: An eyewitness reported seeing two black spots flying in formation over Tel Aviv, noting their slow speed, lack of engine noise, and circular vortices in their wake.
• Metal Fragment in San Francisco: A resident of San Francisco reported a loud impact, later discovered to be a red-hot piece of metal that had penetrated his house roof. The object was initially a mystery but was later identified by its owner as a fragment from his stolen and exploded car, leading to speculation about the force required for such an event.
• 'Vitim Bolide' Discussion: The ongoing discussion surrounding the 'Vitim bolide' is highlighted, with criticism from Sergey Yazev, a senior researcher, towards the 'Cosmopoisk' group led by Vadim Chernobrov. Yazev disputes Chernobrov's claims about the cause of felled trees, attributing them to natural fires and the impact of a shockwave, not a meteorite. 'Cosmopoisk' maintains that their expedition found evidence of a comet nucleus impact and possible toxic substances.
• 'Pulsating Fire' in Arkhangelsk: An account from Arkhangelsk describes a mysterious object that appeared in the sky, described as a 'pulsating fire' with shifting colors, moving silently across the sky.
• 'Rotating Wheel' in Salida, Colorado (1917): A historical report from 1917 details residents of Salida, Colorado, witnessing strange lights and a 'flying apparatus' resembling a rotating wheel with colored lights.
• 'Close Encounters' in France (1954): A farmer named Antoine Mazo recounts an encounter with a short, cloaked being near Muriers, France. The being approached him, made gestures, and then departed in a dark, cigar-shaped object. This event was part of a wave of UFO sightings in France that year.
• Fiery Ball over Sal'sk (1994): A resident of Sal'sk, Russia, described seeing a fiery ball descend from the sky, detach three 'stars,' and then disappear. A similar sighting occurred a month later.
• Black Ball over Moscow: A physicist reported observing a black ball, similar to a weather balloon, moving rapidly over Moscow.

Investigations and Other Reports:

• End of the 'Child-Killer' Cult: The investigation into the Argentinian and Brazilian cult 'Lineamiento Universal Superior' is nearing its conclusion. The cult, founded by Valentina de Andrade, practiced ritualistic abuse and murder of children, believing they emitted 'negative energies.' Several members, including doctors, were convicted and sentenced to long prison terms.
• Space News: Reports include the launch of 'Cosmos-2400' and 'Cosmos-2401' satellites from Plesetsk, the re-entry and burning of the Chinese 'Shenzhou-4' orbital module, and the Galileo probe's directed crash into Jupiter.
• Stanton Friedman on UFOs: Nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman discusses his lifelong research into UFOs, asserting their reality and his commitment to studying the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and historical cases related to UFOs and other anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial phenomena, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and engage with the subject matter. Recurring themes include the physical traces left by alleged UFOs, the behavior of unidentified objects, and the psychological impact of sightings on witnesses. The publication also touches upon the broader implications of UFO phenomena for science and society, as exemplified by Stanton Friedman's work.

Notable Quotes

"People who reject the existence of the UFO problem, without even trying to familiarize themselves with the available data, have very sluggish, inert thinking. One only needs to see the distress and bewilderment of people who have seen UFOs to understand that something very important for our future is happening on Earth."
— Coral Lorenzen, founder of the UFO organization APRO.

FAQ

• What caused the mysterious spots in Arkhangelskoye, Voronezh region?
• The exact cause of the burnt spots and subsequent illness in Arkhangelskoye could not be determined by environmental inspectors. However, it was suggested that the source of contamination was chemical or thermal, possibly from an aircraft releasing burning substances like napalm or components of vacuum bombs.
• What was the 'Vitim bolide' incident?
• The 'Vitim bolide' refers to an event where a celestial object impacted an area, causing trees to be felled by a shockwave. There was a debate between scientists and the 'Cosmopoisk' group regarding the nature of the object and the cause of the damage, with 'Cosmopoisk' suggesting a comet nucleus and the presence of toxic substances.
• What was the outcome of the investigation into the 'Lineamiento Universal Superior' cult?
• The investigation into the cult, which involved ritualistic abuse and murder of children, was nearing its end. The cult's leader, Valentina de Andrade, and other members faced legal proceedings, with some receiving lengthy prison sentences.
• What is Stanton Friedman's stance on UFOs?
• Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist, has dedicated much of his career to studying UFOs, giving lectures and writing about them, asserting that 'UFOs are real' and that he is one of the few scientists in North America fully committed to the study of flying saucers.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated to the 1970s, presents a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, arguing for the reality of extraterrestrial visitation and critiquing governmental handling of the subject. The magazine adopts a stance of empirical investigation, with the author, a physicist, stating, "I am not a believer, I am a scientist who has studied the data and achieved certain results."

Extraterrestrial Visitation and Government Secrecy

The central thesis is that Earth is being visited by alien spacecraft. The author likens the situation to a "cosmic Watergate," suggesting that while not everyone in government is aware or silent, a significant amount of data remains unpublished. This is attributed to the classification and immediate sealing of information by organizations like the Air Defense Command and the National Security Agency.

Critique of Project Blue Book

The magazine scrutinizes Project Blue Book, the official USAF UFO investigation unit. It highlights the project's meager resources—a major, a sergeant, and two secretaries—contrasting it with the vast capabilities of NORAD, which possesses 35,000 employees and sophisticated radar systems. The author argues that Blue Book's limited staff and resources prevented a thorough and professional investigation.

Data and Witness Testimony

Despite the official stance, the author emphasizes the value of witness testimony, particularly from former military personnel. The Battelle Memorial Institute's study for Project "Blue Book" is cited, indicating that the better the quality of a UFO observation, the more reliable it is. The study analyzed thousands of UFO sightings and found a significant number of "unknown objects" that could not be explained by conventional means.

The Nature of UFOs and Alien Technology

The issue explores the potential technology behind UFOs, dismissing the idea that they violate known physics. Instead, it suggests that they utilize principles beyond current human understanding, possibly involving magnetoaerodynamic propulsion or advanced energy sources. The author posits that UFOs might be modules delivered by a larger mothership, akin to an atomic aircraft carrier.

Interstellar Travel and Galactic Federation

The magazine touches upon the challenges and possibilities of interstellar travel. It critiques simplistic calculations of civilizations in the galaxy, arguing that distribution is likely uneven and influenced by colonization and migration. The author suggests that humanity's recent demonstration of its ability to overcome Earth's gravity and its development of nuclear weapons might have attracted the attention of a "Galactic Federation" or neighboring civilizations concerned about potential threats.

The Problem of Contact and Human Primitivism

The author addresses the question of how contact might occur and why aliens might be hesitant to engage with humanity. The primitive nature of human society, characterized by constant warfare, is presented as a reason for caution. The idea of a unified planetary representation for Earth is discussed, highlighting the difficulties posed by nationalism and the lack of a single voice to speak for the planet.

Profiles of Ufologists and Contactees

The issue includes profiles of prominent figures in ufology and UFO contactee circles:

• George King: A British contactee who founded the "Ethos Society" and claimed to be the "Voice of the Interplanetary Parliament."
• Marian Keech: An American contactee whose sect gained notoriety when sociologists infiltrated it, leading to the book "When Prophecy Fails."
• Clyde Tombaugh: The astronomer who discovered Pluto, also reported personal UFO sightings, including a formation of "dim, bluish-green, glowing rectangles."

Scientific Skepticism and Alternative Explanations

The magazine addresses common skeptical arguments, such as those posed by Donald Menzel, who suggested that Tombaugh's sighting might have been an atmospheric reflection. The author counters these explanations, emphasizing that the lack of physical evidence does not equate to the non-existence of UFOs.

Future Prospects and the "Space Age" Generation

The issue concludes with a forward-looking perspective, suggesting that a new generation raised on concepts like "Star Trek" will be more open to the idea of space exploration and extraterrestrial life. The author believes that as humanity progresses further into the space age, our understanding and acceptance of these phenomena will evolve.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, the perceived government cover-up of information, the limitations of current scientific paradigms, and the potential for future contact. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a data-driven approach and challenging conventional skepticism. The author positions himself as a scientist seeking truth through evidence rather than blind belief.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated September 2003 (Issue 62), focuses on a variety of topics including personal accounts of unexplained phenomena, book reviews, obituaries, and scientific research into paranormal subjects.

Investigation: Tombo's Testimony

The issue begins with a statement from an astronomer identified as Tombo, who recounts seeing three unexplained objects over seven years. He dismisses conventional explanations like Venus, atmospheric effects, meteors, or aircraft, describing the objects as 'green spheres' with unusual behavior. Tombo, a professional and highly qualified observer, asserts that some reputable scientists are unscientific in rejecting the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for such phenomena. In 1975, he stated he still couldn't explain a 1949 sighting, considering it an 'open question.' Tombo passed away on January 17, 1997.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section provides a review and rating of current ufological periodicals and new books. The rating system ranges from [+] (immediately discard) to [+++++] (excellent, highly recommended).

Book Review: 'Animals Analyze the World' by Yuri Simakov

The review covers the book "Animals Analyze the World" by Yuri Simakov (published by Ripol-Classic, 2003, 224 pages, 3000 copies). Simakov, a biologist and associate professor, is known in ufological circles for proposing the use of living microorganisms to study UFO landing traces, a method he termed the 'Simakov method,' with the support of F. Yu. Zigel. While the book discusses the use of living indicators in science and technology generally, it dedicates its final chapter to UFO landing sites. The reviewer rates the book [+++++], highly recommending it.

Advertisement: How to Purchase 'The Truth About UFOs from KGB Safes'

An announcement directs readers on how to acquire the collection "The Truth About UFOs from KGB Safes." Following its publication in 'Komsomolskaya Pravda,' the collection can be purchased for 40 rubles from the editorial office of the St. Petersburg newspaper 'Anomalya' (address provided). Residents of other cities can order by mail, sending their request to 'Anomalya' at the specified St. Petersburg address, with an additional postal fee.

Miscellaneous

Obituary: Writer-Science Fiction Author Kir Bulychev Passes Away

The magazine reports the passing of writer and screenwriter Igor Vsevolodovich Mozheiko, widely known by his pseudonym Kir Bulychev, on September 12th after a prolonged illness. Alexey Drugov, head of the Southeast Asia sector at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where Bulychev worked for over 40 years, expressed the significant loss to both science and humanity, emphasizing Bulychev's talent and remarkable human qualities. Mozheiko was born in Moscow on October 18, 1934, and graduated from the Moscow Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages. He began his career as a translator and correspondent for APN in Burma in 1954, later pursuing postgraduate studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies. From 1963, he was a staff member at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the USSR Academy of Sciences, where he defended his candidate dissertation on the 'Pagan Kingdom (11th-13th centuries)' and his doctoral dissertation on 'Buddhist Sangha and State in Burma.'

Kir Bulychev's Literary Career and Views on Death

Bulychev began his literary career in 1960, with his first science fiction story published in 1965. His most famous works include the 'Alice Selezneva' series for children, stories and novels from the 'Great Guslyar' cycle, the 'Galactic Police' novels featuring agent Kore Orvat, and the 'Shadow Theater' novels about the alien Garik Gagarin. He also translated American science fiction authors such as Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and Simak, as well as works by Borges and Simenon. From 1976, he worked in film, writing scripts for several movies, including 'Through Thorns to the Stars' and 'Guest from the Future.' He received the USSR State Prize in 1982 for his screenplays for 'Through Thorns to the Stars' and the animated film 'The Mystery of the Third Planet.' A section on the Internet (http://www.rusf.ru/kb/) featured a Q&A with readers. In response to a question from Lana about death and the transition of consciousness to an unknown state, Bulychev stated he didn't know what happens after death but feared it as a permanent separation from his current existence, which he clung to because he knew no other.

'Snow Man' Appears in Argentina

The article reports on an incident near Rosario de la Frontera, Salta Province, Argentina, where two athletes and a local shepherd claimed to have seen a 'strange hairy creature.' This sighting, reported by the newspaper 'El Tribuno' on September 4, 2003, is described as the twentieth observation of a 'snow man' in the region over the past two years. The shepherd described the creature as over two meters tall, covered in fur, with long arms ending in sharp claws, and an oval head with a large mouth and fangs. When the shepherd reached for his rifle, the creature disappeared into the woods. Biathlete Humberto Sosa (52) and his companion Susanna Romano (32) also witnessed the creature, describing it as a 'large animal, something like a giant ape.' Sosa recounted being pursued by the creature through dense forest, hearing its heavy weight breaking branches. He admitted to previously dismissing such stories as mass hysteria but now believed them, having experienced the terror firsthand. He described feeling fear for his companion and being prepared to sacrifice himself. They felt the creature running alongside them until the vegetation thinned, and the sounds ceased. Sosa noted that he frequently trains in the area with other athletes and had never had such a traumatic experience in 30 years.

Scientists Study 'Near-Death Experience'

In Great Britain, a large-scale study on the 'Near-Death Experience' (NDE) is commencing. NDEs are typically described as a sensation of floating above one's body during clinical death and observing oneself. Some believe NDEs prove the existence of a soul capable of existing separately from the body. Over the next year, researchers plan to interview about a hundred cardiac patients who have reported such experiences. Additionally, experiments will be conducted in 25 hospital operating rooms, where special objects and pictures will be secretly placed. Upon recovery, patients will be asked if they noticed any of these items, aiming to determine if individuals can truly acquire information when they are 'out of their body.' The report cites Reuters and MEMBRANA.RU from September 10, 2003.

Conclusion of Issue

The issue concludes with a note that it was finalized at 10 PM on September 13, 2003, and compiled by Mikhail Gerstein from St. Petersburg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine demonstrates a consistent interest in unexplained phenomena, ranging from eyewitness accounts of aerial objects and cryptid sightings to the exploration of consciousness and the afterlife through Near-Death Experience research. The magazine appears to present a platform for both anecdotal evidence and scientific inquiry into subjects often on the fringes of mainstream acceptance. The inclusion of book reviews and obituaries of prominent figures in related fields suggests an effort to provide context and historical perspective within the ufology and paranormal community. The editorial stance seems open to investigating possibilities beyond conventional explanations, as evidenced by the positive review of Simakov's work and the initial report on Tombo's testimony.