UFO Navigator - No 070 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: January 2004, No. 2 (0070)
Publisher: Russian Ufological Digest

This issue of UFO Navigator delves into a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and psychological mysteries. It features reports on alleged UFO sightings, meteorite events, and the intriguing phenomenon of sudden memory loss.

Main Topics

The cover highlights three main themes: the continuation of the "Assault on Martian Mysteries," meteorite bombardments affecting Iran and Europe, and an investigation into the "Memory Erasure Syndrome."

News Briefs

• Several short news items cover a range of subjects:
• A report of an object falling in Siberia, initially mistaken for a meteorite but possibly a spotlight.
• A planned UFO monument in Poland.
• A mention of the "Chuy Valley" in Kyrgyzstan as a potential "UFO landing ground."
• A UFO sighting over Iran.
• Space news, including plans for American space missions.
• A follow-up on previous publications.

What Fell in Siberia?

This section details a report from the Russian Civil Defense, which sent a helicopter to the Kemerovo region after residents claimed to have seen a UFO. Italian news agency ANSA, citing ITAR-TASS, reported that on December 26, 2003, residents of Guryevsk observed a UFO that looked like a fiery ball and fell to the ground. There were no reports of an explosion, fire, or damaged trees, leading to speculation that it was not a meteorite. Ufologist Alexei Sankov confirmed that the Krasnoyarsk Emergency Ministry received a report of a flying fiery ball with a tail in the Guryevsk area on December 26, 2003.

Meteorites Bombard the Earth

• This article reports on several meteorite events in early 2004:
• On January 2, 2004, a meteorite fell near Babol, Iran (Mazandaran province), causing ground tremors and damage to some buildings.
• On January 4, 2004, thousands of Spaniards witnessed a giant "fiery ball" meteor that caused houses to shake and windows to rattle. Astronomers estimated the meteorite weighed at least 10 tons. Eyewitnesses managed to capture images of the event, and Spanish specialists were able to calculate the bolide's trajectory.
• A report from Palencia, Spain, initially suggested a meteorite fragment the size of a "ping-pong ball" was found, but it was later determined not to be of meteoritic origin. However, two weeks later, small fragments identified as meteorite fragments of the chondrite class were found.
• On January 23, a meteorite burned up in the atmosphere over Germany.
• An exception was an object that fell in Argentina (Corrientes province) on January 18, 2004, which turned out to be a fuel tank from a Delta-2 rocket.

Pseudo-UFO Turned Out to Be a Spotlight

In Alor Setar, Malaysia, a strange light was observed moving erratically in the sky. Crowds gathered, and news of a UFO spread. However, it was later discovered that the object was a powerful spotlight directed at low-hanging clouds. A police officer confirmed it was not a UFO but a spotlight.

A UFO Monument to Be Opened in Poland

Plans were announced to open the first UFO monument in Europe in Emilcin, Poland, on May 10, which would also be declared World UFO Day. The monument will be shaped like a flying saucer. This idea originated from the town of Opole and the "Nautilus" foundation. The article recalls the 1978 encounter of Polish farmer Jan Wolski with a flying saucer crew in Emilcin, an event that has been well-documented.

Chuy Valley – Kyrgyz UFO Landing Ground?

Ruslan Musaev, an engineer from Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan, claimed that the first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization would occur in his country. He reported observing dozens of UFOs nightly since 2001, particularly in the Chuy and Issyk-Kul regions. However, he could not provide any physical evidence. Dr. Kazimir Karimov suggested that these lights might be engines of returning aircraft from the Hansi airbase, or possibly torpedo tests in the Issyk-Kul lake.

UFO Over Iran

An unidentified flying object was observed in the Iranian province of Ardebil on January 23, 2004. Residents of Meshkinshahr witnessed a funnel-shaped object emitting red and white light for about 10 seconds.

America's Space Plans

On January 14, US President George W. Bush announced a new American space program focused on exploring other planets in the Solar System. Key goals include a return to the Moon by 2015-2020 to establish a permanent base and begin resource extraction (e.g., helium-3), followed by a manned mission to Mars. The program involves increasing NASA's funding and developing new spacecraft with companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Despite the ambitious plans, a poll indicated that a majority of Americans would prefer funds to be allocated to social programs rather than space exploration.

Space News

• On January 15, 2004, the American Mars rover "Spirit" began its journey on the Red Planet. Its initial short trip provided valuable information about the Martian soil's mechanical properties, described as behaving like a "magic carpet."
• Microscopic examination of Martian surface samples revealed hollow spheres and tubes, suggesting the possible presence of water on Mars.
• A surprising discovery on NASA's website was an image from the Mars rover showing a rock with the number "19" inscribed on it, though this is likely a natural formation.
• Students participating in the "Mars Team" initiative are monitoring the rover's activities.
• Despite initial setbacks, the "Spirit" rover resumed its research on January 31 after its computer memory was cleared.
• On January 25, the second American Mars rover, "Opportunity," landed on the Meridiana plain. Some observers claimed that enhanced images showed green patches, suggesting signs of life, and that NASA had digitally altered the photos to hide this.
• The European probe "Mars Express" entered Mars orbit on January 28, with its cameras detecting two types of ice in the southern polar cap, confirming the presence of water.

Following Our Publications

• A previous report on a "Yeti foot" found on the Kurkurek glacier in the Altai region was investigated. Analysis at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine suggests the tissue samples are similar to those of a brown bear.

Unexplained Luminous Spot Near Saudi Arabia

A luminous spot observed near the Saudi Arabian coast in early January 2004 began to disappear two weeks later. Regional border guards stated it was dissipating due to strong northern winds, but its origin remains unknown.

The "Washington ProFile" Report

This report suggests that some triangular and boomerang-shaped "UFOs" might be new-generation American airships. The US Air Force plans to test a helium-filled "V-shaped" airship for reconnaissance and radio relay, capable of reaching altitudes over 30 km.

Local Reports

• Humanoids in Lermontov? UFO Over Riga:
• In Lermontov, Boris Sinitsin and his wife Tatiana reported seeing three figures, approximately two meters tall, with yellow, silver, and blue colors, standing motionless on Mount Beshtau. They described the figures as aliens who simply dissolved into the air.
• Ufologist Stanislav Donetsk believes that aliens visit Earth and that Mount Beshtau is a regular "base" for extraterrestrial visitors.
• The abbot of the Vtor-Afon monastery, Father Siluan, holds a contrary view, stating that there is no place for aliens in Orthodoxy.

• UFO Over Riga:
• On January 9, 2004, an interesting, silent object was observed over Riga. Ufologist Evgeny Sidorov described its horizontal flight and direction. He provided a stop-frame image and suggested it was not an aircraft due to its maneuvers and lack of characteristic sounds of a burning meteorite.

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

• 1979: A "satellite" observed over Yaroslavl.
• 1981: An anonymous message from an amateur astronomer.
• 1982: A famous ufologist observed a UFO.
• 1990 or 1991: "Pillars" over Troitsk.

"Satellite" Over Yaroslavl. 1979

Eduard Belyaev reported observing an object in the sky near Yaroslavl between January 5-10, 1979. He described it as a "satellite" that moved from east to west, then changed direction to the north at a lower speed, and finally turned west at a 30° angle before disappearing over the horizon.

Anonymous Message from an Amateur Astronomer. 1981

An amateur astronomer from Rybinsk recounted a sighting of a UFO in the winter of 1981. After a period of cloudy weather, the sky cleared, and he was informed by a colleague about a strange star below the Big Dipper. Later, he learned that a UFO had appeared on January 27, 1981, and was seen by many people in various locations, particularly near the village of Milyushino. Eyewitnesses described the object as a luminous disc, slightly smaller than the moon, which remained stationary for a time. It emitted white luminous bands and rays. Some observers reported a dark, rectangular opening appearing below the object, and a small star rising from the ground to merge with it. The object then moved towards the horizon and disappeared. The witness also noted that observers from different angles saw a small star rise and merge with the main object. The description is compared to a launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

Famous Ufologist Observed a UFO! 1982

• This section presents a detailed account from ufologist Alexander Evgenievich Semenov regarding a UFO sighting on January 13, 1982, near VDNKh in Moscow. He describes two phases of observation:
• Phase 1 (16:00-16:20): A bright white band, almost like welding, was seen at an altitude of about 0.5° above the horizon. It appeared to increase in size, then changed its orientation from horizontal to vertical, and also exhibited horizontal movements. The color turned red, and it disappeared from view.
• Phase 2 (16:30-16:50): After receiving a phone call about the phenomenon, Semenov and several others observed formations that appeared as a "cigar" shape, black in color, with a thickened end. Its size was comparable to the moon's disk. It slowly moved south, losing its sharp boundaries and resembling a blurred dark cloud. Later, a distinct black dot appeared, hanging motionless above the horizon, larger than any star.

"Pillars" Over Troitsk. 1990 or 1991

Andrei Petrov reported observing strange, bright "pillars" with white internal luminescence over Moscow from the Red Pakhra area in Troitsk, Moscow Oblast, in late January 1990-91. He described them as being at least 50 meters in size, with a square behind them also exhibiting luminescence. The phenomenon lasted about 15 minutes before fading. He noted that passersby did not seem to notice it.

Investigation

Mikhail Gerstein

#### "MEXICAN DISEASE" – ALIENS OR CRIMINAL EXPERIMENTS?

This section discusses the phenomenon of sudden memory loss, often referred to as "Mexican disease," which affects individuals who cannot recall their past but retain their skills. The V.P. Serbsky Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry is treating 14 such patients, most of whom have gradually regained their memory. The article highlights the case of a doctor from Moscow who, despite being a candidate of physical and mathematical sciences, had no memory of his identity or family. The article suggests that the memory loss might be due to external psychotropic influences or criminal experiments.

It details the case of a man found in Vyazma who had lost his memory, and similar cases in Kazan and Volgograd, totaling about 17 individuals across Russia. Moscow alone has seen 14 such cases. The center is working to understand this phenomenon, with one patient initially claiming to be from Kaluga, then recalling being in Rostov and Chisinau, and eventually speaking Greek. This patient, despite his memory loss, possesses skills like driving, foreign languages, swimming, and shooting.

Tatiana Dmitrieva, director of the V.P. Serbsky Center, explains that they encountered similar cases about two years prior, where patients in the Kaluga region arrived with identical, previously undescribed pathologies. These individuals were mentally healthy but had lost their biographical memory. The center has identified 17 such cases and is seeking more patients. They have successfully restored memory and found relatives for three patients. The causes of these memory gaps are not fully understood, but external chemical or electromagnetic influences are suspected, rather than just severe stress. The center has developed methods to help patients with this condition.

The article also mentions the case of Peter Fleck, a German businessman who disappeared and was found three weeks later in Kamyshin, Volgograd Oblast, with his memory erased. This led some ufologists to suspect alien involvement, but the recovered memories do not align with typical abduction scenarios.

Glossary

• Crisis Theory: The theory that societies in crisis tend to "turn to mysticism," leading to an increase in UFO sightings. The article argues this theory is flawed as it doesn't explain simultaneous UFO waves in non-crisis regions or waves during stable periods.
• Cryptomnesia: A psychological phenomenon where forgotten information resurfaces in consciousness during critical situations or illness, perceived as telepathic information or mixed with real memories. Skeptics explain shared narratives of UFO abductees by this phenomenon, suggesting they may have subconsciously absorbed elements from fictional works.
• Kritters: A term coined by Luciano Boccone for "invisible creatures" allegedly captured on infrared and ultraviolet film. Later analysis suggested Boccone's conclusions were unfounded, and the term is now sometimes misused to describe visible objects.
• Rings on the Ice: Mysterious circular formations found in frozen rivers and lakes, with a cut-out "disk" floating in the center. While often explained by currents, this explanation is insufficient for cases occurring overnight or on ponds without currents. Some witnesses claim these rings formed after UFOs hovered overhead.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section reviews current ufological periodicals and new books.

Rating System: [+] Immediately throw in the trash; [++] Complete nonsense; [+++] So-so, can be read for interest; [++++] Not bad; [+++++] Excellent, highly recommended.

• "Lost Secrets of Nazi Technology" by Gary Hyland: The reviewer criticizes this book for combining conspiracy theories, Nazism, and ufology, suggesting that modern UFOs are a legacy of Nazi "flying discs." The reviewer recommends Kevin McClure's investigation "The Nazi UFO Mythos" as a counterpoint.
• "Parallel Worlds" compiled by Corrin Kenner and Craig Miller: This collection of letters from eyewitnesses of anomalous phenomena and "miracles" published in the American magazine "FATE" is presented. The reviewer expresses skepticism about some of the stories, despite notarized testimonies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and related phenomena. It also delves into scientific and psychological mysteries, such as space exploration advancements and the unexplained "memory erasure syndrome." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories while also offering critical analysis and skepticism where appropriate, as seen in the book reviews and the discussion of the "Crisis Theory."

Title: Тайная Доктрина (Secret Doctrine)
Issue Date: December 2003 (Issue No. 23)
Content Focus: Anomalous phenomena, UFOs, inventions, and unusual events.

Announcements

The Geographical Society in St. Petersburg announced upcoming meetings. On February 18, 2004, at 6:30 PM, M. V. Vinogradova will speak on "The Birth of Worlds, the Sun, and the Earth," and O. C. Toropov will discuss "Anti-gravity and UFOs." On February 25, 2004, A. P. Smirnov will present on "Awareness of Knowledge and Human Superpowers." The society's address is given as Grivtsova Lane, Building 10, near Sennaya Square metro station.

Miscellaneous

Perpetual Motion Machine Invented in Severodvinsk?

The magazine reports on a claimed invention by Sergey Murakhin, a pensioner from Severodvinsk, who has patented a "hydro-pneumatic engine." According to the agency "Dvina-Inform," this device, powered by a standard electrical outlet, supposedly generates two to three times more electricity than it consumes. Murakhin, a former worker at "Sevmashpredpriyatiye" and "Zvezdochka," has spent ten years developing this engine, which he calls "perpetual." He claims the principle is eternal, as it operates on water and air, and the materials used will last for 10 to 200 years. The operation of the machine produces a significant noise due to a modified vacuum cleaner pump. Representatives from enterprises involved in nuclear shipbuilding have shown interest, with an experimental model being built with assistance from the "Polyarnaya zvezda" (Polar Star) factory. Sergey Zheleznyov, head of marketing at "Polyarnaya zvezda," described the invention as a "symbiosis" combining principles of water and wind mills, yielding positive results. Specialists suggest its use for saving electricity in homes and rural areas. The article notes that a perpetual motion machine contradicts the laws of energy conservation, but a device with external energy input (from sources like wind, atmospheric pressure, or temperature differences) is plausible. The author questions what unconventional energy source Murakhin might be utilizing.

Mass Hallucination or Witchcraft?

A letter from residents of the villages of Novoandreevka and Kharitonovka in the Simferopolsky district of Crimea, published in the newspaper "Taynaya Doktrina" shortly before New Year's, describes a disturbing phenomenon. They report that a "woman-horse" has appeared in their villages. This entity is described as having hooves instead of legs and wearing a long black coat. It reportedly walks unnaturally, making hoof-clacking sounds, and has allegedly attacked lone passersby, with some victims mentioned. The creature first appeared in August and has been causing terror since. The letter is signed by several residents, including Eugenia I., Lyubov D., Natalya S., and others from Novoandreevka. The article references a report in "Taynaya Doktrina," December 2003, No. 23, titled "The Woman-Horse Terrifies Villagers."

News

Meteorites...

The issue includes a list of illustrations for issue No. 70, mentioning "News" and "Meteorites." Accompanying images show two meteorite samples with a 5 cm scale bar, a map of Spain showing the trajectory of a bolide on January 4, 2004, and images related to space exploration, including what appears to be debris from a spacecraft or satellite and a colorful Martian landscape.

Reports from the Scene

UFO over Riga

A brief report with an accompanying image suggests a UFO sighting over Riga.

Conclusion

The issue concludes with a note that the publication was completed at 11 PM on January 31, 2004, compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gerstein from St. Petersburg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Тайная Доктрина" appears to focus on fringe science, unexplained phenomena, and eyewitness accounts of the unusual. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these claims and events, sometimes with a degree of skepticism (as in the perpetual motion machine article) and sometimes with an open invitation for investigation (as in the 'woman-horse' case). The magazine covers a range of topics from technological claims to alleged paranormal encounters and astronomical events, reflecting an interest in the unexplained and extraordinary.