UFO Navigator - No 093 - 2006

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest, dated February 2006, presents a diverse range of topics related to UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related scientific and speculative inquiries. The cover highlights controversial claims about the Russian Ministry of Defense promoting 'delusional contacts' and presents new, 'irrefutable evidence' for life on Mars. It also includes a quote from American astronaut Edgar Mitchell on the existence of aliens and their intentions.

Main Topics of the Issue:

• Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation promoting delusional contacts: This suggests a critical stance on certain official or semi-official pronouncements regarding UFOs.
• J. Allen Hynek on UFOs: Mockery is mockery, but studying is studying: This indicates a discussion of the scientific approach to UFO research, possibly contrasting dismissive attitudes with serious investigation, referencing the work of J. Allen Hynek.
• Life on the Red Planet: New irrefutable evidence: This points to a significant article presenting new findings related to the possibility of life on Mars.

News Section:

The news section covers several distinct items:

• "Alien in a Glass Jar": This refers to a sensational find reported in the British newspaper "Guardian" about a small alien figurine discovered in an attic.
• Last Interview with Jacques Vallee: This indicates an in-depth discussion with the renowned ufologist, likely covering his current views and research.
• UFO landed on a rooftop in Ufa?: This reports on a specific sighting or incident in Russia.
• Sergey Alexandrov: Report at the XXIX Ziegelmann Readings: This features a presentation on UFO hypotheses and verification methods.
• UFOs observed a 'circle'?: This likely refers to crop circle phenomena.
• Life on Mars: The secret of UFO invisibility revealed?: This suggests a connection between UFOs and potential Martian life or technology.
• Debut of a contactee in "Krasnaya Zvezda": This refers to an article in the official newspaper of the Russian Ministry of Defense featuring an individual claiming contact with extraterrestrials.
• Cosmic News: This section provides updates on space exploration and astronomical discoveries.
• Following our publications: This indicates follow-up reports on previously covered topics.

"Alien in a Glass Jar"

This article details the discovery made by Barney Broom, a 54-year-old screenwriter, in his cottage in North Norfolk, UK. While renovating his attic, he found a small, approximately 30 cm tall, figure of a "baby alien" preserved in a caustic liquid inside an old candy jar. The figure, possibly made of clay-like material and painted grey, resembles depictions of aliens from the movie about the autopsy following the Roswell incident. It was wrapped in a "Daily Mirror" newspaper dated October 1947, the same month as the controversial Roswell incident. The jar had a four-fingered hand and an American serial number. Broom's cottage is located near two major US Air Force bases (Lakenheath and Mildenhall), leading to speculation about possible US military involvement. The discovery was brought to the attention of the "Sci Fi Channel," which involved Professor Adam Roberts, an expert in science fiction literature. Roberts acknowledged the possibility of a hoax but noted the proximity to the US base as a factor. He also mentioned that the figure was not a government-issued prop. The article notes that "Sci Fi Channel" promised to post images of the find online, but they had not yet appeared.

Last Interview with Jacques Vallee

In an interview with "Alternate Perceptions Magazine," Jacques Vallee criticizes the ufological community for becoming dogmatic, particularly regarding abduction phenomena and the Roswell incident. He contrasts the open-minded approach of earlier groups like NICAP and APRO with the current state of ufology, which he feels leaves little room for unbiased investigation. Vallee recounts his own childhood sighting of a UFO in France, which he initially attributed to experimental aircraft but later recognized as something more profound. He now believes that the UFO phenomenon is far larger than mere extraterrestrial visitation, touching upon consciousness, the nature of reality, and human history. He argues that the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while initially appealing, becomes too limited when considering reports of parapsychological effects. Vallee also expresses skepticism about abduction experiences studied through hypnosis, citing Dr. Lindner's concerns about hypnosis potentially creating false memories. He believes that while abduction experiences may be real for witnesses, hypnosis is not the best method for studying them or for recovering genuine memories.

UFO landed on a rooftop in Ufa?

This report describes an incident in Ufa, Russia, on January 10th. Irina Karimova noticed a strange light outside her window, which turned cold and seemed to emanate from a projector. She felt an urge not to look. The family experienced nightmares, and their dog barked incessantly. The next morning, they discovered a circular stain, about three meters in diameter, on the roof of a neighboring house. Irina's husband recalled seeing three red lights hovering in the sky a week earlier. The family believes the stain is a direct result of alien activity. The article notes that the snow around the stain had not settled, suggesting it was an imprint. The Karimovs reported feeling a sense of peace and lightness after the event.

Sergey Alexandrov: Report at the XXIX Ziegelmann Readings

This section summarizes a report by Sergey Alexandrov titled "Hypotheses of UFO Origin and Their Verification in the Course of 'Kosmopoisk' Expeditions." Alexandrov argues that no single hypothesis can explain all UFO phenomena, as the term encompasses events of significantly different natures. He proposes a classification of UFO hypotheses:

1. Rare manifestations of known academic physical processes (geophysical, technogenic).
2. Manifestations of unknown academic physical processes.
3. Manifestations of unknown intelligent life forms.
4. Technogenic objects created by states or organizations using unknown physical principles.
5. Manifestations of extraterrestrial/other-temporal/non-human civilizations.

Alexandrov's organization, "Kosmopoisk," has investigated these categories. They found that some phenomena attributed to UFOs could be explained as rare natural events, such as the cosmic origin of ice and snow samples from the Vitim meteorite fall, and the "hydrated bottom" phenomenon causing gas release in Lake Brosno. However, they lack sufficient data for unknown natural processes due to inadequate equipment. The possibility of unknown intelligent life is considered, but direct evidence is lacking. Alexandrov dismisses the idea of Earth governments creating advanced craft due to the long development times and difficulty of maintaining secrecy. The "extraterrestrial" or "other-temporal" hypothesis is deemed most promising for explaining observed behaviors and the potential for practical application of alien technology. He suggests that Earth might be a transit point for alien civilizations, possibly utilizing a network of celestial bodies as transport hubs. Anomalous zones (A3) are discussed as potential locations for observing such transport systems, with the Medvieditskaya A3 in Volgograd Oblast cited as an example. The article also mentions the investigation of crop circles, with "Kosmopoisk" concluding they are a result of extraterrestrial/non-human intelligent forces attempting communication.

UFOs observed a 'circle'?

This brief report quotes Vadim Chernobrov, coordinator of "Kosmopoisk," who claims his expedition observed the formation of crop circles in the Krasnodar Krai region. They predicted the time and general area of formation and witnessed a large, red-orange object descend and create a circular pattern in a lucerne field. The field was unusually free of pests, and a metal detector registered anomalies within the circle. Samples of soil were collected.

Life on Mars: New Evidence

This article discusses findings from the analysis of the Nakhla Martian meteorite, which fell in Egypt in 1911. Scientists from the US, France, and the UK, led by specialists from the Johnson Space Center, examined fragments of the meteorite. They discovered microscopic mineral veins and tree-like carbon structures within the meteorite. Professor Colin Pillinger stated that these structures are unlikely to be terrestrial contamination and suggest they are evidence of ancient Martian life, possibly bacteria. The carbon isotope analysis, particularly the presence of carbon-13, further supports this hypothesis, as terrestrial life primarily uses carbon-14. This finding provides a new argument for the existence of life on Mars.

The Secret of UFO Invisibility Revealed?

Oleg Gadomsky, a professor at Ulyanovsk State University, has patented a method for making objects invisible by manipulating optical radiation. The technique, developed through experiments with gold nanoparticles, currently allows for making stationary objects invisible. The method involves altering the wavelength of reflected light to render objects undetectable to the naked eye. The article speculates on how this technology might explain UFO invisibility.

Debut of a Contactee in "Krasnaya Zvezda"

This section criticizes the newspaper "Krasnaya Zvezda" for publishing articles by Lena Voronova, a self-proclaimed "contactee." The articles describe beings of "Higher Reason" from a "Main Galaxy" who exist as light and nuclear energy. These beings, referred to as "Gods," have a council that decides the fate of galaxies. "Guardians" from the Main Galaxy use "loopholes" to enter other galaxies and inhabit the bodies of local intelligent beings. Voronova claims that these "guardians" are prepared in advance and can live ordinary lives while secretly observing and transmitting information. The article quotes Voronova's description of the "Provorovor" civilization from the "Grov" galaxy, whose inhabitants are over 150 meters tall and weigh two tons. It also mentions that these beings have possessed writing for 538 billion years and can travel through space and time. The article satirically questions the newspaper's decision to publish such content, suggesting it might be an attempt to showcase unusual thought processes.

Cosmic News

• New Horizons Mission: On January 19, 2006, the "New Horizons" interplanetary probe was launched from Cape Canaveral to study the outer Solar System, including Pluto and Charon, with an expected arrival in 2015.
• Stardust Capsule: The capsule from the "Stardust" probe, which returned to Earth on January 15, 2006, carrying comet dust samples, was opened. The aerogel traps containing the samples were found to be in excellent condition.
• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter: This US probe is approaching Mars, with its orbital insertion scheduled for March 10th.
• "Axis of Evil" in the Universe: Data from the WMAP probe has revealed a strange alignment or "axis" in the cosmic microwave background radiation that challenges current cosmological models, including Einstein's theory of relativity, suggesting a non-uniform expansion of the universe.

Following Our Publications

• Giant 'Tubes' on Mars: A follow-up on previous reports about giant "tubes" on and under the surface of Mars, with a new image from NASA showing a "sinkhole" with a "tube" inside.
• 2003 UB313: Scientists confirm that the object 2003 UB313 in the Kuiper Belt is larger than Pluto, with a diameter of 3000 km compared to Pluto's 2300 km, reigniting the debate about whether it should be classified as the tenth planet.
• Clonaid's Offer: The pseudoscientific organization "Clonaid" has offered a leadership position to disgraced South Korean scientist Woo Suk Hwang, who was accused of falsifying research on embryonic stem cells. "Clonaid" draws parallels between their own situation and Hwang's, suggesting he was discredited for challenging established powers.

Messages from the Field

• Poltergeist in an open area?: A personal account from a woman in Moscow describing an incident from her childhood where small metal balls fell from the sky, causing objects to be hit and even penetrating her shoe. She also recounts a similar event happening to her mother. The description includes elements of time distortion and a sense of isolation.

Our Calendar (On this day... years ago)

• Giant UFO in the French Sky. 1956: On February 19, 1956, radar at Paris Orly airport detected a massive, unidentified object that maneuvered at incredible speeds (estimated at 3600 km/h) for four hours.
• "Banana with Lights" over Alabama. 1989: On February 14, 1989, residents of Alabama reported a banana-shaped UFO, larger than an Airbus, covered in green, white, and red lights.
• Mass UFO Sightings in Ukraine. 1990: In February 1990, concrete worker N. S. Yurychuk and his colleagues observed a large, red-orange object with unusual flight patterns and beams of light over the village of Luzhany. The object was seen interacting with power lines and a transformer substation.

Incident in the Bermuda Triangle. 1987

On February 24, 1987, the Mexican cargo ship "Tuxpan" sent an SOS from the Bermuda Triangle and then disappeared without a trace. Despite extensive searches by Mexican and US vessels, no wreckage, debris, or any of the 27 crew members were found. This incident is presented as another mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, where numerous ships and aircraft have vanished.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), potential extraterrestrial life (on Mars and elsewhere), and the critical examination of evidence and theories within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and hypotheses while also offering critical analysis, particularly through the inclusion of Jacques Vallee's skeptical views on certain aspects of the field. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation, as evidenced by the reports on space missions and meteorite analysis, alongside more anecdotal accounts of sightings and encounters. The magazine also seems to highlight instances where official or mainstream scientific explanations are questioned or challenged, suggesting a leaning towards exploring unconventional possibilities.

This issue of "Pravda Ukrainy" (Truth of Ukraine), dated April 24, 1990, with issue number 24 and volume 1/92, delves into the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover headline poses the question: "UFOs: aliens or illusions?" The magazine features articles that critically examine official investigations, particularly the US Air Force's "Project Blue Book," and present numerous witness accounts of UFO sightings.

UFO Sightings in Ukraine

The issue begins by detailing UFO observations in the Chernivtsi region of Ukraine. On February 7, 1990, residents of Chernivtsi and the nearby village of Novosilka reported seeing unusual aerial phenomena. One witness, S. Z. Kormysh, described a bright light and a bullet-shaped object hovering about 10 meters above her. Another account comes from I. V. Petraschuk, a teacher at the Chernivtsi Special Boarding School, who, along with her students, observed an object described as a "bullet, shell, ellipse, or plate" that could change shape. This object reportedly landed in a field, leaving two small depressions and flattened grass. The article notes that many other people in the Chernivtsi region also reported seeing UFOs on the same day, making it difficult to determine if it was the same object or multiple instances.

Investigation: J. Allen Hynek's Report on UFOs

The magazine then presents a section titled "Investigation" by J. Allen Hynek, continuing from a previous issue (1/92). Hynek's report aims to demonstrate how "artificial and far-fetched" the conclusions of "Project Blue Book" were. He recounts several cases from the late 1940s and 1950s:

• August 13, 1947: Farmer Uri and his sons in Snake River Canyon, Idaho, USA, observed an object shaped like a hat, about 6 meters long and 3 meters high, flying at an estimated speed of 1800 km/h.
• August 19, 1947: Near Twin Falls, Idaho, USA, a resident named Basby and his neighbors witnessed a UFO moving at high speed. This was followed by sightings of triangular formations of objects, with multiple groups appearing and disappearing over about 25 minutes, totaling 30-35 objects in one large formation.
• January 15-20, 1947: At the Rapid City Air Force Base in South Dakota, USA, intelligence officer Major Smith observed 12 elliptical objects, the size of heavy bombers, flying in a diamond formation and descending.
• April 7, 1950: At Logan Airport in Boston, USA, an air traffic controller and four witnesses saw a dark blue light that changed color and had rotating lights, which the Air Force attributed to "inversion effects."
• April 27, 1952: A witness near Pontiac, USA, observed a bright, disc-shaped object that hovered, then flew away at high speed, leaving no noise. The "Blue Book" concluded this case lacked sufficient information.
• July 19, 1952: Near La Valletta, New Jersey, USA, a chemistry professor and witnesses on a yacht saw two circular, orange-red lights moving in unusual patterns, which were classified as "unidentified."
• 1959: Near St. Louis, Missouri, USA, three people observed a large round object circling over an atomic plant. The "Blue Book" classified this as unidentified.

Hynek also includes reports from astronomers who observed UFOs, noting that even their observations were often dismissed or classified as unidentified.

Pilot and Radar Observations

The article highlights instances where pilots and radar systems detected UFOs:

• March 25, 1953: A pilot flying in French Morocco observed a bright white object that reacted to his aircraft, showing speeds far exceeding those of contemporary planes. Radar also detected the object, but the "Blue Book" concluded it was a landing light.
• May 31, 1952: In Chorvon, Korea, a sentry observed an object that appeared to be falling, then stopped and ascended rapidly. An F-94 fighter pilot was dispatched to intercept it, reporting a round, bright white object with no tail that outmaneuvered the fighter at high speed. Radar also tracked the object, but the case remained unidentified.
• July 13, 1952: An airline crew flying from Jacksonville to Washington observed a round, bluish-white ball that flew alongside their aircraft at 11,000 feet before accelerating to 1000 mph. The "Blue Book" attributed this to a meteor, despite meteors not exhibiting such behavior.
• July 4, 1947: In Portland, Oregon, USA, five large discs were seen flying in formation. Other witnesses reported similar sightings, describing them as flat, aluminum-colored discs flying at high altitudes. The "Blue Book" suggested they were foil fragments, though the article points out foil falls with the wind.
• May 1, 1952: At Davis-Montan Air Force Base, Arizona, USA, a B-36 crew and ground personnel observed two shining round objects that matched the speed of their aircraft before one stopped at 20,000 feet. The objects were described as metallic, with sharp edges.
• October 15, 1953: In Minneapolis, USA, three witnesses observed a small gray object flying horizontally at high altitude and speed, leaving a trail that quickly disappeared. The "Blue Book" classified this as unidentified.
• March 9, 1950: UFOs were repeatedly detected by radar at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, USA. Reports indicated objects flying at altitudes far beyond the capabilities of F-80 fighters, with rapid changes in altitude and speed, including hovering. Radar operators tracked an object for 45 minutes.
• January 1951 - April 1952 (Korean War): The article notes a significant series of radar and radar-visual UFO observations during the Korean War, with 24 cases summarized as having "most reports remaining unexplained due to lack of information."
• February 2, 1952: Radar on the aircraft carrier "Philippine Sea" detected a UFO moving at high speed off the coast of Korea. The object reportedly split into two and left an "inversion trail," despite no aircraft being present. The UFO was tracked at an altitude of 52,000 feet.
• October 15, 1948: Lieutenant Halter, a radar operator on an F-61 fighter, reported observing an object near Fukuoka, Japan, that performed maneuvers beyond the capabilities of his aircraft and radar. The object was described as short and oblong, without a cockpit or wings, and its speed varied from 200 to 1200 mph.
• October 28, 1956: A B-52 crew observed a UFO traveling at 3000 mph that flew alongside their aircraft. Radar screens captured images of the object. Other witnesses reported seeing an orange UFO that hovered near the ground.
• May 21, 1949: An F-82 fighter was dispatched to intercept a silver disc-shaped UFO hovering over the Hanford Atomic Plant in Washington, USA. The object was detected by both visual observation and radar, and it evaded the fighter at high speed. The "Blue Book" concluded this was an aircraft.

Close Encounters

The article then shifts to "Close Encounters," which it describes as the most interesting cases, where UFOs are difficult to confuse with known objects.

• May 19, 1960: An official report from Dillingham, Alaska, describes an object resembling a weather balloon that lifted grass and two 5-gallon canisters from the ground. The object was metallic, silver-white, round, about 20-25 feet in diameter, with flexible tubes and a rotating device underneath. It emitted a "rumbling" sound and hovered at 200 feet before ascending rapidly.
• February 24, 1959: In Victorville, California, USA, a young man observed a bright light and saw his dogs reacting with fear. He then saw a dark red, egg-shaped object with purple lights flying low over his house. The object made multiple passes, and during these passes, the witness's radio and television experienced severe interference. The "Blue Book" attributed this to "psychological effects."
• August 19, 1965: In Cherry Creek, USA, a witness observed a silver object resembling two stacked plates, about 50 feet in diameter and 20 feet thick. Red flashing bands were directed downwards from its perimeter. The object appeared to land, leaving a red trail and causing clouds to turn green. A smell like burning gasoline was detected. The object later reappeared, and a bull was reportedly frightened by it, and cows produced less milk. The "Blue Book" classified this as unidentified.

The Phenomenon of UFOs: Not a Joke, but a Study

The final section, titled "The Phenomenon of UFOs: Not a Joke, but a Study," features a quote from Niels Bohr: "Those who are not shocked when they first encounter quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it." The author, J. Allen Hynek, discusses the paradoxical nature of UFO phenomena and the challenges in studying them scientifically. He notes that while many reports are dismissed as misidentifications, the sheer volume and consistency of sightings across different countries and cultures suggest a genuine phenomenon.

Hynek recounts his own involvement with UFO research, starting in 1948 as an astronomer at Ohio State University, where he was tasked with identifying astronomical phenomena. He initially shared the skepticism towards "flying saucers" but found that the phenomenon persisted and grew over decades.

He criticizes the lack of professional investigation and funding for UFO research, often leaving the task to amateurs. Hynek outlines a proposed six-category system for classifying UFO observations, distinguishing between distant sightings (lights, daytime discs, radar-visual) and close encounters (first, second, and third kind).

Hynek also touches upon the skepticism from the scientific community, attributing it to three main reasons: the prevalence of identified flying objects (IFOs), the belief that humanity is not alone in the universe, and the emergence of fervent believers in extraterrestrial visitors. He acknowledges that most reports can be explained by conventional means but argues against dismissing all sightings outright, drawing a parallel to how a single unexplained particle in a bubble chamber can lead to new discoveries.

The article mentions the limitations of official investigations like "Project Blue Book" and the Robertson Panel, suggesting that their mandate was often to find rational explanations rather than to conduct thorough scientific inquiry. The author implies that a more rigorous, data-driven approach is needed, similar to how scientific theories are developed and tested.

Finally, Hynek suggests that in an era of global anxieties, people may be projecting their hopes and fears onto the idea of extraterrestrial visitors, seeking solutions or advanced knowledge from them. He concludes by emphasizing the need for serious, scientific study of the UFO phenomenon, despite the prevailing skepticism and ridicule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the inadequacy of official explanations (particularly "Project Blue Book"), the importance of witness testimony and radar data, and the challenges of scientific investigation into the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, advocating for a more open-minded and scientific approach to studying UFOs, rather than outright dismissal. The magazine highlights numerous cases that defy conventional explanations, suggesting that there is more to the phenomenon than commonly acknowledged.

This issue of "UFO Magazine," dated February 16, 2006, delves into the complex and often paradoxical nature of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The magazine explores the popular appeal of the UFO subject, attributing it to humanity's desire to know if we are alone in the universe. It questions whether UFOs represent a genuine extraterrestrial phenomenon or something rooted in human consciousness and perception.

The Paradox of the Cheshire Cat: UFO Characteristics

The article "UFOs: Are we alone? The paradox of the Cheshire Cat" highlights several key characteristics of UFO sightings. Unlike conventional aircraft, UFOs are rarely observed in sequential flights, often appearing and disappearing abruptly, much like the Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland." The average duration of a UFO sighting is noted to be between 8 and 14 minutes. A significant point raised is the scarcity of multiple witnesses to a single event, leading to skepticism. The author suggests that the selective nature of UFO appearances implies a deliberate 'direction' or 'staging,' questioning whether this is orchestrated by an unknown intelligence or by the observer's subconscious.

UFOs are described as exhibiting "materialization," "dematerialization," impossible accelerations, and instantaneous changes in location. These paranormal aspects, despite their seemingly unbelievable nature, are supported by substantial documentary evidence.

The phenomenon is presented as a duality, akin to the wave-particle duality of light. On one hand, UFOs display physical attributes, being visible, photographable, and detectable by radar, and capable of interacting with the environment. On the other hand, they behave as if governed by unknown physical laws. This creates a shocking and paradoxical situation where neither aspect can be dismissed in favor of the other.

The article draws a parallel to the scientific understanding of the sun's energy, where early theories like Kelvin and Helmholtz's "contraction theory" failed to account for its true nature. It suggests that just as scientists had to reconsider their models for the sun, we may need to reconsider our understanding of UFOs.

The Role of Consciousness and Methodology

Another section discusses how the UFO phenomenon is largely perceived through human consciousness and psyche. It questions the limitations of experimental physics in dealing with "objective reality" and suggests that subjective peculiarities might play a central role. Physicist Eugene Wigner is quoted on the necessity of translating physical laws into a mental sphere, implying that current laws may be incomplete when human consciousness is involved.

Serious UFO researchers are said to agree on the need for changes in approach and methodology. The article ponders whether UFOs point to the presence of "uninvited guests from a parallel reality" or if events in our own minds are the parallel realities themselves. It criticizes the dismissal of paranormal or "psychic" aspects of UFO phenomena as unscientific.

Despite the lack of comprehensive study, interest in UFOs remains strong. A 1976 survey of members of the American Astronomical Society revealed that 80% believed UFOs warranted scientific study, with 7% actively researching the topic. A surprising 62% reported having personally observed UFOs or received reports of unidentified aerial phenomena.

The article references a quote from astronomer Pierre Simon Laplace, emphasizing that it is unwise for philosophers to dismiss phenomena simply because they are inexplicable by current knowledge, urging continued investigation.

Glossary of Terms

The issue includes a glossary defining various terms related to UFO research:

• Uncorrelated targets (UCTG): A US Air Force term for unidentified radar "blips."
• Nemesis: A hypothetical "second sun" in the Solar System that periodically causes mass extinctions on Earth.
• Unexplained Aerial Objects (UAO): An outdated term used by ufologists in the 1950s-60s.
• Unexplained Atmospheric Phenomena (UAP): An outdated term used by Soviet ufologists in the 1980s, intended to replace the term "unidentified flying objects" to avoid implying artificiality.
• Unidentified Fossil Objects (UFO): Objects of artificial origin found in ancient geological strata, suggesting visits by extraterrestrials or ancient civilizations.
• Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO): The term, first introduced by the US Air Force in the late 1940s, generally refers to spacecraft of extraterrestrial civilizations.
• Unidentified Submerged Objects (USO): Objects observed underwater whose behavior and appearance cannot be identified with known marine life or technology. Some ufologists propose linking USOs with UFOs.

Book Review: "Russia Underground"

This section reviews Andrey Perepelitsyn's book "Russia Underground" (Moscow, "Veche," 2006). The book explores the largely unknown world of caves in Russia, suggesting they hold historical artifacts, unknown animals, and evidence of paleocontacts or ancient civilizations. The book receives a high rating of "+++++" for its compelling content.

Announcements

• The Dyatlov Pass Incident: UFO or Military Secret? A roundtable discussion is announced concerning the mysterious deaths of nine tourists in the Northern Urals 47 years prior. The event is organized by the Ufological Commission of the Russian Geographical Society and will be held in St. Petersburg.

Miscellaneous

• Scientists to Clone Christ? Poltergeist in the Voronezh Region. This section covers two distinct topics.

Scientists to Clone Christ?

Chemist Alan Adler's research on the Turin Shroud suggests the presence of human blood, belonging to someone who died violently. DNA extracted from bloodstains has been confirmed as human. Victor Tryon, head of the Center for Advanced Genetic Technologies at Texas State University, is involved in this research. Dr. Leoncio Garza-Valdez is writing a book titled "DNA of God" and believes the Shroud is a miraculous artifact. The research has led to speculation about cloning Jesus.

Poltergeist in the Voronezh Region

A detailed account is given of a poltergeist incident in a village in the Voronezh region, affecting the home of pensioner Anna Remezova. Over four days, objects like pumpkins and felt boots moved inexplicably, lights turned on and off, and strange sounds were heard. The phenomena reportedly ceased when Anna Remezova was taken to Voronezh. Neighbors Yuri and Valentina Mozgovoy also witnessed some of the disturbances. Ivan Nikolaevich, attempting to communicate with the "unclean spirit," reported objects being thrown, including a jar of pickles and an axe. The disturbances continued even when Anna Remezova stayed with neighbors, leaving behind torn wallpaper. The account concludes with the hope that the phenomena ceased after Anna Remezova left the house.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact to paranormal phenomena like poltergeists and controversial scientific research. There is a clear stance that phenomena, even those defying current scientific understanding, should not be dismissed but rather investigated with curiosity and an open mind, echoing the sentiments of scientists like Laplace. The publication seems to favor a broad, interdisciplinary approach to understanding these mysteries, incorporating elements of physics, psychology, and historical research. The inclusion of a glossary and book reviews indicates a commitment to providing readers with both foundational knowledge and current developments in the field of ufology and the paranormal.