UFO Navigator - No 087 - 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," the Russian ufological digest, dated August 2005 (N 8, 0087), focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, including crop circles, poltergeist activity, and recent astronomical discoveries. The cover prominently features a quote from Vladimir Vysotsky and highlights key topics such as the authenticity of crop circles, the parapsychological perspective on poltergeists, and the discovery of a tenth planet in the solar system.

Main Articles and Reports

The Passing of Philip Klass, the UFO Skeptic

The issue reports the death of Philip Klass on August 9, 2005, at the age of 86. Klass was a renowned scientist, writer, and for 35 years, the editor of 'Aviation Week and Space Technology.' In the UFO community, he was known by the pseudonym William Tenn and as the editor of the critical bulletin 'Skeptics UFO Newsletter,' where he was a prominent 'arch-skeptic' and debunker of UFO claims. An asteroid, 1983 RMZ/7277, was officially renamed 'Klass' in his honor. The article includes Klass's "last will and testament" to ufologists, a 'ufological curse' stating that they would never truly understand UFOs.

Crop Circles Near Syktyvkar: A Clever Advertisement

On July 15, 2005, crop circles were discovered near Syktyvkar, Russia. Initially reported as a mysterious phenomenon, the creators later revealed themselves. Representatives from the creative agency 'Sergey Nagikh' and 'So-Deystvie' admitted to creating the circles as a form of advertising. They used a galvanized tin cylinder, weighted with a sandbag, dragged by a rope to form the patterns. The circles were made on the night of July 14-15.

Later in the issue, it's mentioned that similar crop circles were created for the new logo of the computer center 'So-Deystvie.' The emblem, a circle with 'C' and 'O' inside, was intended to symbolize continuous improvement and attract attention.

However, not all crop circles were easily explained. One appeared in a buckwheat field near Tolyatti, Russia. Witnesses reported seeing UFOs the same night. A local ufologist measured the Tolyatti circle to be nearly sixty meters in diameter with straight lines extending up to two hundred meters. Night surveillance footage from a nearby customs building showed no human activity, suggesting the formation occurred spontaneously.

Radio Interference Continues: The Space is Becoming Noisier

This section discusses the increasing amount of radio signals being broadcast into space, potentially interceptable by extraterrestrials. The company 'MindComet' announced its service to transmit internet diaries into space via satellite. The idea is to add internet logs to existing information to provide potential extraterrestrials with a better understanding of humanity. Ted Murphy, president of 'MindComet,' stated that this allows leading diarists to send a piece of their lives into space.

Concerns are raised about the potential for these signals to be understood by alien life. Dr. Lucy Green from the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in London questioned whether alien life forms could decipher these signals. The article also touches upon the 'Sundor-A' virus, which caused computer malfunctions and displayed messages like 'I am an alien. Good week. I like your computer,' highlighting the growing intersection of technology, potential alien contact, and cyber threats.

Gary McKinnon's Claims of UFO Discoveries in NASA Computers

The hacker Gary McKinnon, who allegedly breached 53 US government computer networks in search of UFO information, shared his findings from NASA networks. He reported finding a list of names titled 'Extraterrestrial Commanders' and lists of 'fleet-to-fleet transfers' and ship names, which he believed were spacecraft names. McKinnon admitted to smoking marijuana at the time and not remembering specific names. He also found images of cigar-shaped objects, which he thought might be UFOs but could also be satellites. He described the experience as a game. McKinnon also acknowledged accidentally deleting files from government computers but denied being a 'master hacker,' noting that other hackers from various countries were also active on these networks.

UFO in St. Petersburg or Ball Lightning?

On August 2, 2005, an unusual phenomenon was observed in the Krasnoselsky district of St. Petersburg. Witnesses reported seeing glowing spheres that appeared and disappeared over rooftops for about 20 minutes. The event was captured on video. Accounts from other districts of St. Petersburg also described flashes of light. While some suggested it could be ball lightning due to potential potential differences in clouds, the scale of the observation led to speculation about its true nature.

'Angel Hair' Fall in Vermont

On July 20, 2005, strange threads, described as 'angel hair,' fell from clouds near West Guilford, Vermont. Witnesses described seeing unusual, fiery threads falling from clouds. The phenomenon was also reportedly seen in Exeter, New Hampshire.

A New Planet in the Solar System?

American scientists claim to have discovered a tenth planet in the solar system. This planet, provisionally known as 2003UB313, is reportedly larger than Pluto and is located at a distance 97 times greater than Earth's from the Sun. It was photographed in October 2003, and its size was calculated recently. The discovery has sparked debate about Pluto's planetary status. Two groups of scientists independently discovered the object, with the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics naming it 2003 EL61 and the American team, using the Gemini telescope, naming it K40506A.

Triple Asteroid Discovered

On August 11, 2005, at a conference in Brazil, astronomers announced the discovery of a third satellite orbiting the asteroid (87) Sylvia. This makes (87) Sylvia the first known triple asteroid. The two satellites, Remus and Romulus, have different orbital periods and distances from the main asteroid.

Space News

Astronomers are calculating the probability of asteroid (99942) Apophis colliding with Earth, with a pessimistic forecast suggesting a 1 in 37 chance on April 13, 2029. The MESSENGER probe to Mercury performed a gravitational maneuver near Earth on August 2, 2005. A rocket carrying the 'Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter' was launched from Cape Canaveral on August 12, 2005, for a new cycle of surface research on Mars.

Cassini's Encounter with Enceladus

The Cassini spacecraft conducted a flyby of Saturn's moon Enceladus at a distance of 175 km. Data confirmed Enceladus has an atmosphere, primarily composed of water vapor, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. The presence of a geothermally active source is suggested. The low gravity of Enceladus implies a constant release of water vapor, indicating possible volcanic activity on the icy moon.

Following Up on Publications

Reports from the 'Obninsk-Kosmopoisk' group mention a similar forest flattening incident in the Kaluga region, similar to one previously reported in the Khabarovsk Krai. Former employees of the Baikonur Cosmodrome confirm UFO sightings over the facility in 1994, describing a bright, pink cylindrical pillar that appeared and rotated.

Reports from the Field

Glowing Objects Over Zheleznogorsk: A witness recounts seeing a glowing sphere over Zheleznogorsk in 2003, describing it as a bright point with emanating rays that later expanded into a sphere before 'exploding' into expanding rings. The witness suggests these might be related to launches from the Kapustin Yar rocket range.

Ural Petroglyphs: Traces of Paleocontact? The article discusses ancient rock carvings ('petroglyphs') found along the Tagil River. Vladimir Avinsky, a candidate of geological-mineralogical sciences, believes these carvings represent schemes of chemical substances, suggesting they might have been transmitted by extraterrestrial visitors to ancient humans.

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

This section briefly lists past UFO-related events: a 'close encounter' in Ukraine (1953), a yellow-red disk over Tsimlyansk (1967), 'flying stars' near Novosibirsk (1979), and a rhomboid object over Magnitogorsk (1991).

#### Close Encounter in Ukraine, 1953

A detailed account from Lina Ivanovna Kravets describes an encounter in the Poltava Oblast, Ukraine. She recounts seeing a bright, hovering sphere and later meeting three tall beings who claimed to be extraterrestrials searching for their companions who had previously visited Earth and disappeared. The beings demonstrated advanced technology, including the ability to melt brick with a device, and discussed human wars and the nature of their civilization.

#### Yellow-Red Disk Over Tsimlyansk, 1967

Senior engineer B. A. Dmitriev and chief constructors L. P. Babin and A. L. Zuoes observed a disk-shaped object, yellow-red in color and about four times smaller than the Moon, moving across the sky near Tsimlyansk. The object had a fiery tail and its flight lasted about two minutes.

#### 'Flying Stars' Near Novosibirsk, 1979

Natalia Mikhailovna Dorofeeva recounts seeing an unusual phenomenon during a rainy night near Novosibirsk. She describes a bright 'star' that appeared, moved slowly, and then disappeared. Her husband initially thought it was a comet, but she later recalled descriptions of UFOs that matched her experience.

#### Rhomboid Object Over Magnitogorsk or a Launch? 1991

Witnesses in Magnitogorsk reported seeing a silent, glowing rhomboid object with lights moving at a considerable speed. This was followed by the appearance of a large, transparent, luminous sphere. While a rocket launch from Plesetsk that night could explain the latter phenomenon, it doesn't fully account for the initial rhomboid object.

Investigation

What is Poltergeist?

This section delves into the phenomenon of poltergeists, explaining the term's origin and its association with noisy, disruptive events, often involving the movement of furniture and objects. The article links poltergeist activity to living individuals and suggests it might be caused by psychokinesis (PK). It references historical accounts and research by figures like Robert Boyle, Francis Perrot, and others, categorizing cases from 1612 to 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and alleged extraterrestrial encounters from a perspective that is open to possibilities, even while acknowledging skeptical viewpoints (as exemplified by the inclusion of Philip Klass's critical stance). There's a focus on witness accounts, scientific investigations (or lack thereof), and the broader implications of these events for humanity's understanding of the universe and its place within it. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these phenomena, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing context through historical cases and scientific commentary.

This issue of the International Journal of Parapsychology, Volume 16, Number 1, published in January-March 1974 by the Parapsychology Foundation, focuses on the phenomenon of poltergeists. The cover headline, "POLTERGEISTS: THE GHOSTS OF THE LIVING," and the accompanying illustration of a ghostly hand set the theme for an in-depth exploration of these unexplained events.

Analysis of Poltergeist Cases (1950-1974)

The journal begins by analyzing a significant number of poltergeist cases, primarily from 1950 to 1974. The author notes that the data varies in persuasiveness, with some cases being weak and others more robust, supported by multiple investigators. The reliability of witness testimony is discussed, acknowledging the potential for misperception and faulty memory, especially with unusual phenomena. However, the sheer volume of cases suggests that genuine effects are present.

The analysis considers the professions of witnesses, finding that a notable percentage (25 out of 116) were members of parapsychological research organizations. Police officers, public officials, psychologists, doctors, scientists, lawyers, clergy, and educators also served as witnesses. The presence of individuals with professional training in observation and reporting is seen as enhancing the reliability of the data. In many cases, witnesses were not family members, and a substantial number had professional backgrounds, lending credibility to their accounts.

However, the author cautions that the collected cases might not be entirely representative. There's a possibility that cases with prolonged phenomena or dramatic physical manifestations were more likely to be reported and included, potentially overshadowing shorter or less dramatic events. The selection criteria might also favor cases that occurred in the presence of outside observers.

Geographic Distribution

The majority of reported poltergeist cases originate from the United States (31 cases), followed by the British Isles (England, Scotland, Ireland) with 26 cases, and then Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with 21 cases. Other European countries also contributed a significant number of reports. Cases from outside Europe and the United States are less common, possibly due to factors like media accessibility and the prevalence of parapsychological interest in these regions.

The Role of the Focal Person

A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the concept of the 'focal person' – an individual around whom the phenomena seem to center. Out of 116 cases, 92 appear to be linked to a specific person, sometimes two. This association is consistent across different time periods, though the increase in cases with focal persons is not statistically significant. Notably, in most cases, the phenomena ceased when the focal person fell asleep, suggesting a direct connection.

Gender and Age of Focal Persons

Among the 92 cases with identified focal persons, women were more frequently involved (56 cases) than men (36 cases). However, the author suggests that the gender of the focal person generally does not significantly impact the phenomena. The age range of focal persons varied from 8 to 78 years, with an average age of around 13-14 years for both genders, though specific averages for different time periods show some variation.

Types of Phenomena: Object Movement, Sounds, and Light

The journal details various manifestations of poltergeist activity. Object movement was frequently reported, with phenomena described as 'floating,' 'rocking,' 'zigzagging,' 'circular,' and 'trembling.' Changes in speed and trajectory were also noted. Auditory phenomena, such as loud knocking or tapping, were common, often occurring alongside object movement. In some instances, luminous points or lights were observed.

Interestingly, some moved objects were reported to feel warm or cold, and some rooms experienced sudden temperature changes. The author explores the possibility that poltergeist events might begin with sounds and escalate to object movement. The data suggests that while both occur, the distinction might not be statistically significant, but it's possible that sound-only events are underreported.

Duration of Phenomena

Poltergeist events can vary greatly in duration, ranging from a single day to several years. The average duration across 98 cases was about 5.1 months, though the median was only 2 months. The author notes fluctuations in average duration across different historical periods, possibly due to the inclusion of very long-duration cases in the earlier and later periods.

The Effect of Distance and Focusing

The concept of 'focusing' is introduced, describing how poltergeist phenomena tend to repeatedly affect specific objects, types of objects, or locations. This suggests that the focal person's proximity or prolonged presence in a certain area can influence where and how the phenomena manifest. The author discusses how this focusing effect can make research more manageable, allowing investigators to concentrate on specific areas or items.

Experimental Investigations

The journal recounts several experimental attempts to study poltergeist phenomena under controlled conditions. These investigations often involved monitoring specific locations or objects that had previously exhibited activity. Researchers aimed to eliminate trickery by carefully examining the environment and the objects themselves. Experiments included attempts to induce object movement and auditory phenomena, with varying degrees of success. The use of recording devices like tape recorders and movie cameras is highlighted as crucial for documenting these events.

The Influence of Observers

A significant section is dedicated to the influence of observers on poltergeist activity. The author analyzed cases to determine whether the presence of observers hindered, had no effect on, or even facilitated the phenomena. While a large number of observers sometimes seemed to inhibit activity, in many cases, their presence had no discernible effect or even contributed to the events. The author suggests that the observer's psychological state or their interaction with the focal person might play a role.

Cases of Deception

The journal acknowledges that deception or trickery can be a factor in some reported poltergeist cases. The author distinguishes between 'imitative' deception (where trickery mimics genuine phenomena) and 'complete' deception (where no genuine phenomena occur). The analysis indicates that while trickery is present in some cases, it does not invalidate the study of genuine poltergeist effects. The average age of individuals caught in deception was slightly lower than the average age of focal persons, suggesting that younger individuals might be more prone to such behavior.

Research Methods and Findings

Experimental research, such as that conducted by J. Pratt, involved creating controlled environments to observe phenomena. The use of instruments like voltage recorders and video cameras helped document unusual occurrences, such as electrical disturbances and object movements. The study of unusual trajectories of moving objects was also emphasized as a key area for investigation.

Other Observational Effects

Further observations include phenomena like 'stone showers' where stones passed through solid roofs, and the peculiar effect where direct observation of an object seemed to prevent it from moving, while looking away allowed it to move. This suggests a complex interaction between the observer and the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the scientific investigation of poltergeist phenomena, moving beyond anecdotal accounts to rigorous analysis of case data and experimental findings. The recurring themes are the identification and role of the 'focal person,' the diverse manifestations of psychokinesis (object movement, sounds), the influence of the environment and observers, and the challenge of distinguishing genuine phenomena from trickery. The journal adopts a stance of cautious but open inquiry, seeking to understand the underlying mechanisms of these unexplained events through systematic research.

This issue of the International Journal of Parapsychology, Volume 16, Number 1, published in January-March 1974, features a comprehensive investigation into "POLTERGEISTS: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THEIR NATURE AND ORIGIN" by J. G. Pratt. The journal, published by the Parapsychology Foundation, Inc., with a cover price of $2.50, delves into over 116 cases spanning four centuries and 17 countries, exploring the complex and often paradoxical nature of these phenomena.

The Nature of Poltergeist Phenomena

The article begins by examining the relationship between direct observation and the manifestation of poltergeist activity, noting that in a significant number of cases, direct observation did not seem to influence or even appeared to prevent the movement of objects. The author suggests methods for controlled observation that minimize observer interference, such as using remote viewing or electronic surveillance like video recording.

Apparitions, Voices, and Other Effects

A substantial portion of the study is dedicated to analyzing various manifestations beyond simple object movement. These include apparitions of human figures, animals, and demons, as well as auditory phenomena like distinct voices, whispers, singing, and various other sounds interpreted as wind, whistling, moans, laughter, or screams. The research indicates that in a significant number of cases, these phenomena were not isolated but occurred simultaneously with other poltergeist activities. The article notes a trend towards a reduction in the frequency of apparitions and voices over the four periods studied, suggesting a possible decrease in the tendency to personify poltergeist activity.

Information Transmission

Beyond visual and auditory phenomena, the study highlights instances of information being transmitted through direct writing on walls, ouija boards, and mediumistic communications. These messages, sometimes accompanied by coded knocks, often supplemented information received from apparitions and voices. The research found that in many cases, the identity of the 'sender' of this information could be established, with categories including deceased individuals, demons, and imaginary people.

The Poltergeist Medium

Physical and Psychological Characteristics

The investigation reveals that a significant percentage of poltergeist mediums (53%) suffered from physical or psychological deficiencies. Many exhibited conditions such as seizures, dissociation, or a predisposition to such states. The study identifies a correlation between these conditions and the occurrence of poltergeist phenomena, with a notable increase in the number of affected mediums in the fourth period of the study, possibly due to improved diagnostic methods and increased interest in the medium.

Provoking Factors

The research identifies several factors that appear to trigger or coincide with the onset of poltergeist activity. These include family changes, such as deaths or the relocation of the family or the medium. Stressful situations, such as puberty, illness, or unusual social adjustments, are also implicated. The article notes that while some cases were linked to the presence of ghosts or spirits, others began shortly after a death in the family or a significant stressor.

Attempts to Stop Poltergeist Phenomena

Religious and Spiritual Methods

The study examines various methods employed to cease poltergeist activity, with religious and spiritual interventions being the most common. However, the findings suggest that these methods, including exorcism and other rituals, were largely ineffective. In many instances, the phenomena either continued unabated, intensified, or ceased independently of the rituals, making it difficult to establish a causal link.

Relocation and Other Measures

Relocation of the focal person or the entire family was found to be a more effective strategy in reducing the duration of poltergeist phenomena. The data indicates that cases where the focal person moved away tended to have shorter durations compared to the overall average. Other measures, such as the dismissal of a servant or the sending of a child to live with relatives, were also employed, with varying degrees of success.

A Psychophysical Model of Poltergeist Phenomena

The Role of the Central Nervous System

The article proposes a psychophysical model for poltergeist phenomena, suggesting a connection between the mind and matter. It posits that poltergeist activity arises from a combination of psychological stress and underlying physiological conditions, particularly those affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The study highlights the prevalence of epilepsy-like symptoms and predispositions among mediums.

Energy and CNS Transmission

Exploring the energetic aspects of poltergeist phenomena, the research draws parallels with concepts of energy transmission. Theories are discussed suggesting that electrical energy from brain cells might be converted into a form of energy that influences the environment, producing physical effects. The study notes that the way objects move under the influence of poltergeist activity, such as levitation and changes in speed and direction, suggests a directed energy process.

Conclusions

Summary of Findings

The comprehensive review of poltergeist cases across different eras and cultures reveals common elements such as object displacement and percussive sounds. The research underscores the importance of the 'focus' or medium in these phenomena and points towards a potential link with CNS disorders, including epilepsy. The psychophysical model suggests that poltergeist activity is a manifestation of both physical and mental processes, where the boundaries between the internal world of the mind and the external physical world become blurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the frontiers of parapsychology, presenting detailed case studies and theoretical frameworks for understanding anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, seeking to explain seemingly inexplicable events through empirical research and the development of new theoretical models. The focus on the psychophysical nature of phenomena and the potential role of CNS disorders reflects a commitment to exploring the complex interplay between mind, body, and environment.

This issue of NEXUS magazine, dated August 1987 (Volume 8, Issue 8/87), focuses on anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs and related topics. The cover headline is 'Crop Circles...' and features an image of crop circles with an annotation suggesting they resemble lightning patterns. The issue includes a 'Our Dictionary' section featuring Vladimir Migulin.

Vladimir Migulin: Physicist and UFO Researcher

The article details the life and career of Vladimir Migulin (1911-), a renowned physicist. He headed IZMIRAN (Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism and Radio Wave Propagation of the USSR Academy of Sciences) for 20 years and, from 1977 to 1991, led the 'Setka-AN' program for studying UFOs. Migulin's background includes studies at the Leningrad Physicotechnical Institute and work at FIAN. He was a candidate of sciences by 1937 and a doctor of sciences by 1946. His career involved work in theoretical geophysics, radar research, and nuclear physics, including involvement with the development of a new cyclotron. He also served as director of the Sukhumi Physicotechnical Institute and later as deputy general director of IAEA in Vienna. Migulin was known for his skeptical approach to UFO phenomena, often attributing sightings to natural or man-made causes. He famously stated that extraterrestrial spacecraft were impossible, saying, 'because it cannot be ever.' He believed that most reports could be explained by technological and natural phenomena, though he conceded some observations remained unexplained.

Critiques of Migulin's Stance

The article presents a critical view of Migulin's position, citing F. Yu. Siegel, who participated in the early stages of the 'Setka-AN' program. Siegel claims Migulin was dismissive of UFO reports, even suggesting he fabricated information. The text quotes Migulin from an interview in 'Leninskoye Znamya' (November 11, 1979), where he called the idea of alien visitation 'stupidity and speculation' and argued that scientists should focus on logical explanations for unusual facts. He also suggested that many 'flying saucer' sightings were actually lost probes from spacecraft. The article implies that Migulin's stance was similar to the outdated 'Blue Book' approach and that he was engaged in disinformation. The author criticizes Migulin for avoiding specific case analyses and for his 'stubborn prejudice' against anything fundamentally new.

MILAB Project: Military Abductions

This section explains the MILAB project, an acronym for 'MILitary ABduction.' Founded by Austrian ufologist Helmut Lammer, the project investigates cases where alleged UFO abductees are later claimed to have been experimented on by military personnel. Lammer's research, based on hypnosis sessions, suggests that military doctors 'zombie' abductees, splitting their minds into two personalities: 'A' (the primary personality) and 'B' (a specially trained personality for specific tasks on the 'saucer'). Personality 'B' is activated by a code word, and 'A' has no memory of 'B's' actions. The article suggests that this technology was developed by Americans in the 1960s and has since been perfected. It posits that the 'B' personality acts as a 'Trojan horse,' a terrestrial spy on board UFOs, and that some abductees have had implants inserted to measure data on the craft.

Mark Milkhiker: The Mystifier

Mark Milkhiker is described as one of the most famous mystifiers who sought to profit from the UFO phenomenon in Russia. He claimed to have witnessed a UFO near Zagorsk on October 27, 1968, with three military personnel. In the late 1970s, he widely distributed a document called 'The Third Appeal to Humanity,' allegedly written by science fiction writer S. Golubev. In 1982, Milkhiker announced the creation of a new science called 'alology' (from ALO - astroleveating object, his term for UFOs) and proposed the establishment of a laboratory for its study. His letter to the government led to an investigation by astronomer L. V. Leskov. Milkhiker's claims included that Americans were developing a formidable weapon based on alology and that Russia needed a similar laboratory. He also claimed to have established contact with an alien named Alen, who communicated through three female contactees. Milkhiker predicted an alien landing near Baikonur in June 1991, offering technological exchange and autonomous living for the aliens. This prediction, along with subsequent claims about a landing near Tashkent, proved to be false. The article details an incident where Milkhiker attempted to stage a UFO landing, involving a hypnotized helicopter pilot, which was exposed by Colonel Nazarenko. Milkhiker's later attempts to gain notoriety, such as predicting the identity of the 'Washington sniper,' also failed.

Mirage: An Optical Illusion

This section defines a mirage as a pronounced optical effect caused by the refraction of light rays in the Earth's atmosphere. It explains that while refraction usually causes minor deviations, extreme variations in air density can lead to dramatic distortions of distant objects, making them appear doubled, inverted, or altered in size. The article notes that mirages have been described since antiquity and can often lead to misinterpretations in ufology, with phenomena like 'cut-off' mountain tops or reflections of ground lights being mistaken for UFOs.

Book Review: 'Closeness with Aliens' by Gennady Belimov

The magazine reviews Gennady Belimov's book 'Closeness with Aliens: Mysteries of 6th Kind Contacts' (2005). The book explores the controversial topic of sexual contact between humans and aliens. The review notes that such claims were initially met with skepticism even within ufology circles, often attributed to psychological deviations. However, as more individuals came forward with similar experiences, the topic gained attention. Belimov, a researcher from the Volgograd region, collected documentary evidence and used hypnosis to gather information. The review states that while some cases in the book might be from 'yellow press,' Belimov's personal contributions are invaluable to ufology.

Announcements and Miscellaneous

This section includes announcements for the sixth issue of 'NEXUS' magazine and a piece titled 'Anomalous Spam in Russia!' detailing a mass email offering expeditions to anomalous zones in Russia, including the Tunguska event site and the Vilyuy River 'cauldrons.' It also mentions expeditions to investigate the 'Snowman' and the 'Labyrkyr Lake monster.'

The 'Holy Fire' Ceremony Debunked

This article critically examines the 'descent of the Holy Fire' ceremony in Jerusalem, a widely believed miracle. Alexander Musin, a candidate of theology, argues that the event is not a miracle but a fabricated ritual. He cites historical accounts, including those from the 1122 charter of the Holy Sepulchre, which describe how the fire is lit from a hidden lamp. The article suggests that the perpetuation of this 'myth' is a deliberate deception, particularly in Russia during the stagnant period of the 1970s, and that the current decline in theological education contributes to its acceptance. Musin concludes that presenting this as a divine event is a conscious deception bordering on blasphemy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and interpretation of anomalous phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by its debunking of Mark Milkhiker's hoaxes and the 'Holy Fire' miracle. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance leans towards rational and scientific explanations, as exemplified by the critical portrayal of Vladimir Migulin's skepticism and the detailed explanation of mirages. The inclusion of the MILAB project suggests an interest in exploring the more controversial and speculative aspects of UFO abduction claims, albeit with a critical eye. The magazine also seems to promote its own publications and related research through announcements and book reviews.