UFO Navigator - No 065 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: No. 65 (0065)
Date: October 2003
Type: Russian Ufological Digest

This issue of "UFO Navigator" presents a diverse range of topics, from the resolution of a famous underwater UFO photograph to recent sightings, a significant controversy within the Russian ufology community, and international space news.

Key Topics and Articles

The Mystery of the 'Underwater Antenna' Photo Revealed!

The magazine revisits the case of a strange object photographed by the USNS Eltanin in 1964 at a depth of approximately 4 kilometers. Initially dubbed the 'underwater antenna,' the object's true nature was unclear for years. The article reveals that the image was based on a newspaper clipping found by Murray Bott, which was originally from the New Zealand Herald dated December 5, 1964. The clipping described the object as a 'mysterious seabed photo' taken at 2250 fathoms. Dr. Thomas Hopkins, a marine biologist on the expedition, noted its unusual appearance and ruled out it being a plant due to the lack of light at that depth. He also mentioned its symmetrical structure with 90-degree branches. However, further research by ufologists Tom De-Mary and Larry Hatch, referencing Bruce Heezen and Charles Hollister's book "The Face of the Deep" and Alexander Agassiz's work, identified the object as a Cladorhiza sponge. The article points out that earlier reports, including those by Brad Steiger and Joan Ratenauer, relied on a single, possibly incomplete, newspaper clipping, and that the true size of the object (around 60 cm) was omitted, making the case more mysterious.

'Ufological' Scandal-2003

This section details a heated dispute involving prominent figures in Russian ufology. It begins with an 'Open Letter' from cosmonaut P. R. Popovich, addressed to the magazine "Anomaliya," criticizing an annotation of a new book "Truth about UFOs from KGB Safes." Popovich suggests journalist M. B. Gershtein was involved in preparing the annotation, which he believes unfairly criticizes ufologist V. G. Azhazha. Popovich defends Azhazha, highlighting his contributions to ufology and his defense of Popovich's honor. He also criticizes Gershtein's use of the term 'notorious' for Azhazha, suggesting it was meant ironically.

In response, M. B. Gershtein writes his own piece, "A Few Words About P. R. Popovich, V. G. Azhazha, and 'Correct Ufology.'" Gershtein expresses disappointment that a respected cosmonaut's name is being used for 'unscrupulous purposes.' He asserts that Popovich's letter was actually written by Azhazha, citing stylistic similarities and the fact that Popovich had never met Azhazha. Gershtein refutes claims that he defended Popovich's honor, stating he never spoke about the former cosmonaut. He also questions Azhazha's claims about the 'Soyuzufotsentr' and 'Ufotsentr' organizations, which he states ceased to exist years ago. Gershtein further criticizes Azhazha's book "On the Other Side of UFOs" for its harsh statements about Russian ufology, calling it a 'corpse.' He also questions Azhazha's scientific achievements, noting that his inclusion in the 'Brief Geographical Encyclopedia' was for his work on the submarine 'Severianka,' not ufology, and that the naming of a star after him by RAEN is questionable as RAEN is a public organization, not a state academy, and only the International Astronomical Union has the authority to name celestial bodies.

Gershtein also addresses the issue of the 'Blue Packet,' a collection of documents allegedly from the KGB, which he claims was widely disseminated internationally long before Azhazha's book was published. He accuses Azhazha of stealing material from his books and articles, even presenting one of his articles as an interview.

The controversy extends to the alleged forgery of P. R. Popovich's signature on a letter to the newspaper "Trud" in 1991, which criticized ufologists. An expert examination confirmed the signature was forged, and Azhazha later admitted to using Popovich's signature with his permission for 'informational' letters. Gershtein suspects a similar forgery or manipulation might be at play with the 'Ufological Scandal-2003.'

News Briefs

• New Data on the March 28 Events Over Leningrad Oblast: Ufologists from St. Petersburg, including K. K. Khazanovich, K. Yu. Dombrovsky, and M. B. Gershtein, gathered additional data on mass UFO sightings on March 28. New video recordings are being analyzed. Witnesses from Matoksa village reported seeing lights in the sky around 8:20 PM. Gennady Andryusevich and his family observed a silent, hovering object resembling two hemispheres with a layer of lights between them, described as a 'hamburger.' Small spheres were seen attaching to the object. Dmitry Andryusevich described the object as a single, glowing sphere, reddish-yellow, with brighter spheres approaching it. The L-v family also witnessed the phenomenon, describing it as 'cigar-shaped' with internal lights and 'searchlight beams.' Vera L-va described it as a 'glowing helicopter.' Evgeny Pilipenko reported seeing the object twice, describing it as two hemispheres with a metallic sheen, and observed small, bright blue spheres detaching and dissolving. K. Yu. Dombrovsky also received testimony from a student who saw five multicolored spheres near Lake Ladoga.
• UFO Filmed Over Bahrain: On October 10, 2003, residents of Bahrain observed a UFO for about a minute. The object appeared twice, first as a yellow light, then split into two parts before vanishing. The footage, captured by a digital camera, was of low quality due to the object's speed and the camera's resolution. International airport authorities reported no radar anomalies.
• Yellowstone National Park Sighting: Ball Lightning or...? On September 29, 2003, a witness driving near Yellowstone National Park reported seeing a small, red, perfectly round object flying silently about one meter above the ground.
• Kekersburg UFO Crash: A New Turn of Events: The American TV channel "Sci-Fi" intends to sue the US Department of Defense and NASA for allegedly withholding information about the alleged UFO crash near Kekersburg, Pennsylvania, in December 1965. The channel, along with other organizations, is seeking the release of classified documents related to the incident. The crash site was cordoned off by the military, and the town was under curfew. Documents related to the case were heavily classified. A Canadian ufologist, Brian Waik, obtained testimony from a witness who described the UFO as 'the size of a full Moon,' which did not fall in a straight line but oscillated and ascended before disappearing.
• What Was Filmed Over Wales? The enigmatic photos taken by 15-year-old Jonathan Barnett from Pencoed are still being discussed. Gary Green also captured footage of a similar phenomenon, providing technical data from his digital camera. John Lambert observed the event from Cambridge, describing it as more like a meteor than an aircraft trail. Marco Langbroek noted that the 'trail' in Gary Green's photos appeared below the clouds, ruling out a meteor. The trajectory change also suggests it was not a meteor. The differing locations of the sightings suggest either two separate events or a single object passing over both areas.
• 'Cosmic Glitches' Almost Led to Tragedy: A family in Yukhnov, Kaluga Oblast, experienced a near-tragedy when a gas leak occurred after the mother and daughter were distracted by a UFO sighting. The father, seeing a UFO hovering over a neighbor's house with what appeared to be descending figures, called his son, who initially disbelieved him but then went to investigate. The gas leak, caused by water from a boiling kettle spilling onto a gas burner, filled the apartment, leading to the family experiencing hallucinations.

China Becomes a Space Power

On October 15, 2003, China launched its first crewed spacecraft, "Shenzhou-5," using the "Long March-2F" rocket. Astronaut Yang Liwei successfully completed 14 orbits and landed safely. The article provides biographical details about Liwei and mentions a report by "The Washington Times" suggesting the mission also involved a spy satellite and an infrared camera capable of detecting ground objects, hinting at China's military ambitions in space.

On October 21, a joint Chinese-Brazilian satellite, CBERS-2, and a small communications satellite, CX-1, were launched. The CBERS series is designed for Earth resource observation.

China plans further space endeavors, including the launch of "Shenzhou-6" within two years, followed by spacewalks, docking, and the establishment of a space laboratory and station.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related controversies. It appears to favor detailed reporting of witness accounts and scientific analysis, while also engaging with debates and disputes within the ufology community. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a critical eye towards unsubstantiated claims and potential misinformation, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of the 'underwater antenna' and the thorough examination of the Azhazha-Gershtein conflict. The inclusion of international space news suggests a broader interest in phenomena beyond Earth.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Volume 63, Issue 64, dated October 2003) focuses on the re-discovery of the lost asteroid Hermes and a compilation of recent UFO sightings. The magazine presents a mix of astronomical news, eyewitness accounts, and investigative reports related to unexplained aerial phenomena.

Lost Asteroid Hermes Re-discovered

The lead article details the fascinating story of the asteroid Hermes, first discovered on October 28, 1937, by Karl Reinmuth of the Heidelberg University. Initially designated 1937 UB, it was observed for only five days before disappearing. It remained largely forgotten until October 15, 2003, when it was re-discovered by astronomer Brian Skiff of the Lowell Observatory. Timothy Spahr of the Minor Planet Center confirmed its orbit, finding it similar to the original trajectory but altered by gravitational influences from Earth and Venus over the 66 years.

New observations revealed Hermes to be smaller than initially estimated, with sizes ranging from 1-2 km in diameter, or even as small as 800 meters according to one report. The asteroid was expected to be visible to amateur astronomers with 8-inch telescopes throughout October 2003, passing through constellations like Cetus, Pisces, and Aquarius. Its closest approach to Earth was predicted for November 4, 2003, at a distance of about 7.2 million km.

A significant finding was that Hermes is a double asteroid, composed of two nearly touching fragments orbiting a common center of gravity, completing a rotation every 21 hours. The fragments always present the same side to each other. Despite its close passes, Hermes poses no threat, with no predicted close approaches within 0.02 astronomical units (approximately eight Earth-Moon distances) for the next century.

Cosmic News

This section provides brief updates on various space-related events:

• Bright Green Bolide: On October 20, 2003, around 8:45 PM, six witnesses in Durham, North Carolina, including two police officers, reported seeing a bright green bolide. Lieutenant Taylor described its size as comparable to the Moon. Several pilots also witnessed it, though air traffic controllers reportedly did not.
• Columbia Shuttle Disaster Investigation: The commission investigating the Columbia shuttle disaster announced that new materials from its work would be posted on its website (www.caib.us) on October 28, 2003. These materials would be released as they became available, without a press briefing.
• Amos-2 Satellite Launch: The Israeli telecommunications satellite "Amos-2" was scheduled to launch from Baikonur on December 18. Initially planned for Ariane-4 or Ariane-5 rockets, the launch was reassigned to a Russian "Soyuz-FG" rocket with a "Fregat" booster after the successful launch of the "Mars Express" spacecraft.
• Venus Visibility: Venus was noted as being easily visible in the evening sky, appearing as a very bright object shortly after sunset and expected to become even more prominent.

Reports from the Field

This section presents eyewitness accounts of UFO phenomena:

• "Glowing Triangle" over Dachnoye: On September 10, 2003, three residents of Dachnoye, Leningrad Oblast, observed a large, glowing white triangle hovering about two to three meters above high-voltage power lines. The light was contained within the triangle's boundaries, and the object, approximately three meters in size, vanished as quickly as it appeared. Two witnesses later experienced headaches and visual disturbances. Three years prior, a pensioner in the same location reported seeing a bright red ball emerge from a ravine and dissolve into power lines.

• Old Television Reception: A report from St. Petersburg describes how an old "Chaika" television set was able to receive transmissions from Western TV companies after midnight, despite frequent power surges. The viewer noted the reception was often incomplete but found it interesting, particularly when the set began showing erotic content.

• Transformations Over Tyumen Oblast: On the night of June 14-15, during the Holy Trinity holiday, a witness observed a large, blood-red object in the sky. The object pulsed, disappeared behind clouds, and emitted bright rays. It appeared to split into three parts and then rejoin, resembling a pot with a lid. This phenomenon lasted for forty-five minutes. The witness described the sky as dark with grey clouds and no stars or moon.

• Two Sightings Over Two Years: Stanislav Geraskin from Saratov reported two incidents. On July 15, 2001, while fishing, he and friends observed a large, glowing blue disk descend and hover about 50 meters above the Volga River. It had four engines, and a tube extended from its center to absorb water. The object then ascended rapidly and flew towards Engels. On July 15, 2003, he again observed a very bright "star" moving horizontally at high speed, pulsating and appearing twice the size of Venus. He managed to take several photographs with a Samsung FIND 15 SE camera.

• Kostroma Sighting: In early September, in Kostroma, a witness named Evgeny Tomilin observed a bright point of light that hovered, moved away, and then returned, emitting short pulses. Fearing abduction, he pretended to be asleep.

Our Calendar (On This Day... Years Ago)

This section lists historical UFO-related events:

• 1954: Two sightings of humanoids in France.
• 1978: Anomalous phenomena underwater.
• 1981: "Unknown object" over Skopje: UFO or launch?
• 1990: "Unknown object" over Mongolia.
• 1992: UFO transformations over Bryansk Oblast.

• Humanoids in France (1954): On October 18, 1954, two glowing spheres connected by a luminous "stick" were observed in the sky near Saint-Cyr and L'Oiselière. The spheres swayed like scales, and the object then flew away at high speed.

• UFO Over Skopje (1981): On October 20, 1981, at 7:50 PM, witnesses in the Skopje region of Ryazan Oblast observed an object in an intermediate phase of transformation. It was copper-red, appeared to be above the clouds, and grew in angular size before fading and disappearing without sound.

• Object Over Mongolia (1990): Several residents of the Bulgan aimag in Mongolia observed a brightly glowing, indescribable object with blue-red reflections emerge from behind a mountain and disappear to the northwest.

• Transformations Over Bryansk Oblast (1992): In late October 1992, a witness observed a bright object in the sky that changed color and shape from round to triangular, then fell rapidly before ascending and circling the Moon. It then transformed into a red-yellow streak and disappeared.

Investigation

• "M-Shaped Triangle" (Perm Anomalous Zone): This section discusses the Perm anomalous zone, also known as the "M-shaped triangle." The article critiques sensationalist reporting from the late 1980s and early 1990s, attributing the public's interest to a vacuum of information. It notes the influx of tourists to the area, causing disruption for locals. The author recounts a trip to the "Zone" in the early 1990s with a group of friends, including geologists and ufologists. They experienced strong emotions and saw "mysterious slides." The report details their interactions with locals, including a journalist from Riga who was photographing the area for the "M-shaped triangle" newspaper. The author also mentions the use of a photographic technique involving flash photography to detect "objects."

• Second Trip to the "Zone" (1992): A second trip to the anomalous zone is described, with a larger group of seven people. The group encountered a local guide named Pyotr Budich from Belarus, who showed them his "UFO" photographs. The group visited various locations within the "Zone," including a "cosmodrome" and "Snake Hill." The author notes the abundance of ticks and the emotional intensity of the experience. They also visited "anomalies" like stone formations and ruins, and discussed the area's history and the impact of tourism.

• Underwater Anomalies (1978): An oceanographer, Alexander Agarkov, recounts an experience on October 20, 1978, off the coast of Sakhalin. While working at a depth of 100 meters, he encountered a bright light that paralyzed him and caused oxygen deprivation and heart problems. He was brought to the surface and hospitalized, experiencing fear for nearly two years afterward. He also mentions that divers often lose their sense of direction underwater, leading to fatal accidents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings, anomalous phenomena, and investigations into alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and scientific observations without definitive conclusions, often encouraging further investigation and rational explanations. There is a recurring theme of the impact of tourism on anomalous zones and the subjective experiences of witnesses. The magazine also includes historical accounts and brief news items related to space exploration and astronomical discoveries.

This issue of UFO-Informator, dated January 26, 1995, focuses on personal accounts of travel to anomalous zones in Russia, primarily around the Slyva River and the Molëbka region. The author, Alexander, chronicles multiple expeditions, detailing encounters with unexplained phenomena, the diverse individuals he met, and his own evolving perceptions.

Trip 1: August 1992

The author recounts a trip with Larisa and Valentina to a location near the Slyva River, noting the presence of a Stalin-era camp and a 'cosmodrome' in the Petino area. He mentions local theories attributing strange phenomena to geomagnetic anomalies and karst voids. He also describes meeting a 'professional' cyclist who claims to overcome vast distances using trance techniques and discusses metaphysical concepts.

Trip 2: August 1992

This section details a return trip with Larisa, focusing on the challenging journey to Molëbka. They faced difficulties with transportation, including a broken-down 'Zaporozhets' and a long walk due to a lack of transport. The narrative describes an eerie night journey with a full moon, a strange black bird, and unsettling sightings of a dilapidated house. The author notes a shift in public perception towards them, with some suspecting them of working for the KGB.

Trip 3: April 24 - May 2, 1993

The author describes a solo trip to the 'Zone' in early spring. He notes the presence of snow, which had melted in Tyumen, and the difficulty of navigating the terrain. He encounters a forester and discusses the lack of visitors in the 'Zone' during this off-season. He describes finding useful items left from previous visitors and notes the presence of bear tracks near his tent. He also experiences auditory hallucinations and describes a peculiar encounter with Petr, who arrived on a homemade boat.

Trip 4: June 26 - July 7, 1993

This section covers a summer trip with a heavier backpack and a meeting with new companions: Natalya Ivanovna (a healer), Sergey (a bone-setter), and Marina. They travel to Molëbka and find a new campsite. The author describes the challenging terrain and the diverse group of people interested in the 'Zone,' including those with dark pasts. He notes a shift in his own perception, feeling a sense of purification and a desire to be true to himself. He also describes an unusual state of consciousness, feeling dissolved into the surroundings and experiencing a connection to his subconscious.

Trip 5: July 30 - August 7, 1994

This trip, undertaken with Boris, Natalya (a philologist and psychologist), and Marina, focuses on the 'meeting place' and 'unearthly' clouds. The author notes that many previous companions declined to join, suggesting the 'Zone' chooses its visitors. They encounter an old acquaintance, Petr, and spend time enjoying the natural surroundings, cooking, and playing music. The author describes a feeling of renewal and detachment from everyday problems.

Trip 6: January 26, 1995

The final documented trip is a winter expedition with Alexander S., Alexander M. (Shurik), and Dmitry. The author emphasizes the desire to visit the 'Zone' in winter and the challenges associated with it, including extreme cold and difficult travel. They encounter unusual phenomena, including reports of 'black silhouettes' and a 'glowing path.' The group faces logistical issues and the harshness of the winter environment, leading to a difficult return journey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the exploration of anomalous zones, personal encounters with unexplained phenomena (UFOs, psychic experiences), and the transformative effects of these environments on individuals. The author's stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, documenting personal experiences and observations without definitive conclusions, but with a clear fascination for the unexplained and the potential for altered states of consciousness and reality.

This issue of an unnamed magazine, dated July 17-30, 1995, with a subsequent entry dated August 8-13, 1995, delves into personal experiences with anomalous phenomena, UFO sightings, and paranormal events, primarily in Russia. The content blends personal travelogues with reports on ufological and pseudoscientific topics, interspersed with critical analyses and event announcements.

Personal Expeditions and Encounters

The magazine opens with a detailed account of a night excursion to "Zmeinnaya Gorka" (Snake Hill) with companions Alexander and Dima. The author describes heightened sensory perception, vivid group visions, and altered states of consciousness, likening it to drug intoxication. The experience is corroborated by photographic evidence. A curious incident involves a digital stopwatch displaying an incorrect date and time, suggesting electronic equipment malfunction. The group returns to their temporary lodging, a "balok," where they find messages and graffiti left by previous visitors, including extremist calls and references to UFOs.

A subsequent day involves another trip to "Zmeinnaya Gorka" with Alexander. The author describes beautiful winter landscapes and an encounter with fellow travelers, including Alexander, who appears to be meditating, and Shura, who is more lucid than the previous evening. Upon returning to the "Kordon" station, Shura's demeanor changes, and he attempts to joke. The group visits local shops for exotic items, purchasing imported cookies, chocolate, and local bread. During the train ride to Kungur, Shura returns to his normal state, playing cards and expressing a desire to return to the "Zone" to find "humanoid" settlements.

The author reflects on the experience, noting the importance of self-reliance and equipment, and the "Zone" as a simulator for testing individuals. The concept of "Dharma" is introduced as a path for those who have entered this experience.

A separate entry details an expedition from July 17-30, 1995, with a group including Elena (a student), Alexander and Dmitry (familiar from previous trips), Tatyana (Dmitry's classmate), Socrates (a puppy), and the author. The author highlights the vividness of perception and the beauty of the surroundings. The group's goal was to relax and explore.

Another expedition, from August 8-13, 1995, involves a rafting trip on the Sylva River with Boris, the author's mother Ira, and five children. The journey is described as physically demanding but rewarding, with beautiful scenery and clear water. The author notes the change in the "Zone" and the intense experiences, comparing a nine-day absence to a month due to the saturation of events.

During this period, the author describes living on a level of deep feelings and emotions, enjoying evenings by the campfire with guitar music. The "anomalous" pancakes cooked on a special skillet become a focal point for social interaction with other inhabitants of the "triangle."

A joint excursion is planned for Sunday. The day before, the author takes a walk with Valery Yakimov and Alexey, aiming for Mount Belaya. They pass through an abandoned "Stalinist" camp and an overgrown road. The journey is arduous, with the roads being completely abandoned after spring flooding. The area is described as remote and devoid of human traces.

The author notes the rapid passage of the week, culminating in a memorable evening in the village of Molebka. They stay in a traditional village house with two dozen "anomalous" visitors. The evening includes interviews with Violetta Fedotova and Viktor Korshunov, who are described as contactees monitoring global ufological events.

According to Fedotova and Korshunov, the area around Molebka is unique due to its geomorphological structure, with magma movement in the Earth's crust altering the physical properties of three-dimensional space, thus causing anomalous phenomena in the "triangle." They also mention interest from non-terrestrial entities.

The author's group leaves Molebka by truck to the Shmary station of the Sverdlovsk railway. The final impression is of a difficult, rain-washed road and low-lying storm clouds.

The text mentions that Valery Yakimov filmed an orange sphere UFO near Molebka, approximately 100-200 meters away, which is considered one of the few known UFOs captured on video in the anomalous "Zone." The filming lasted about five minutes.

Glossary and Special Sections

The magazine includes a glossary defining terms such as "Kolpinsky district, phantoms," "Ring-shaped UFOs," "Ring of Great Radiance," "Commission for Contacts," and "Committee for Scientific Research of Paranormal Phenomena."

Kolpinsky District Phantoms

This section recounts an incident from August 15, 1990, in the village of Karlovo, Oryol Oblast, where residents witnessed a strange phenomenon. A pillar resembling a cloud appeared in the sky, from which a male figure, about 2.5 meters tall and dressed in silver, emerged. A blue path appeared under the figure, along which it moved. Later, a female figure emerged from another cloud, and a third figure was seen near a pile of coal. The event was witnessed by several people and resembled slow-motion cinematography.

Ring-shaped UFOs

This section describes ring-shaped UFOs as a rare type of object. One case from September 1957, photographed near Fort Belvoir, USA, was identified by the Condon Commission as a byproduct of atomic bomb simulator tests. The object was described as a black ring approximately 60 meters in diameter. It did not stop or hover. The ring became enveloped in smoke between the second and third photos. Fifteen people saw the object, and at least two photographed it. The ring-shaped clouds were reportedly formed after the detonation of simulators filled with gasoline, diesel fuel, and TNT, creating a rotating ring that drifted with the wind.

Ring of Great Radiance (KBC)

This section defines the "Ring of Great Radiance" (KBC) as a supreme hierarchical entity of the Cosmos, acting as a barrier between the World and the Anti-World. The KBC is described as an enormous energetic ring. The World and Anti-World are said to develop together, with life existing only as long as the KBC exists. The Absolute is described as the super-gigantic consciousness of the KBC. The text suggests that "black holes" discovered by science lead to other spirals of the World, and there are also channels to the Anti-World.

Commission for Contacts

This section refers to a public commission established in 1970 by the magazine "Znanie-sila" to study "all sorts of contacts with alien, different intelligence from other worlds." The commission included representatives from various scientific fields.

Skeptical and Scientific Organizations

Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)

CSICOP is described as the largest "skeptical" organization in the world, founded in 1976 by philosopher Paul Kurtz. Its headquarters and library are in Amherst, USA. CSICOP has subcommittees for astrology, parapsychology, healing, and UFOs. The organization publishes the "Skeptical Inquirer" magazine and "Skeptical Briefs" newsletter, and its publishing house, "Prometeus Books," releases books on these topics.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section offers a review and evaluation of current ufological periodicals and new books, using a rating system from [+] (immediately discard) to [+++++] (highly recommended).

It reviews S. Berdysheva's book "Tell Me About Extraterrestrial Civilizations," criticizing its conflation of sensational ufological claims with outdated SETI concepts, while acknowledging its engaging style for younger readers.

Announcements

Autumn Season at the Russian Geographical Society

Announcements for upcoming events include a lecture by ufologist G. K. Kolchin on the potential aggressiveness of aliens and a "round table" discussion on a UFO visit to the Leningrad Oblast on March 28, 2003, with demonstrations of video recordings and eyewitness accounts.

26th Zigel Readings in Moscow

An event organized by the Association "Ecology of the Unknown" featuring lectures and discussions on ufology and paranormal topics.

Program of the 26th Zigel Readings

A detailed program lists numerous speakers and topics, including:

• Alexander Evgenievich Semenov on the "Ecology of the Unknown."
• Lyudmila Tselina on "Zigel's name."
• Stanislav Samsonov and Sergey Bulantsev on "Greetings to the Zigel Readings."
• Valery Burdakov on the "natural cause of climate change."
• Yuri Marchenko on "Paleocontact: medical knowledge."
• Felix Eldemurov and Stanislav Ermakov on the "Crabwood Code."
• Eleonora Aleksandrova on "The Fourth lot of the Mother of God."
• Vladimir Avdeev on "The Pokrov-Bogolyubsk phenomenon of the Holy Mother of God on film."
• Vladimir Mikhailov on "UFOs."
• Yuri Suvorov, Evgeny Troshin, and Pavel Kalinin on "Sacred stones."
• Irina Ermakova on a "New look at the concept of evolutionary development of man."
• Rashid Khalitov, Zuraf Yapparov, and Dalia Khalitova on "The real picture of the past and unknown objects of the future."
• Evgeny Borovkov on "New developments of MAISU."
• Nina Sokulina and Gennady Lyapin on "Expedition results to the Okunevo area."
• Alexander Berezhnoj and Boris Ignatov on "Experimental verification of the dynamic superconductivity effect."
• Marina Popovich on "The Naska Factor."

Miscellaneous

Ghosts in Poland

Reports of hauntings in an old castle in Przemysl, Poland, with phenomena such as lights turning on and off, water taps opening and closing, and disembodied voices and sounds of weapons. The castle is built on the site of a former church and cemetery.

Archaeologists Discover Tunnels Under Pyramids

Radio station "Mayak" reports that archaeologists have discovered vast, unexplored underground structures beneath the pyramids of Giza. These tunnels are believed to extend for tens of kilometers. A recent discovery involved a section of a tomb wall collapsing, revealing the entrance to a tunnel. The main curator of Egyptian antiquities, Zahi Hawass, stated that a team of Egyptian and foreign archaeologists is working to map these underground passages.

Pseudoscientific "Science" in the Army: Academics Protest

This section features a letter from four academics protesting the prevalence of pseudoscience in the Russian army. They specifically criticize the existence of a "Center for Scientific Astrology" within the cultural center of the Armed Forces. The academics argue that astrology has been repeatedly debunked by scientists and that experiments, such as those conducted on "temporal twins," have shown no correlation between celestial positions at birth and an individual's life or characteristics. They condemn the promotion of astrology as charlatanism and a regression to the Middle Ages. The letter also mentions a military astrologer, Captain 1st Rank A. Buzinov, who has made public predictions, some of which have proven to be inaccurate. The academics express concern about the increasing involvement of sorcerers, psychics, and pseudoscientists in силовые ministries (power ministries), citing the case of military unit 10003 as an example of "science" thriving under secrecy due to ignorance and corruption. They warn that Russia's progress towards a civilized, democratic country is threatened by this trend.

The article concludes by referencing a theory called "Local Geophysical Resonance" (LGR), which attributes technological disasters to planetary alignments and suggests avoiding certain "dangerous places" in space and time. The authors of this theory are accused of using scientific-sounding jargon and a proprietary computer program to lend credibility to their ideas, which are essentially a rehash of astrology. The academics express dismay that such theories are being promoted and funded, especially within military structures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and alternative explanations for events, often blending personal anecdotal accounts with reports on ufological research and pseudoscientific theories. There is a clear tension between proponents of these phenomena and skeptical viewpoints, as exemplified by the protest against astrology in the military. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and reporting on a wide range of beliefs and experiences, while also including critical perspectives and scientific debunking. The recurring themes include personal journeys into anomalous zones, encounters with alleged extraterrestrial or supernatural entities, and the critique of pseudoscientific practices within established institutions.

This issue of the Russian magazine "Anomaliya" (Anomaly), identified as issue number 5, focuses on a variety of topics within the realm of ufology and unexplained phenomena. The cover headline teases the "Mystery of the 'Underwater Antenna'" and features images of a ship named "ELTANIN" and a peculiar abyssal sponge. The magazine includes articles and discussions that highlight internal debates within the ufology community, scientific findings, and alleged government involvement in UFO investigations.

News and Features

The Mystery of the 'Underwater Antenna'

The cover prominently features the headline "Тайна "подводной антенны"..." (The Mystery of the 'Underwater Antenna'...). While the specific content is not detailed in the provided pages, its placement on the cover suggests it is a lead story or a significant news item within this issue.

Abyssal Sponge (Cladorhiza)

Two pages are dedicated to images and descriptions of a bizarre antennae-like abyssal sponge, identified as *Cladorhiza*. Image 2.15 shows a drawing of the sponge with drooping clubs, as figured by early expeditions, while image 2.16 displays a photograph of the sponge standing erect, towering over manganese nodules at a depth of 3904 meters in the Bellingshausen Basin, South Pacific. The description notes its unique structure and habitat.

Ufological Scandal-2003

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a controversy within the Russian ufology community, presented as an "Open Letter" from cosmonaut Pavel Popovich to the editor of the newspaper "Anomaliya." Popovich addresses an annotation in a previous issue of "Anomaliya" regarding a book titled "The Truth About UFOs from the KGB Archives," which he believes was prepared with the involvement of journalist M.B. Gershtein. Popovich criticizes Gershtein for allegedly misrepresenting the views of academician V.G. Azhazha, a prominent Russian ufologist.

Popovich's letter defends Azhazha, stating that Gershtein incorrectly claimed Azhazha made disparaging remarks about Russian ufologists. Popovich clarifies that Azhazha's comments were directed at specific individuals, including Gershtein, for allegedly misusing private correspondence. He also criticizes Gershtein for his book "Beyond UFOs," where Gershtein allegedly made sweeping negative statements about Russian ufology, calling it a "zombie" and a "corpse." Popovich highlights Azhazha's significant scientific contributions, including his work on submarines, his role in establishing ufology as a scientific field, his UN presentation on the uniqueness of human intelligence, and even a star named after him in the constellation Scorpio.

Soviet UFO Association Correspondence

Another section features correspondence related to the Soviet UFO Association. A letter from the "All-Union UFO Association" (Всесоюзная уфологическая ассоциация) dated December 5, 1991, is addressed to A.S. Potapov, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Trud." The letter, signed by Pavel Popovich as President of the association, requests clarification on an article by A. Nikonov in "Trud" that accused ufologists of deceiving the public and engaging in suspicious activities with cars. Popovich asks for the names of the "well-known ufologists" and their centers, details of the alleged deception, and facts about the car "machinations."

Forensic Analysis of a Signature

Following Popovich's letter is a "Conclusion" (ВЫВОД) from an expert at the "All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise" (Всесоюзный научно-исследовательский институт судебных экспертиз) of the Ministry of Justice of the USSR. This conclusion, dated December 29, 1991, pertains to a signature analysis. The expert determined that the signature of P.R. Popovich on a letter (No. 507-C-Y20) to the newspaper "Trud" was not written by Pavel Romanovich Popovich himself but by another individual who imitated his signature. This suggests a potential forgery or impersonation.

German Article: The UFO-Akte des KGB

A German-language article by Michael Hesemann, titled "Die UFO-Akte des KGB" (The UFO File of the KGB), is presented. The article discusses exclusive revelations from "Magazin 2000" concerning KGB UFO files. It includes a snippet about a UFO sighting near Chaibuha, observed accelerating to 3,000 km/h. The article also features a "Certificate of Honor" (Почетная грамота) awarded to Mikhail Borisovich Gerstein in October 2002 by the Presidium of the Academy of Informational and Applied Ufology (AIPUF) and the Council of the International Ufological Association (MUA) for his contributions to ufology and bioenergo-information.

New Data on UFOs

Several pages present diagrams and images related to UFO sightings and phenomena. These include schematic drawings of various aerial objects and formations, labeled "New data about..." (Новые данные о...). One page shows a video still of a UFO and a photograph of what appears to be a meteor or a contrail, with the caption "So what did they photograph..." (Так что же сфотографировали...). The images suggest an exploration of visual evidence related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Anomaliya" appears to champion a critical and investigative approach to ufology. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting rigorous debate and scientific scrutiny within the field, as evidenced by the detailed presentation of the controversy involving Gershtein and Azhazha, and the forensic analysis of the signature. The magazine also highlights international perspectives on UFOs, with the inclusion of the German article on KGB files. The recurring themes include the nature of evidence in ufology, the credibility of researchers, the potential for deception, and the scientific exploration of unexplained phenomena, from abyssal life forms to aerial anomalies.

This document contains scans of two pages from a magazine titled "FLYING SAUCERS UFO REPORTS," specifically issue number 4. The magazine is published by DELL and has a cover price of 50 cents. The primary focus of this issue, as highlighted on the cover, is "the amazing RING-SHAPED UFO," presenting "FIRST PUBLISHED PHOTOS" of this phenomenon. The cover also teases articles such as "SUPER SCIENTISTS FROM NOWHERE," "WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES SEE," and "THE REMARKABLE SKIES OF HARRISBURG."

Page 1 Content

The first page features several distinct visual elements and text in Russian. At the top, the phrase "По следам..." (On the trail...) is accompanied by an illustration of a table-like object and the words "was now" next to Braille-like dots. Below this, an arrow points to the letter "Z" in a stylized font. Further down, the text "НАШ КАЛЕНДАРЬ Трансформация НЛО" translates to "OUR CALENDAR UFO Transformation." This section is illustrated with a triangular shape surrounded by radiating lines and several circular eye-like figures arranged in rows.

Page 2 Content

The second page displays the cover of the magazine "FLYING SAUCERS UFO REPORTS." The title is prominently featured in bold red and white lettering. The issue is identified as "No. 4" and priced at "50c." The main cover headline emphasizes "FIRST PUBLISHED PHOTOS of the amazing RING-SHAPED UFO." Supporting headlines include "SUPER SCIENTISTS FROM NOWHERE," "WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES SEE," and "THE REMARKABLE SKIES OF HARRISBURG." The background of the cover is a photograph depicting a ring-shaped object in the sky. Below the main cover image, a series of five smaller photographs show variations of what appear to be ring-shaped or circular aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content strongly suggests a focus on UFO phenomena, particularly unusual shapes like ring-shaped craft. The magazine appears to be dedicated to reporting on sightings, photographs, and related discussions, including scientific perspectives and international observations. The inclusion of Russian text on the first page, possibly related to a calendar or a UFO transformation, hints at a broader, perhaps international, scope or interest within the UFO community.