UFO Navigator - No 063 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Subtitle: Российский уфологический дайджест (Russian Ufological Digest)
Issue: N 63 (0063)
Date: September 2003
Publisher: Russian Ufological Digest
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" presents a collection of articles and reports on various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and anomalous events. The cover highlights key themes including 'anti-gravity' on roads, the connection between UFOs, poltergeists, and the 'snowman,' and a mystery over the Black Sea coast.

Anomalous Slopes in China: The Mystery Solved?

The lead article discusses the phenomenon of 'anomalous slopes' in China, specifically in the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region. Two tourists reported that their car, when placed in neutral on a V-shaped depression on a hill, began to move uphill with increasing speed, reaching 30 km/h. Water poured on the slope also flowed upwards. Professor Fang Xiaoming of Lanzhou University suggested geomagnetism or atmospheric pressure changes as possible causes. The article notes that visitors to such 'mysterious' places have sometimes experienced psychological issues, illness, and even fatalities. A similar phenomenon was reported near the Kyrgyz village of Tamosha in 1984. The article also references a similar 'mystery' discovered in 1990 near Shenyang, Liaoning Province, where a 80-meter long and 20-meter wide slope caused vehicles to accelerate uphill.

Further analysis, drawing from Yakov Perelman's "Entertaining Mechanics," suggests these phenomena are likely optical illusions. Perelman explains that local road inclines can be deceptive, making uphill sections appear to be downhill and vice versa. He cites examples of similar 'magnetic mountains' in California and rivers that appear to flow uphill due to misjudged horizontal planes. The article concludes that the Chinese 'hills' are likely similar optical deceptions, akin to those found in Georgia (Mtatsminda) and Azerbaijan (Khanlar), which were debunked by geodesic surveys revealing normal road gradients.

UFOs and Strange Objects

A Mysterious Object Found Near Molëbka, Russia: A witness reported finding a metallic object near Molëbka, Russia, on August 23, 2003. The object, described as two cylinders within each other with discs, did not sink in water and became warm when touched. The witness suspects it was left by a UFO and seeks help for its investigation. However, ufologist Alexey Ignatiev expressed skepticism due to geographical inconsistencies in the witness's account. The object's owner reportedly demanded $15,000 for its transfer, leading Canadian ufologist Brian Vike to suspect a hoax.

Mysterious Lights Over Iran: On August 20, 2003, near Chalus, Iran, two bright white lights were observed moving slowly and erratically in the sky. They were oval-shaped, approximately 5-10 meters in size, and briefly flashed blue and yellow.

UFO Sightings in Croatia: A witness in Slavonski Brod reported seeing a slow-moving, cigar-shaped grey object on September 4, 2003, which disappeared without a trace. The witness also mentioned seeing two unidentified craft photographed in the summer.

UFO Over South Africa: On September 7, 2003, near Durban, South Africa, a small object resembling a satellite rapidly grew in size, shone brightly, changed colors, and then shot away at high speed, estimated between 2000-10000 km/h.

Ufologist-Pedophile Kills Pilot: Spanish police arrested ufologist Jose de Zora in Albacete for the murder of pilot Manuel Esposito. The investigation linked the crime to the homosexual community, and de Zora was a prominent figure within it. The date of Esposito's death, June 24, coincided with the symbolic date of John the Baptist's execution and the start of the 'modern UFO era' in 1947.

Swastika in a Field: Traces of Aliens or Fascists? A giant swastika symbol, over 20 meters in size, was discovered in a field near Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, Germany. Police are investigating its origin. The discovery coincided with the arrest of three neo-Nazis planning a terrorist attack on the anniversary of 'Kristallnacht.'

Death of a Noted Ufologist: Graham Birdsell, editor of "UFO Magazine," died at the age of 49 on September 19, 2003, following a stroke and subsequent brain surgery.

"Celestial Morse Code" Mystery

This section details reports of unusual aerial phenomena observed along the Black Sea coast of Russia, primarily around Sochi, in September 2000 and later. Witnesses, including Artem and others from Loо, Adler, and Vardane, described seeing formations of orange, rectangular objects appearing in the sky, sometimes forming patterns resembling 'words' or 'dots and dashes.' These objects were described as having a porous internal structure and emitting a soft glow. The phenomenon was captured on video. While one suggestion was that the objects were clouds illuminated from below, the organized nature and precise formations led witnesses to believe they were something more significant. Another report from 1989 describes similar aerial phenomena observed near Tuapse, with witnesses seeing pairs of white rectangular figures and later, a series of lines that appeared to be formed by bright points.

Space News

End of the "Galileo" Mission: The American interplanetary probe "Galileo" completed its mission on September 21, 2003, by entering Jupiter's atmosphere. Launched in 1989, the probe spent 14 years exploring Jupiter and its moons, providing over 14,000 images. The mission cost NASA $1.5 billion. The probe's controlled descent was to prevent potential contamination of Europa, a moon suspected of harboring life.

New Jupiter Mission Planned: NASA announced plans for a new spacecraft, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO), to study Jupiter's moons Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa. The probe is expected to weigh 20 tons and have a 20-meter length, with a mission duration of approximately 12 years.

New Moons of Uranus Discovered: Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope discovered two new, small moons of Uranus, designated S/2003 U1 and S/2003 U2. Uranus now has 24 known moons, placing it third in the Solar System.

Satellite Launches: Several satellites were launched on September 27, 2003, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, including South Korean, Turkish, British, Nigerian, and Russian satellites. The "Smart-1" mission, launched from Kourou, French Guiana, on September 28, 2003, is an automated station designed to orbit the Moon for 30 months, conducting research and searching for water. It utilizes an ion engine powered by xenon and solar energy, a technology that allows for greater fuel efficiency but requires a longer travel time.

Indian-Israeli Space Collaboration: India and Israel are collaborating on a scientific project to map the galaxy, involving an Indian satellite equipped with an Israeli telescope, expected to launch in two years.

From Our Publications

Investigation into Black Spots Near Voronezh: Recent research indicates that the soil in mysterious black spots near the village of Arkhangelskoye, Voronezh region, is largely non-toxic. Microscopic orange fungi were found in the spots, possibly responsible for people's discomfort. The origin of these fungi and the formation of the anomalous spots remain unexplained.

"Zone 51" Remains Secret: US President George W. Bush has maintained the "top secret" classification for all documents related to "Area 51," a site in Nevada rumored to be involved in testing alien spacecraft and communicating with extraterrestrials.

Reports from the Field

Mystery of the "Celestial Morse Code" (Continued): This section revisits the "celestial Morse code" phenomenon reported near Sochi. A witness named Artem described seeing formations that resembled 'dots' and 'dashes' in the sky. The article includes a detailed account from G. L. Lopatin, who observed similar phenomena near Tuapse, describing white rectangular figures and lines that appeared to be drawn in the sky. Vladimir Golubev also reported seeing rectangular white figures arranged in a line. The reports suggest these were not contrails but deliberate formations.

"Two Close Encounters" in France, 1954: A detailed account of a close encounter experienced by Mrs. Leboeuf near Shabey, France, on September 26, 1954. She encountered a figure resembling a diver in a translucent plastic suit with large eyes. The figure moved towards her, causing her dog to bark and howl. A large, round, metallic object then rose from behind nearby trees and moved rapidly towards the northeast. The incident left Mrs. Leboeuf in a state of shock.

Children's Encounter in France: On September 27, 1954, children in Premenon, Jura department, reported seeing two small "ghosts" and a large, pulsating ball of light. The children's accounts were consistent and sincere, leading to a police investigation. The report describes a rectangular object resembling a piece of sugar, which the children interacted with before it moved away. A large red ball of light was also observed.

Our Calendar (This Day ... Years Ago)

Bloody Rain in the Baltics: Anomaly or Natural Phenomenon? 1914: Reports of bloody rain in the Kurland Governorate (now Latvia) on September 29, 1914. The article speculates that the phenomenon might be related to water in rivers contaminated with blood from battlefield casualties, carried by a cyclone.

Two "Close Encounters" in France. 1954: This entry refers to the detailed account of Mrs. Leboeuf's encounter, as described above.

Fiery Balls Over Smolensk. 1991: Not detailed in the provided text.

Moving "Stars" in the Leningrad Region. 1998: Not detailed in the provided text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, optical illusions, and the potential for extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and attempting to provide rational explanations where possible, while acknowledging the persistent mysteries that defy simple solutions. There is a clear interest in space exploration and scientific advancements, juxtaposed with reports of more localized, unexplained events.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated July 1999, presents a collection of investigative reports and witness testimonies concerning unexplained aerial phenomena and encounters with unknown beings. The magazine's ISSN is 1076-5102, and the cover price is $4.95. The main cover headline is "The UFO Files: The Truth Is Out There."

Fiery Spheres Over Smolensk, 1991

The first major section details sightings of "fiery spheres" over Smolensk, Russia, on September 22 and 23, 1991. The descriptions are drawn from local newspaper publications. Maria Petrovna Panasenkova, a resident of Smolensk, recounts waking up early on September 23 to see a bright, round object hanging between trees, about half the size of the moon, with three beams of light emanating from it. She described its color as similar to dying embers and noted it remained stationary for about twenty minutes before rapidly diminishing and disappearing. She also observed a second, identical sphere appearing shortly after. Another witness, Svetlana Petrovna Ryabinina, living on Gagarin Avenue, describes a similar event occurring early in the morning, where a bright, lead-yellow sphere appeared, grew larger, and emitted three bright beams before ascending and vanishing.

The director of the Smolensk Planetarium, V. A. Sukristov, acknowledges that UFOs are generally accepted but states that the planetarium's small staff limits systematic night observations. He mentions that other services in the country are actively investigating these matters.

Moving 'Stars' in the Leningrad Region, 1998

Elena Efimovna Matveeva from the village of Bolshovo, Gatchina District, reported observing a UFO from September 24, 1998, between 1:30 AM and 6:00 AM. She described it as resembling a "stool" or "bench" with a roof, four legs, and a lamp. The object moved slowly, hovering and drifting, and at one point directed its lamp towards the Sever'sky airfield. She expressed fear of being discovered by the object.

Investigation: UFOs and Sightings of Living Beings in Pennsylvania

This extensive section, attributed to Stan Gordon and presented as a speech at a MUFON symposium in 1974, focuses on the phenomenon of "living beings" associated with UFO sightings, particularly in Pennsylvania, USA. Gordon notes that for a long time, reports of creatures related to UFOs were ignored or ridiculed but have since become a serious area of study.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch Reports

Starting from the 1800s, there are numerous accounts of encounters with ape-like humanoids, primarily on the Pacific coast but also in other regions. These beings are typically described as walking upright, covered in hair, standing 5 to 9 feet tall, with long arms. Some reports mention a strong odor and piercing screams. Expeditions to capture these creatures have yielded little success, with only large footprints, hair samples, and questionable photographs found.

Since the 1900s, reports of "Bigfoot" have increased, appearing in areas where they were not previously observed. The descriptions often match those of "Bigfoot" and "Sasquatch," with features like glowing red eyes, and three-toed footprints. The creatures are described as having shiny, bright red eyes visible even in complete darkness.

Pennsylvania Investigations

Stan Gordon details investigations in Western Pennsylvania, starting with reports of unusual animal mutilations in 1972. Similar incidents occurred in Ohio, Wyoming, Washington, and Arkansas. A notable event in Louisiana involved a creature that caused a strong odor. In September 1970, a group was formed in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, to study UFO phenomena and related events.

In the winter of 1972, reports emerged of unknown beings in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania, described as gorillas or baboons. Investigations in the Greensburg area, near a cemetery, yielded reports of hairy creatures about 5 feet tall with broad chests. Residents complained of nighttime screams resembling human cries of pain. These sightings coincided with a wave of UFO sightings in the Westmoreland County area in April and May 1972.

Unusual Incidents and Connections

From July 1973 onwards, Gordon describes increasingly extraordinary events. He recounts an incident where a man was startled by a large, hairy creature with glowing red eyes outside his window. The creature was described as about 8 feet tall. In another case, a young woman reported a "boomerang-shaped" UFO appearing near her home, accompanied by a sulfurous odor. She also heard shots fired, and her neighbor reported seeing a large ape-like creature near his dog's kennel.

Detailed Case Studies

Gordon presents several detailed cases:

• Roadbaugh, Pennsylvania: A young woman reported a creature with glowing red eyes outside her window. Her father, a retired colonel, dismissed it as a star. Later, the woman's son and his friends encountered a tall, gorilla-like creature in the woods. A three-toed footprint was found, measuring 13 inches long and 8 inches wide.
• Beaver County, Pennsylvania: A man reported being frightened by a large, hairy creature with glowing red eyes. A 13-inch footprint was also found in this area.
• Greensburg Area: A large, red, disc-shaped UFO was seen near a pasture. Shortly after, ape-like creatures were observed. A witness described a creature with glowing red eyes and a strong sulfurous odor.
• Verona, Pennsylvania: Witnesses saw ape-like creatures jumping in trees and running on the ground. Three-toed footprints were found, described as unusual with short toes.
• Near Greensburg: A large, red, disc-shaped UFO was observed hovering over a lake. This was followed by sightings of creatures. In several instances, creatures were seen in locations where UFOs had been sighted days earlier.
• Near Midland (Beaver County): A large, disc-shaped UFO was observed. Around the same time, police were investigating reports of a "strange animal." A three-toed footprint, similar to those found near Greensburg, was discovered.

Creature Characteristics and Behavior

Most creatures are described as hairy, 5 to 8 feet tall, with broad chests, long arms, and sometimes large, glowing red or green eyes. Some reports mention a strong, chemical odor, often described as smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. The creatures are noted for their agility and ability to move quickly. They seem curious about humans and animals, sometimes approaching closely. Some witnesses reported that the creatures made sounds resembling human cries of pain or a baby's cry. There are also reports of smaller, ape-like creatures, some resembling a German Shepherd, with large red eyes and a tail.

Possible Explanations and Connections

Gordon suggests that these beings might be a form of extraterrestrial life sent to Earth by UFO pilots for sample collection. He notes that the creatures' intelligence and technology appear far advanced. The consistent descriptions across numerous witnesses, many of whom were initially skeptical, lend credibility to the reports. The presence of both UFO activity and creature sightings in the same areas suggests a potential connection, though the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a stance that supports the reality of UFO phenomena and encounters with unknown beings. The articles are based on witness testimonies, investigative reports, and physical evidence, aiming to document these events seriously. Recurring themes include the physical characteristics of UFOs and creatures, their behavior, the environmental traces they leave behind, and the psychological impact on witnesses. The editorial approach emphasizes the need for open-minded investigation and challenges skepticism, suggesting that many unexplained events are not mere fabrications but represent genuine mysteries requiring further study. The magazine aims to inform the public and encourage further research into these complex phenomena.

This issue of UFO Magazine (Issue 63, dated September 2003) delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the enduring mystery of the Yeti. The cover headline, "The Mystery of the Snowman: Bear or Humanoid?", highlights the debate surrounding the existence of the Yeti. The magazine features articles on alleged UFO landings, contactee experiences, and attempts to classify UFO phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents several accounts of UFO sightings and encounters with strange beings. A notable incident from February 6, 1974, in Fayette County, USA, describes a woman's encounter with a 7-foot tall, hairy, ape-like creature that vanished in a flash of light after she shot at it. Another account from November 1973 details a man's encounter with a similar creature. The magazine also touches upon the concept of 'close encounters' and UFO classification systems.

Elizabeth Klarer: Alien Contactee

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Elizabeth Klarer, a South African contactee who claimed to have had extensive interactions with aliens. Her story includes witnessing a UFO deflect an asteroid in 1917, observing a UFO in 1937, and a detailed account of landing on a UFO in 1954. Klarer alleged that in 1956, an alien named Akon took her aboard a spacecraft and that she later conceived a child with him on his home planet, Meton. Her experiences were documented in her book "Beyond the Light Barrier" (1980). Klarer passed away in February 1994.

UFO Classification Systems

The magazine explores different approaches to classifying UFO phenomena. It discusses J. Allen Hynek's popular classification system, which divides observations into 'near' and 'far' categories, with further sub-types like 'Nocturnal Lights' and 'Daylight Disks' for distant sightings, and 'Close Encounters' (CE-I, CE-II, CE-III) for closer observations. The article also mentions modifications to Hynek's system by Brazilian ufologists, adding categories for human presence on UFOs and even sexual contact with aliens. Jacques Vallee's classification, which categorizes phenomena based on their impact on the environment and humans, is also presented.

The Yeti Mystery

The debate surrounding the existence of the Yeti is a prominent theme. Makoto Nebuka, a Japanese mountaineer, controversially suggested that the Yeti is merely a Himalayan brown bear, based on linguistic analysis of local terms. However, other accounts continue to support the existence of the creature. Yoshiyuki Takahashi, another Japanese mountaineer, is preparing for an expedition to the Altai Mountains, Russia, where a photograph allegedly showing a Yeti was taken. Reports from the Altai region also include the discovery of what is claimed to be a Yeti's leg, with analyses suggesting it belongs to a bipedal creature unlike a bear. The article notes that the search for the Yeti could boost regional tourism.

Other Phenomena

Beyond UFOs and the Yeti, the magazine briefly touches upon other unusual reports. One article discusses the appearance of 'super-rats' in Kyrgyzstan, a genetically modified rodent with enhanced abilities that is causing ecological disruption. The issue also includes a section on book reviews and bibliographies, rating current UFO literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of scientific understanding, focusing on UFOs, extraterrestrial encounters, and cryptids like the Yeti. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various claims and theories, even those that are controversial or lack definitive proof. There is an emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of classifying and understanding these phenomena. The magazine also highlights the work of ufologists and researchers in the field, while acknowledging skeptical viewpoints, such as those presented by Philip Klass.

This is issue number 1 of НАШ СЛОВАРЬ, published in 1961. The magazine appears to be a Russian publication, indicated by the Cyrillic text. The content includes a dictionary entry and a miscellaneous section.

Dictionary Entry

The "НАШ СЛОВАРЬ" (Our Dictionary) section features an entry for "Кларер, Элизабет" (Clarer, Elizabeth). An accompanying black and white photograph shows a portrait of a woman identified as Elizabeth Clarer. The exact nature of her significance or the context of her inclusion in the dictionary is not detailed in the provided scan.

Miscellaneous Section

The "РАЗНОЕ" (Miscellaneous) section contains the heading "Снежный человек..." (Snowman...). This suggests an article or discussion related to the Yeti or Bigfoot phenomenon. Accompanying this section are two X-ray images, one showing the bones of a hand and wrist from a dorsal view, and another from a lateral view. It is unclear if these X-rays are directly related to the 'Snowman' topic or are presented as general anomalous findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Based on the limited content visible, the magazine seems to cover a range of topics, including biographical entries and discussions of cryptids or unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of both a dictionary entry and a topic like the 'Snowman' suggests a broad editorial scope. The use of scientific imagery like X-rays alongside these topics might indicate an attempt to explore or document unusual subjects.