UFO Navigator - No 092 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: No. 1 (0092)
Date: January 2006
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" presents a collection of articles and news items related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The magazine covers a range of topics, from alleged extraterrestrial structures on Mars to eyewitness accounts and official statements regarding UFOs.

Main Cover Story: "Glass Worms" on Mars

The lead article, "Glass Worms on Mars," discusses enigmatic tubular structures observed in images from Mars, particularly in the Acidalium Planitia region. Konstantin Khazanovich, a candidate of geological and mineralogical sciences, studied these images and concluded that these formations, also referred to as "glass tubes" or "glass tunnels," are not geological formations. He suggests they are either artificial constructions or, more likely, biogenic in origin, possibly formed by large Martian organisms. The article notes that NASA has been slow to provide official explanations for these anomalies, leading to speculation about a cover-up. The author encourages readers to examine the raw images from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor to verify the findings.

News Briefs

The "News" section covers a variety of UFO-related incidents and statements:

• Former Canadian Minister of Defense Paul Hellyer made a public statement asserting that UFOs are real and that the secrecy surrounding the Roswell incident was unprecedented. He believes it's time to reveal the truth about potential extraterrestrial presence on Earth.
• UFOs in Japan: Reports include a disc-shaped piece of ice falling onto a golf course in Saitama Prefecture and a sighting of a silent, boomerang-shaped craft in Kyoto Prefecture.
• UFO Landing in Israel: An account describes an alleged UFO landing near Ramla, leaving behind elliptical depressions in the ground.
• Walter Haut's Passing: The death of Walter Haut, who drafted the original Roswell UFO crash press release in 1947, is noted. It is mentioned that the Roswell debris was later identified as belonging to a secret 'Mogul' program probe.
• Self-Moving Boulders in the USA: The phenomenon of large stones found inexplicably placed high in trees in Yellowwood Forest, Indiana, is discussed, with UFOs being a proposed explanation.
• "Ice Circles" Mystery: An ice circle discovered in Ontario, Canada, is presented, with a potential explanation linking it to underwater vortices.
• J. Allen Hynek: Classic Ufology: This section likely discusses the work of J. Allen Hynek, a prominent figure in UFO research.

Interview with Paul Hellyer

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Paul Hellyer, former Canadian Minister of Defense. Hellyer asserts that UFOs are as real as airplanes and that the US government has recovered alien craft and materials from the Roswell crash. He claims these materials were used to advance US technology, including microchips, lasers, and beam weapons. Hellyer criticizes the secrecy surrounding these events and calls for public disclosure. He acknowledges that his information comes from books of questionable authenticity but maintains his belief based on the testimony of credible individuals.

"Glass Worms" on Mars - Detailed Analysis

This section expands on the "glass worms" phenomenon. Konstantin Khazanovich, after studying numerous images, highlights the consistent presence of these tubular structures across the Acidalium Planitia. He notes their dimensions, ranging from 40 to 170 meters in diameter, with some expanding to over 200 meters, and extending for kilometers. The structures exhibit features like corrugations and appear to connect and branch. Khazanovich points out a peculiar characteristic: the ribs of the tubes are not symmetrical, with one slope being inclined and the other nearly vertical. He concludes that these are biogenic formations, possibly built by intelligent Martian inhabitants using unknown biotechnology. He dismisses the NASA explanation of "sand dunes" as inadequate.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

• Japan Ice Fall: A report details a disk-shaped ice object falling on a golf course in Saitama, Japan, with authorities investigating the possibility of it falling from an aircraft.
• Japan UFO Sighting: An eyewitness in Kyoto Prefecture describes a silent, boomerang-shaped craft observed at a low altitude.
• Israel UFO Landing: An account from Israel describes an alleged UFO landing, leaving behind distinct circular imprints in the ground.
• Israel Sighting (circa 2000): An Israeli resident recounts seeing a large, silent, glowing sphere near the Jordan border.
• Israel Sighting (1998): Another report from the Negev Desert describes a dark, silent object with red lights observed near a military base.
• West Virginia UFO Crash: An eyewitness in West Virginia reported seeing an object fall from the sky and crash in a forest, accompanied by a bright flash.
• Finland UFO and Radar Malfunctions: A report from Finland describes a bright object or trail observed, which coincided with radar system failures at Helsinki Airport.
• Jim Carter's UFO Sighting: The magazine reprints a recollection from former US President Jim Carter about his observation of an unidentified flying object in 1969 in Georgia. Carter, a former Navy navigator, was confident it was not a planet like Venus and stated he would never mock those who claim to have seen UFOs.

Pseudo-UFO in Karelia

This section discusses an incident in Karelia, Russia, where unusual light phenomena were reported. Triangular beams of light were observed descending from the sky and drawing figures on the ground. The source of the light was invisible, and the beams appeared and disappeared suddenly. The article suggests these were likely not UFOs but possibly a misinterpretation of natural phenomena or a hoax.

The Mystery of "Ice Circles" Solved?

This article revisits the phenomenon of "ice circles." Paul Anderson notes a recently discovered ice circle in Ontario, Canada, with clear edges. He suggests that these circles might be formed by whirlpools, similar to those seen in other locations. The article also references Russian astronomer V. Surdin, who independently proposed a similar vortex theory, supported by mathematical formulas. The theory posits that underwater vortices in rivers can cause localized melting of ice from below, creating circular patterns.

The "Moving Boulders" Phenomenon

This section explores the mystery of large boulders found inexplicably placed high in trees in Yellowwood Forest, Indiana. While some propose UFOs as the cause, local forester Mark Shields suggests a tornado might be responsible, though he admits the placement seems too precise for a natural event. The article also references an 1815 newspaper clipping about stones inexplicably moving and climbing trees, further fueling speculation about unusual forces at play.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced alien technology. There is a strong emphasis on government secrecy and the alleged cover-up of UFO-related information, particularly concerning the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to question official explanations and consider alternative theories. The use of eyewitness accounts, expert opinions (even if controversial), and photographic evidence (referenced throughout) aims to support the notion that UFOs are a genuine and significant subject of study.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2005, delves into various phenomena related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), space exploration, and scientific discoveries. The cover story focuses on a reported UFO sighting over Vedlozero, Russia, which is later explained as a misinterpretation of industrial lighting.

UFOs Over Vedlozero

The issue begins by addressing reports of unusual aerial phenomena over Vedlozero, Russia, which witnesses initially described as similar to northern lights but with distinct characteristics. A report from the newspaper "Courier of Karelia" details an account from Ivan Vasilievich, who observed a bright white beam of light with a triangular shape and a pulsating effect over the lake. He described it as a 'pillar' of light that moved up and down and then disappeared towards the forest. The article notes that similar sightings had occurred in the area during the summer. However, the mystery was reportedly solved five days later, with driver V. Lebedev explaining that the 'beams' were caused by the multiple headlights on hydraulic manipulators used by logging trucks in the area, which, when illuminated at night, could create unusual optical effects.

SETI@home Project Concludes Independent Operation

The magazine reports on the cessation of the SETI@home project's independent existence on December 15, 2005. Launched in May 1999, the project utilized distributed computing to analyze signals from the Arecibo radio telescope in search of extraterrestrial intelligence. Millions of volunteers worldwide participated, but after over six years, only detected cosmic radiation and echoes of the Big Bang. SETI@home was set to integrate into the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC), a universal platform for distributed computing projects, allowing users to contribute their processing power to various scientific endeavors, including drug discovery and climate change research.

Space Experiments: Lichens in Space

A significant scientific finding discussed is the remarkable resilience of lichens in the harsh conditions of outer space. Experiments conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard the Russian spacecraft "Foton-M2" demonstrated that lichens could survive exposure to the vacuum, microgravity, temperature fluctuations, and cosmic radiation of open space. The experiment, named "Lichen," involved exposing samples of *Rhizocarpon geographicum* and *Xanthoria elegans* for 14.6 days. Upon return to Earth, the lichens were found to have survived and retained their photosynthetic capabilities. This discovery opens new possibilities for the transport of living matter across astronomical distances via celestial bodies like meteorites and suggests that life could potentially exist on surfaces like Mars or Saturn's moons.

Extraterrestrial Life and the 'Red Rain' Incident

Further exploring the possibility of life beyond Earth, the article touches upon an incident in India where a 'red rain' occurred after a meteor was observed in the sky. Indian scientists from Mahatma Gandhi University analyzed the particles in the rain, finding them to be carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen-based, with a cellular structure but lacking RNA or DNA. While some researchers, like Godfrey Louis and Santosh Kumar, suggested this could be evidence of extraterrestrial microorganisms supporting the panspermia theory, others remained skeptical, noting that 'colored rains' have had terrestrial explanations in the past.

Cosmic News: Discoveries about Uranus and the Kuiper Belt

The "Cosmic News" section highlights several astronomical findings. Using the Hubble telescope, scientists discovered two new rings and two new moons orbiting Uranus, expanding the known count to 13 rings and 27 moons. The article also discusses recent discoveries in the Kuiper Belt, particularly object 2004 XR 190, nicknamed "Buffy." This object's orbit is significantly farther from the Sun than Neptune's and has a highly inclined, nearly circular path, challenging existing theories about the formation and dynamics of objects in that region.

Lunar Event and Space Launches

American scientists reported a powerful explosion on the Moon on November 7, 2005, in the Sea of Rains. The event, observed from Earth, was bright enough to suggest it was caused by a meteoroid impact, potentially creating a 3-meter crater. The issue also notes recent space launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, including the "Soyuz-FG" rocket carrying the GIOVE A satellite and another launch carrying satellites AMC-13, GE-3i, and WorldSat-3.

Commercialization of UFO Phenomena

A peculiar report details the emergence of a commercial venture capitalizing on the 'crop circle' phenomenon. An advertisement offered 'alien buckwheat' from fields in Tolyatti where anomalous circles had appeared, claiming it possessed magical properties for 100 rubles per 95-gram package. Local ufologists dismissed these claims as unfounded.

Eyewitness Accounts of UFOs

The magazine presents several eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings:

• Belarus: Leonid Oreshkov reported seeing a spherical UFO in Sharkovshchina, Vitebsk Oblast, on June 28, 2005. He described a large, bright, non-flashing object moving steadily across the sky.
• Kerch, Ukraine: An account from Kerch describes a glowing, moving object observed in the sky over the Voikovo district.
• Novgorod Oblast, Russia: Vladimir Eliseev and a companion reported seeing five bright red, fiery spheres over a road on August 3, 1997. These spheres merged into a single large object before flying away. Another witness, S. N. Nikolaeva, described a large green, glowing sphere with illuminated portholes over a forest in early July 2001.
• USA (Artezio, New Mexico): A report from the "Blue Book" project details an observation of two unidentified objects near a balloon on January 16, 1952.
• Primorsky Krai, Russia: On January 19, 1990, a transparent UFO was observed hovering over Lake Khanka, emitting a bright glow and descending multiple times. Carpenter Sergey Platonov described seeing humanoid figures inside the object.

Our Calendar: Historical UFO Reports

The "Our Calendar" section briefly lists historical UFO-related events:

• 1952: Romanian meteorologist observes a UFO.
• 1969: A UFO is reported over Ukraine.
• 1976: A transparent UFO is sighted over Primorsky Krai.
• 1990: A UFO is reported over the Primorsky Krai.

Romanian Meteorologist's Observation (1969)

This section details an account from Vasile Boicu, chief of the Sibiu meteorological station, who observed a silver, spherical object near a weather balloon at an altitude of 5400 meters on January 11, 1969. The object moved rapidly and disappeared from view. Boicu initially considered it a reflection but concluded it was not the Moon due to its appearance and proximity.

"Flight to the Moon" in Ukraine (1976)

Driver N. reported an encounter on January 8, 1976, near Chernivtsi, Ukraine. He was approached by three men who asked for help with their vehicle. N. found a cylindrical object with a glowing spherical dome. He was invited inside, where he experienced a sense of calm. He described being placed on a table with sensors attached and later being told he was on "our base." He was shown a large hall and a map of Earth. His companion mentioned being on the Moon and being allowed to go outside. N. expressed disbelief due to the vacuum, but his companion reassured him. N. woke up in his car, with the experience leaving him feeling unusually brave.

Investigation: J. Allen Hynek on UFOs

The issue features an excerpt from the work of renowned ufologist J. Allen Hynek, focusing on his perspective on UFO research. Hynek expresses concern that the Soviet Union might be making significant progress in understanding UFOs, potentially surpassing Western efforts. He criticizes the lack of a serious, organized research effort in the US, contrasting it with the Soviet Union's potential covert investigations. Hynek recounts his own experience consulting for the US Air Force's "Project Blue Book" in 1948, initially dismissing UFO reports as nonsense but gradually encountering cases that defied conventional explanation. He advocates for a more rigorous, multi-disciplinary approach to studying UFO phenomena, suggesting the formation of specialized physics and sociology groups to analyze reports and categorize them based on their 'strangeness' or likelihood of conventional explanation.

Hynek outlines a methodology for classifying UFO reports, distinguishing between 'ordinary' (OFO) and 'unidentified' (UFO) cases. He provides examples of OFOs, such as the planet Venus being mistaken for a UFO due to its brightness, and a military tanker aircraft (KC-87) and a weather balloon being misidentified. He notes that even with extensive analysis, a significant percentage of cases remain unexplained, prompting his call for a more thorough scientific investigation. He also touches upon the prevailing skepticism among scientists and the military, attributing it partly to the perceived lack of laboratory-testable phenomena associated with UFOs.

The Scientific Approach to UFOs

Hynek argues that while UFOs may not be easily studied in a laboratory setting, this does not preclude scientific inquiry. He draws parallels to the study of natural phenomena like storms or animal behavior, which often rely on observation and data collection rather than controlled experiments. He emphasizes that the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence is a plausible scientific problem that warrants investigation. He proposes a systematic approach involving classifying thousands of reports and assigning them a 'strangeness index' (K) to differentiate between easily explainable phenomena (K1, K2) and genuinely anomalous ones (K3, K4, K5). This would allow researchers to focus on the most puzzling cases.

Examples of Unexplained Cases and OFOs

The article provides examples of both easily explained phenomena (OFOs) and potentially unexplained cases. The sighting of Venus as a bright object in the sky is cited as an example of a common misidentification. Another case involves a military tanker aircraft (KC-87) being mistaken for a UFO. However, the magazine also presents cases that remain unexplained, such as a report from New Jersey of a flat object with a dome and illuminated windows, which turned out to be a commercial aircraft with a large advertising sign. The article concludes by highlighting the need for a dedicated, well-staffed research group to study UFOs, a step that Hynek believes is long overdue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging rigorous scientific study of UFO reports while acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the nature of the evidence. Recurring themes include the potential for extraterrestrial life, the limitations of current scientific understanding, and the human tendency to misinterpret unusual observations. The magazine aims to present both eyewitness accounts and scientific analyses, fostering a critical yet curious approach to the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (Volume 14, Issue 12, December 1967) features a prominent article titled "MY UFO REPORT" by J. Allen Hynek, along with other pieces on related phenomena.

J. Allen Hynek's "MY UFO REPORT"

Hynek begins by recounting a 1962 incident where a naval ship reported a UFO moving at high speed, undetected by radar, which coincided with the "Echo-II" satellite's trajectory. He then moves to "higher strangeness" cases that defy simple explanation.

One detailed account comes from a driver in Oklahoma who, in dense fog, witnessed a brilliant, fast-moving light that caused his car's electrical systems to shut down. The object, described as a saucer-shaped craft about 50 feet in diameter with a "piercing whine" and emitting warm air, hovered about 200 feet above, then ascended rapidly. The car's systems immediately returned to normal.

Another report from an air traffic controller in Alaska describes seeing a light descending like a large airplane, but it then rapidly ascended and disappeared over mountains. The object's speed and sharp ascent were noted as unusual.

A third account describes a bright orange light in the sky that caused a couple to witness an object for about a minute, hanging close and emitting intense light.

Hynek argues that these high-strangeness cases cannot be easily dismissed. He proposes a multi-stage research program, starting with a "C" rating (credibility assessment) of witnesses by psychologists and sociologists. This would involve evaluating witnesses' backgrounds, mental states, and potential motives, while carefully avoiding leading questions.

He outlines a practice of repeating a witness's account with deliberate minor alterations to check for accuracy and objectivity. He warns against "repeaters" and those with paranoid tendencies.

Hynek criticizes the passive approach of the US Air Force (USAF) in its UFO investigations, particularly Project Blue Book. He notes that the USAF often tried to "shoot down" reports rather than analyze them for patterns. He recalls the government's limited involvement in UFO research, such as the 1953 Robertson Panel, which only had four days to study a small number of cases and concluded that UFOs were not a scientific problem.

He advocates for a more active research method, involving rapid deployment of technical teams to "hot spots" where multiple sightings occur. This would involve using cameras, tape recorders, and other equipment to gather physical evidence. He suggests establishing a central UFO information bureau with a dedicated hotline (like "UFO-1000") to receive and process reports, potentially involving local police in investigations.

Hynek believes that if UFOs exist, a year of intensive, active investigation would yield significant data, such as photographs, film, and measurements. He expresses surprise if such an effort yielded nothing, suggesting humanity might be on the verge of a major discovery.

"Heaven's Gate" Sect

The article also details the "Heaven's Gate" sect, founded by Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Tredwell Nettles. The sect believed its members were extraterrestrials waiting to ascend to a "Next Level" via a spacecraft. The article recounts Applewhite's background, his descent into cult leadership, and the sect's eventual mass suicide in March 1997, triggered by the appearance of the Hale-Bopp comet and a lunar eclipse, which they interpreted as a sign.

"Skyquakes"

Another section discusses "skyquakes," mysterious explosions and ground tremors occurring at high altitudes. These phenomena have been reported over Australia, India, Scotland, and various US states. In December 1977, unusual atmospheric explosions were recorded off the coast of New Jersey, causing windows to rattle. Government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, stated they had no information about the cause of these events, and the US Geological Survey acknowledged they had no explanation for them.

Invisibility

The issue touches upon the phenomenon of UFOs and their occupants being partially or completely invisible, yet still detectable by radar or interacting physically with the environment.

"Blue Book" and Government Secrecy

Hynek discusses the history of Project Blue Book, noting that the USAF initially kept information secret, claiming it related to classified weapons testing. He mentions that while the project was presented as open, its materials were largely inaccessible. He recounts how the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) initially struggled with the influx of reports, with some viewing UFOs as potential interplanetary craft and others dismissing them as psychological issues. The "Blue Book" itself was criticized for its limited scope and the pressure to explain away sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, moving beyond simple dismissal. Hynek, a former skeptic, advocates for rigorous scientific investigation, emphasizing the need for objective data and pattern recognition. The article highlights the challenges of government secrecy and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The inclusion of the Heaven's Gate cult and skyquakes suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena that may or may not be directly related to traditional UFO sightings, but are explored within the context of unusual aerial or atmospheric events and belief systems.