UFO Navigator - No 090 - 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," the Russian Ufological Digest, from November 2005 (N 11 (0090)), focuses on a variety of ufological topics, including alleged alien autopsy films, the psychology behind UFO beliefs, and mass sightings in Crimea and the Baltics. The issue features a quote from Docent Ulf Ringström of Stockholm, who suggests that some UFOs may be cosmic ships based on their structure and witness testimonies.

Main Topics

The cover highlights several key themes: the controversy surrounding a film about an alien autopsy, the psychological aspects of UFO belief (exploring faith, superstition, and psychology), and mass UFO sightings in Crimea and the Baltic region.

News

The "News" section reports on the 29th Sigel Readings held in Moscow, which for the first time included international guests from Iran. The conference also featured participants from St. Petersburg, including Mikhail Gerstein, editor of "UFO Navigator," and Valery Uvarov, director of the International Center for Ufological Research. The issue promises detailed reports from the conference in its next edition.

Another news item compares belief systems in Great Britain and Russia. A survey in the UK found that people believe more in ghosts than in God, with 68% believing in ghosts and 55% in God. UFOs were believed in by 26% of respondents. In Russia, 58% believe in God, and 35% believe in fate. The survey also noted that 88% of Russians believe resurrection is impossible, though 8% do not rule it out.

Other news items include the death of ufologist Robert Pratt, a discussion on the panspermia theory (life originating from outer space), and the discovery of a "black hole" at the center of the galaxy. There are also brief updates on space news, including NASA's temperature map of Comet Tempel, images from the Cassini probe of Saturn's moon Prometheus, and new findings about Pluto's moons. The issue also mentions the failed landing of the Japanese Hayabusa probe's MINERVA lander on asteroid Itokawa and successful missile launches by Russia and Iran.

Article: "UFOs in Moscow: Who Believes What?"

This article details the 29th Sigel Readings in Moscow, noting the international participation from Iran. It highlights the presence of Mikhail Gerstein and Valery Uvarov. The article suggests that Iranian guests were seeking help from Russian ufologists due to a lack of official support in their own country.

Article: "Great Britain and Russia: Who Believes What?"

This section presents survey results comparing paranormal beliefs in the UK and Russia. In the UK, belief in ghosts (68%) outranked belief in God (55%), with 26% believing in UFOs and 4% in the Loch Ness Monster. The article notes that thematic TV shows influenced belief in the supernatural for about three-quarters of Britons. In Russia, belief in God is similar (58%), but belief in fate is also significant (35%). Russians also show belief in omens (21%), horoscopes (9%), magic (8%), and aliens (6%). A large majority (88%) disbelieve in resurrection, with skeptics being even more dismissive.

Article: "British Ufological Statistics"

The Ministry of Defence of Great Britain released data on UFO reports over 20 years. While these reports remain unexplained, they have not yielded new understanding. The number of reports varied annually, with a peak in 1996 (609) and a low in 2002 (100). Military officials suggest the "grey alien" stereotype originated from Hollywood, specifically Steven Spielberg's 1977 film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." They state that radar systems monitor airspace, but most UFO reports are too vague to warrant further investigation, and none have indicated a threat.

Article: "UFOs over the Baltics"

This section reports on UFO sightings in the Baltic region. In early November, multiple UFOs were observed over the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. Evgeny Tribukh of Kaliningrad Oblast described a bright object that grew, changed colors, and then disappeared. Despite official denials from the Baltic Fleet, local residents reported unusual aerial phenomena. The press service suggested the sightings could be reflections of the setting sun or aurora borealis.

Article: "The 'Greys' - Matrix of Childhood Memories?"

This article explores a psychological theory by Frederick Malmstrom suggesting that the common description of "grey aliens" (large heads, big eyes) might be a subconscious recognition of a "proto-female face" imprinted in an infant's brain. This innate visual recognition helps newborns react to their mothers. The theory posits that abduction experiences, often recalled under hypnosis, might tap into these deep-seated primal images, explaining why abductees describe aliens resembling this proto-face rather than other significant figures.

Article: "Ufologist Robert Pratt Passes Away"

This obituary commemorates ufologist Robert Pratt, who died on November 19, 2005. Pratt was known for his extensive research in Brazil and his hands-on approach to investigating UFO incidents. He traveled extensively, interviewing over 2000 witnesses and contributing to ufological journals. His work included co-authoring "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" and "UFO Danger In Brazil."

Article: "Humanity - An Alien Seeding?"

Nobel laureate Francis Crick proposed the theory of panspermia, suggesting that life did not originate on Earth but was spread by an advanced civilization via bacteria on meteorites. He believed DNA contains a message from our "creators" that will be deciphered at a later stage. The article also notes that organic nitrogen compounds, essential for life, are abundant in the galaxy, suggesting that life could have arisen independently and widely without external intervention.

Article: "Black Hole at the Center of the Galaxy"

An international team of astronomers, led by Shen Zhiqing from the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, has found evidence of a super-dense "black hole" at the center of the Milky Way. This discovery supports theoretical predictions made by German astronomers based on the unusual behavior of the star Alpha Sagittarius. The "black hole" is estimated to be 150 million km in diameter and have a mass 4 million times that of the Sun, located 26,000 light-years from Earth.

Article: "Crimea Under UFO Surveillance"

This extensive report details numerous UFO sightings in Crimea during September and October 2005. Anton Anfalov, known for his investigations, contributed reports of dark, disk-shaped objects, some with superstructures, hovering and moving at high speeds. Sightings were reported near Simferopol, along the coast, and over the Chatyrdag plateau. One incident involved multiple glowing objects described as cross-shaped or oval, exhibiting erratic movements. Another report describes a sickle-shaped object resembling a boat. The article notes that many sightings occurred on moonless nights and that some objects were photographed, revealing details not visible to the naked eye.

Specific incidents include:

• September 16, 2005: A dark, disk-shaped object observed over Simferopol.
• September 29, 2005: A disk-shaped object with a superstructure seen near Simferopol.
• October 1, 2005: Multiple sightings of bright, fast-moving objects over Simferopol and reports of cross-shaped objects.
• October 7, 2005: A sickle-shaped object observed near Lenin Square.
• October 8, 2005: A chain of glowing objects observed flying in formation.
• September 17, 2005: A red, glowing object seen over the Chatyrdag plateau by ufologists.
• March 5, 2005: Five unusual objects observed over Yalta Bay, initially appearing as red lights forming a cross, then a rhombus and circle.
• August 3 or 4, 2005: A UFO observed flying from the mountains towards Kerch.
• October 11, 2005: A shimmering, bright object observed near the Ayvazovsky sanatorium.
• October 5, 2005: A flying object with three white lights and one green light observed near Perekop.

Article: "Our Calendar (On This Day... Years Ago)"

This section revisits historical UFO accounts:

• 1896: A "flying ship" was observed over Sacramento, California, by hundreds of people, described as a dark, elongated body with wheels and wings.
• 1974: A report on the "Tinro-2" and UFOs.
• 1978: Cigar-shaped objects observed over Moscow.
• 1989: Humanoids reported in Petrozavodsk.
• 1991: A discussion on "Contact," witchcraft, or mental illness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the psychological factors influencing belief in the paranormal, and the potential for extraterrestrial life or influence. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from scientific investigations and statistical analyses to anecdotal reports and historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to consider various explanations while acknowledging the unexplained aspects. The inclusion of historical cases and psychological theories suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the field. The magazine also highlights the work of ufologists and researchers, both contemporary and historical, underscoring the ongoing nature of UFO investigation.

This issue of "UFO: The Magazine of New UFO Discoveries" (Volume 10, Issue 10, November 1997) focuses on alleged UFO sightings and a controversial film purported to show an alien autopsy. The cover headline highlights "The Roswell Cover-Up: The Truth About the Alien Autopsy Film," and the price is $4.95.

Sightings and Phenomena

The magazine presents several eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena:

San Francisco, 1974 An object appeared over San Francisco around 90 miles offshore, observed by thousands, including the mayor. It then proceeded over the Pacific Ocean, its downward-shining spotlight scaring seals.

Observation from the vessel "TINRO-2", 1974 Submariner M. I. Girs described a strange natural phenomenon observed on the right side of the vessel "TINRO-2" in the Dassit Bank area of the Atlantic Ocean. He reported a giant, luminous cloud of almost perfect circular shape appearing as dusk fell. A glowing point with a tail moved erratically within its center. The cloud grew, and the tail changed position. Three such clouds appeared, overlapping each other. They were luminous and resembled the moon but were much dimmer. The crew could not identify the phenomenon. The report, from M. I. Girs' article "TINRO-2 in the Ocean" in "Sudo-stroenie" (1977), is dated shortly after November 19, 1974. The magazine notes that on November 22, 1974, a similar phenomenon was observed on Madeira, the Canary Islands, and by a fishing vessel off the coast of Africa. While photos were taken, it was later revealed that an American submarine conducted test launches of four "Poseidon" missiles that day. The discrepancy of three clouds versus four missiles is questioned.

Cigar-oids over Moscow, 1978 On November 1, 1978, at approximately 7:15 AM, Albina Guseva, an electromechanic at the Ostankino TV center, was called by her son to observe an object in the sky. She described a white-blue glowing cigar-shaped object that hovered motionless. After a few seconds, it moved away in jumps, slightly to the south, and disappeared within 4-5 minutes. Later, at 7:45 AM, she observed another cigar-shaped object emerge from behind a pipe and perform a loop maneuver before hovering motionless, similar to the first sighting. This account is cited from F. Yu. Siegel's "Phenomenon of UFOs in 1978."

Humanoids in Petrozavodsk, 1989 Valentina Khotina contacted the editorial office of a youth newspaper in Petrozavodsk to report seeing two figures on the morning of November 9, around 5:25 AM. She described them as moving along a path in a birch grove. The figures were described as "athletic" women in tight, light-brown suits, moving forward with an unnatural forward lean, as if "swimming" on tiptoes. Their arms were raised, making it unclear if they had heads. The figures approached a gazebo and began to converge. A silvery reflection appeared around them, and a glow, initially about ten centimeters from the figures, began to grow, resembling a sunflower with bright orange petals. This lasted for five to seven minutes. Khotina became frightened and moved away from the window. The next day, she met an acquaintance who reported hearing an unusual conversation near the grove that morning.

"Contact", Witchcraft or Mental Illness? 1991 A letter published in Alexander Aksenov's book "The Healer Against Evil Spirits" (1996) recounts an experience from November 2, 1991. The author, after drinking vodka, saw a pyramid-shaped object emitting multi-colored lights. He then saw a transparent woman who beckoned him. Frightened, he ran home. He described seeing a flying apparatus like a "nightstand with a TV" in a neighbor's yard, accompanied by two tall, black-suited figures. A laser-like beam struck his eyes, causing him to fall. He felt energy falling on him and realized he was being sought. His mother believed he was hallucinating. The experience continued until morning. Later, a woman with an Eastern appearance spoke to him telepathically, offering him a better life. He agreed to go with her, and they looked at a television screen that showed a man and woman engaged in intimacy. He was told to meet them at 2 PM the next day for a "tram" to a ship. He went to the meeting spot but saw a yellow "tram" approach from the railway line. As he approached, it moved away. He then saw a "Volga" car arrive, and the presence of the driver caused the phenomenon to disappear. He later realized they were leading him towards a train. The account also describes a black sphere rolling towards him at night, causing a sensation of heart stoppage and immobility, which only stopped when his wife woke up.

Investigation: "Alien Autopsy" - A Fake

This section critically examines the film presented as an alien autopsy, attributed to Ray Santilli.

The Film's Origins and Claims In January 1995, Reg Presley, a rock singer interested in UFOs, appeared on a morning TV show claiming to have a documentary about the autopsy of aliens from the crashed 1947 Roswell UFO. Rumors of such films had circulated for years. Leonard Stringfield mentioned a witness, "Mr. T. E.," who allegedly saw a film in 1953 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, depicting a desert scene with a silver disc-shaped object, a dome, and an opening. Soldiers were shown examining the craft, estimated to be 15-20 feet in diameter.

Analysis of the Film's Content

1. The Footage: The film allegedly shows a laboratory setting with a body on a table. The being is described as about 1.40-1.50 meters tall, with a swollen abdomen and a large head, well-developed musculature, and a wound on one leg. It had six fingers on each hand and foot. Three individuals in protective suits, an operator and two "pathologists," are present. One "pathologist" begins to cut the body from the neck down. The magazine notes that blood flowed, contrary to typical autopsy findings where blood pools lower. The internal organs are described as amorphous lumps, not resembling human organs. The film then shows an eye examination and a trepanation of the skull, revealing a brain described as amorphous and without convolutions.

2. The "Remains" Segment: A second, shorter segment shows a military figure presenting objects from a crashed UFO, including panels with six-fingered handprints and a beam with hieroglyphs resembling "VIDEO TV." This is compared to a beam seen by Jesse Marcel Jr. in 1947.

Debunking the Film

1. The Film Reels: Ray Santilli provided only fragments of the film, described as "leaders" (pieces of film used to join segments), not original footage. Kodak offered to examine the film but Santilli never sent it. Bob Shell received a copy that was determined to be a copy made no earlier than 1960, not original 1947 footage.

2. Editing Anomalies: Film expert Kael Korff noted the absence of expected "flashes" (overexposed frames) that occur when changing film reels on older cameras like the "Bell and Howell Filmo 70." This suggests the film was shot with a more modern camera or was digitally edited. Korff identified 22 instances of editing. Later versions with added white flashes were clearly digitally manipulated.

3. Film Canisters: The canisters bore Ministry of Defense stamps dated June/July 1947. However, the stamp design was approved by Harry Truman in October 1947. The labels mentioned "Super-XX" film, which was for color film, yet the footage was black and white. The handwriting on the labels was also noted as not being in a typical American style.

4. Filming Peculiarities: Military cinematographers stated the filming was highly unprofessional. For important projects like this, color 16mm film was used, shot from multiple fixed positions. The film lacks photographic duplication and shows no signs of defects expected from 50-year-old film, such as scratches or graininess.

5. Set Dressing: The room depicted appears to be a set, with only two visible walls. The presence of a hazard sign designed in 1967 (ANSI standard) and approved in 1973 is a significant anachronism for a 1940s film. The telephone cord is also identified as belonging to an AT&T model 350, which began production in 1946 and was not initially equipped with a coiled cord, suggesting it was an older, worn cord used for effect.

6. The "Alien" Body: The six-fingered hands and feet are inconsistent with most accounts of aliens, which typically describe four fingers. The internal organs are described as amorphous and unidentifiable. Experts noted that the body's fat deposits were displaced downwards, as expected in a living person, not a corpse lying down. The "blood" was likely faked using a tube and red liquid. The skin did not part naturally during incisions. The head moved during the brain removal, indicating it was a rubber or latex mannequin.

7. The "Pathologists": The "pathologists" are criticized for their unprofessional handling of the body, using incorrect surgical techniques. Their protective suits lacked proper ventilation, suggesting they were for disguise rather than protection. The operation is described as being performed by only two individuals, a "universal specialist" rather than multiple specialists for different organs.

8. Santilli's Story: Santilli claimed to have acquired the film from an elderly gentleman in Cleveland in 1992, who had filmed Elvis Presley in the 1950s. Santilli identified the cameraman as Jack Barnett. However, research revealed the film was bought from Bill Randle, a DJ, who hired an operator named Jack Barnett. This Jack Barnett died in 1967 and never served in the Air Force. Santilli later claimed the cameraman was different and he had fabricated the story.

9. The "Cameraman": Attempts to identify the cameraman have been unsuccessful. The "cameraman's" account contains numerous English phrases uncharacteristic of a native Ohioan. The magazine suggests the story was likely dictated and transcribed. A video interview with the alleged "cameraman" was shown, but experts described it as him reading a prepared text.

Recreations and Hoaxes

The magazine highlights that the "alien autopsy" film has been recreated by special effects companies. "Twins F/X Group" in Quebec, Canada, produced a copy for $2,000. The Argentinian "Channel 9" also produced an exact copy, including the set and "pathologists," which was revealed to be a staged production.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly suggests that the "alien autopsy" film is a deliberate hoax, meticulously debunking its claims with evidence of anachronisms, inconsistencies, and professional analysis. The magazine appears to maintain a critical stance towards sensational UFO claims, prioritizing verifiable evidence and expert analysis over unsubstantiated narratives. The recurring theme is the exposure of hoaxes within the UFO community, particularly those involving alleged government cover-ups and physical evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of NEXUS magazine, dated November 2005 (Volume 11, Issue 11/90), focuses on debunking the infamous Santilli alien autopsy films and explores other intriguing UFO and anomaly-related topics. The cover prominently features a photograph of Bob Pratt and his book 'UFO DANGER ZONE', alongside the main headline "The Santilli films: a blatant fake."

The Santilli Films: A Blatant Hoax

The lead article meticulously dissects the Ray Santilli alien autopsy films, presenting evidence and testimonies that expose them as a deliberate fabrication. The narrative begins with an anecdote about how the author's son led him to discover that a British company was seeking old films, which eventually led to the investigation of Santilli's footage. The article highlights that the "operator" who supposedly performed the autopsy was claimed to be "Dr. Bronk" and "Dr. Williams or Willis," contradicting earlier statements. Despite expectations, the "operator's" face was not obscured in the Fuji TV broadcast. Investigator Mark Sencher noted a resemblance between the "operator" and the mystifier Frank Kaufmann.

Several individuals claimed to have seen Santilli's films years earlier. Richard Doty told Stanton Friedman he saw the film in the early 1980s and knew it wasn't alien. Sergeant Robert Allen, who was responsible for security at a secret base near Tonopah, Nevada, stated that during a 2.5-hour briefing, he was shown films, and when he saw Santilli's film on television, he recognized footage from that same compilation. Allen claimed to have witnessed three autopsies, one of which involved Truman wearing a surgical mask.

Mike Maloney, chief photographer for the "Mirror Group," recounted meeting a man in the 1970s who showed him "very unusual" films, including UFO footage and an alien autopsy. Maloney recognized scenes from Santilli's film as identical to those he had seen in California.

The article emphasizes that these individuals risked their reputations by associating with what turned out to be a clear forgery. The final blow to the Santilli films came in 1999 when Kate Bateman and Andy Price-Watts, former co-owners of "AK Music," confessed to faking the "in the tent" scene. They claimed Ray Santilli asked them to improve the film's image, but when they couldn't, they decided to create their own version of the "Roswell aliens." They used a barn in Bedfordshire, props like a table, sheets, white coats, and rubber gloves, and filmed at night to simulate darkness. They couldn't find a suitable mannequin and were quoted a prohibitive price by "Elstree Studios." Instead, they used body prosthetics, a mask painted by operator Elliot Willis, and a 12-year-old boy as the "alien." The "doctors" were played by Elliot and a local butcher, Roger Baker. A farmer who visited the barn was also involved in the filming. Bateman stated the filming took about 1.5 hours and they could barely stop laughing.

The footage was then edited down to six minutes, converted to black and white, given a grainy texture, and digitally scratched to appear old. The resulting scene is described as taking place inside a temporary structure, possibly a tent, dimly lit by a single lamp. A body covered with a sheet lies on a table. The being is described as hairless, pale-skinned, and the scene is interpreted as a staged autopsy.

Ray Santilli, realizing the poor quality of the staged film, asked Bateman to make it clearer and add a "secret" label. Bateman complied, but Santilli was dissatisfied and did not purchase the work. He apparently found other specialists to film the famous "autopsy" and "UFO crash debris" footage shown worldwide. When Bateman and Price-Watts decided to sell their creation to producer Bruce Barlow for the film "Penetrating the Net-2," Santilli intervened, fearing it would harm his planned international campaign to promote the "alien autopsy" story. He eventually bought the film from "AK Music" but did not widely distribute it. Knowing it was fake, he presented it to ufologists as a copy of a genuine film.

F. Mantle and his colleague Tim Matthews concluded that the "in the tent" scene was a deception, and the full story would be detailed in their upcoming book.

The article concludes that despite attempts to revive the sensation, Santilli's tapes will remain in history as an example of blatant forgery, believed only by those who desperately wish to see evidence that humanity is not alone.

Nazca, Images

This section discusses the enigmatic Nazca Lines in Peru. Located near the town of Nazca, the desert plateau features over 13,000 straight lines, figures of animals, humans, and plants, covering an area of 900 sq km. These geoglyphs were discovered in 1927 when the first airplanes appeared in Peruvian skies. In 1939, archaeologist Paul Kosok, studying ancient irrigation systems, observed them from a plane. Some scientists estimate the drawings to be at least 2,000 years old, while others place their creation between the 5th and 10th centuries AD. The lines are continuous and do not intersect themselves, making them visible only from above.

Erich von Däniken suggested Nazca was an alien spaceport, despite the soft desert soil being unsuitable for such a purpose. Aeronaut Jim Woodman theorized that the Peruvians used hot air balloons for ritual purposes and viewed the drawings from the sky. Woodman's experiment with a hot air balloon demonstrated it could fly, but this proved nothing. Takir Minnebaev and Konstantin Khazanovich proposed an alternative theory: that the drawings were made to utilize night mirages, with lines forming vessels of combustible liquid, and the reflections in the sky creating desired images for priests. The plateau also has a network of underground channels with pure water, but the subterranean world remains largely unstudied.

Symbols and Inscriptions

This section touches upon symbols and inscriptions observed on UFOs and the suits of "entronauts" (alien abductees). Hypnotic sessions sometimes reveal symbols and geometric figures (rhombus, star, triangle, swastika, etc.) on abductees. For instance, an "entronaut" encountered by policeman Herbert Schirmer on December 3, 1967, had a winged serpent symbol on his shoulder, which ufologists associated with the Mexican god Quetzalcoatl.

The meaning of these symbols is not fully understood, but occultists and astrologers link them to the paranormal. Ufologists, however, suggest that these signs on UFOs or entronauts' clothing symbolize civilizations (stars, planets) or groups of civilizations that sent their craft to Earth, rather than Armageddon or Satan.

Currently, there is no data to confirm or deny the purpose of these symbols reported by witnesses, abductees, and contactees.

The Los Angeles Raid

On February 25, 1942, slowly moving silver objects were observed over Los Angeles, and attempts to shoot them down were unsuccessful. At 2:15 AM, radar detected a group of unidentified aerial targets approaching from the ocean. Within four minutes, air raid sirens sounded, and cities in Los Angeles County were plunged into darkness for a blackout. Twelve thousand observers and air defense personnel were on duty. Searchlights scanned the sky, eventually converging on a giant object so large that the powerful beams could not fully illuminate it. This main UFO was accompanied by smaller objects in a precise triangular formation. A former anti-aircraft gunner described them as moving "painfully slowly, as if they didn't understand the panic they caused."

At 3:15 AM, anti-aircraft batteries of the 37th Coast Artillery Brigade opened fire. The sky lit up with dozens of flashes. Shells exploded around the massive object, and some hit it directly, but the "target" showed no reaction. The object then hovered, and the anti-aircraft fire intensified. The object moved slowly over Santa Monica and Long Beach, leaving the "battlefield" to its escorts. A small, brightly lit object performed an unprecedented maneuver over Hawthorne, flying horizontally before making a sharp 90-degree turn upwards and hovering. A stunned soldier described it as moving "very slowly horizontally, then making a sharp turn upwards and hovering."

Red "balls" behaved strangely, according to Paul Collins. They seemed to fly at a consistent altitude, moving in arcs or dives, appearing "out of nowhere" and then moving in zig-zags. They disappeared without diminishing in brightness, simply vanishing into the night. An anti-aircraft battery guarding the "Douglas Aircraft" plants fired a salvo at them. Collins saw with horror that the "balls" maneuvered among the explosions, developing speeds of "at least 5 miles per second" by conservative estimates.

Fighter planes of the 4th Fighter Brigade warmed up their engines but received no orders to intercept. The order never came during the 51-minute period between the air raid alarm and the first anti-aircraft shots, a time when the air became deadly for everyone. It was clear that enemy aircraft were not involved in the "invasion."

Firing continued until 4:14 AM, showering Los Angeles and nearby towns with shrapnel. Unexploded shells fell, destroying houses and bridges. Three people were killed by falling shells, and at least three others died of heart attacks. The blackout was lifted at 7:21 AM, long after the objects had disappeared.

Military officials needed to provide an explanation to the alarmed public. US Navy Secretary Frank Knox attributed the firing to a "false alarm and war-frayed nerves." In 1974, a declassified memorandum sent to President Franklin Roosevelt the day after the "battle" on February 26, 1942, revealed:

1. Unidentified aircraft, not belonging to the US Army or Navy, were likely over Los Angeles and were fired upon by anti-aircraft units of the 37th Coast Artillery Brigade between 3:12 AM and 4:15 AM. The units fired 1430 rounds.
2. Approximately 15 aircraft were involved, flying at speeds ranging from "very slow" to 360 km/h at altitudes between 9,000 and 18,000 feet.
3. No bombs were dropped.
4. There were no casualties among our troops.
5. None of the aircraft were shot down.
6. No Army or Navy aircraft were scrambled.

The investigation was ongoing. The conclusion was drawn that the unidentified aircraft, if they were enemy, belonged to the commercial air fleet and were used to sow disquiet, reveal air defense positions, and slow production due to the blackout. This conclusion was supported by the varying speeds of the craft and the absence of dropped bombs.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section provides an overview and evaluation of current ufological periodicals and new books, with a rating system from "throw in the trash" to "excellent, highly recommended."

Book Review: Mikhail Rechkin's "Siberia Will Save Humanity" (Volumes 1-3, published by "Pilgrim," Moscow, 2005). This three-volume work continues the theme of Rechkin's previous book, "The Okunevo Ark," focusing on a unique phenomenon in the village of Okunevo, Muromtsevsky district, Omsk Oblast. The author posits that a great secret of the world is hidden there: an underground temple of an ancient civilization that once existed in Western Siberia. He also notes the healing properties of the clear lakes and frequent UFO sightings above the village. Rechkin describes his expeditions to Okunevo, popularizing various theories, legends, and prophecies about Earth's past and future. He warns of a global cataclysm if humanity does not change its relationship with the planet, stating that there is little time left. The UFO phenomenon is covered in the second volume, where Rechkin compiles sensational findings from contemporary periodicals. The article notes that not all information presented is credible, with references to "yellow press" publications. However, the overall volume of information suggests that UFOs exist and are actively interfering in human life, possibly due to the impending global catastrophe.

Announcements

• "NEXUS" magazine, issue #6, has been released, featuring articles by ufologists and specialists in anomalous phenomena from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and beyond.

Miscellaneous

• Bosnia: Ancient Pyramid Found: Bosnian archaeologist Semir Osmanagić claims to have discovered a 12,000-14,000-year-old stone pyramid near Visoko, Bosnia. He describes it as a stepped pyramid similar to those in Central and South America and Babylon. He believes a temple created by the "pre-Illyrians" exists at its summit. He estimates that the pyramid's secrets will be revealed within five years.

• Astrologer Cheats Death: A 75-year-old Indian astrologer, Kunjilal Malviya, predicted his death between 3 and 5 AM but remained alive and well. Hundreds gathered to witness his predicted demise, but he entered a deep meditation and survived. He attributes his survival to people's prayers. The article notes that astrologers have been beaten by angry villagers for inaccurate predictions.

• "Buddha" Under Police Suspicion: In Nepal, a 15-year-old boy named Ram Bahadur Banjan is believed by some to be the reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. He has been meditating for six months without food or water. Police are investigating the claims, questioning his followers and requesting the Royal Nepal Academy of Sciences to examine him. Skeptics and the press suspect that the public does not see the full picture, as the boy and the tree under which he meditates are surrounded by guards at night.

Illustrations

This issue includes illustrations related to "News: Ufologist Dies..." and "Cosmic News," featuring a photograph of Bob Pratt and the cover of his book "UFO DANGER ZONE." Other images depict celestial bodies and thermal maps, possibly related to space exploration or astronomical phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and anomalous phenomena, often presenting critical analyses and debunking hoaxes. There is a clear interest in uncovering hidden truths and questioning official narratives, as seen in the detailed examination of the Santilli films and the Los Angeles air raid. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, while remaining open to genuine investigation of unexplained events. The inclusion of book reviews and news items suggests a broad coverage of the ufological field, aiming to inform readers about current developments and historical cases. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial contact, and potential global catastrophes, reflecting a common interest within the ufology community.

Title: РАССЛЕДОВАНИЕ (Investigation)
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: 1991

This issue of 'РАССЛЕДОВАНИЕ' is a Russian-language magazine focused on the topic of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The cover prominently features the headline 'РАССЛЕДОВАНИЕ' and is accompanied by three striking black and white images that suggest the content will delve into investigations of alien encounters or evidence.

Cover Imagery and Themes

The cover imagery is central to understanding the magazine's focus. It includes:

• Top Image: A close-up of a distorted, non-human face, possibly an alien, being held by gloved hands, implying examination or autopsy.
• Middle Image: A full body of a similar alien lying on a medical table, suggesting a scientific or investigative context.
• Bottom Image: The same alien body, but with visible injuries and damage, further emphasizing the investigative and potentially grim nature of the subject matter.

These images strongly indicate that the magazine explores themes related to the physical evidence of extraterrestrial beings, potentially including alleged alien bodies or remains.

Potential Content

Given the title 'Investigation' and the cover visuals, the articles within this issue likely cover:

• Reports and analyses of UFO sightings and alien encounters.
• Discussions about the nature and origin of alleged alien bodies.
• Details of investigations into unexplained phenomena.
• Theories and speculation surrounding extraterrestrial life.

The magazine appears to be aimed at an audience interested in the mysteries of the unknown, particularly concerning UFOs and aliens, and presents this information through investigative reporting and visual evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is clearly the investigation of UFOs and aliens, presented with a serious and possibly sensationalist tone, as suggested by the dramatic imagery. The editorial stance likely supports or explores the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and the need for thorough investigation into such phenomena. The use of stark, black and white photographs aims to lend an air of authenticity and gravity to the subject matter.