UFO Navigator - No 095 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO НАВИГАТОР (UFO Navigator)
Issue: No. 4 (0095)
Date: April 2006
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of UFO Navigator, a Russian ufological digest, focuses heavily on debunking hoaxes and reporting on various UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena. The cover story and lead article, "Alien Autopsy": The Final Exposure of a Forgery, meticulously details how the infamous "Alien Autopsy" film was a fabrication created by Ray Santilli and John Humphrey. The magazine also covers other significant topics, including the "Ladoga Phenomenon," reports on UFO sightings in Russia and Belarus, and the passing of prominent ufologists.

Key Articles and Reports

"Alien Autopsy": The Final Exposure of a Forgery

The central piece of this issue is the definitive debunking of the "Alien Autopsy" film. Ufologists have concluded that the film is a crude forgery. The article explains that Ray Santilli, who presented the film as genuine footage acquired from a former military cameraman, eventually admitted to its artificial nature. Santilli and his colleague Gary Shofield claimed that 95% of the original film had "oxidized" upon arrival in London, forcing them to "reconstruct" it based on Santilli's memories and the few remaining frames. British sculptor John Humphrey was hired to create the alien body, using sheep brains for the head and a lamb's leg for the joints. The "cameraman" in the interview segment was reportedly a random person hired to read a pre-written script. Despite attempts to claim that original footage was incorporated, no specific frames could be identified. Humphrey also played the surgeon, and a former employee of Shofield, Gareth Watson, was present. The article concludes that the film is a 100% fabrication, with no original footage or American cameraman ever existing. The reconstruction was filmed in Camden Town, a suburb of London, and the props were disposed of afterward.

"Ladoga Phenomenon": A Repeat Performance

This section reports on a recurring sighting of lights over Ladoga on the evening of March 24th. The object was described as a formation of matte yellow spheres arranged in a wedge shape, approximately 150 meters long, hovering at an altitude of about 500 meters. It rotated slowly, giving the impression of movement. Some observers reported seeing faint yellow beams emanating from the spheres. Individual spheres were seen approaching the main object at high speed, then descending and extinguishing. The phenomenon was observed by multiple witnesses in different locations. Fighter jets were reportedly scrambled to the area afterward. Similar sightings had occurred in the same location previously, including in 2003. Military sources confirmed that the object was an "aerial target" that was fired upon by aircraft.

Ufology Suffers New Losses

This section pays tribute to three prominent figures in the ufology community who passed away recently:

• Yuri Alexandrovich Smirnov: A respected ufologist from Yaroslavl, who passed away on March 17th at the age of 52. He dedicated his life to ufology, leading a group that collected thousands of witness accounts. He was a candidate for the head of the All-Union UFO Center in 1989.
• Vladimir Isaakovich Zabelyshensky: Died on March 25th after a serious illness, shortly before the publication of his monograph "UFO Phenomenon. Arguments and Facts."
• J. Bond Johnson: A photographer who was present at the Roswell press conference and took famous photographs of debris from the "Mogul" balloon. He was born in 1926.

UFO Mess in the State Duma

The article discusses a "round table" discussion on UFOs organized by the LDPR faction in the State Duma. The event was criticized for being a publicity stunt rather than a serious scientific inquiry. Participants noted that the organizers seemed more interested in generating media attention for their party than in genuine research. Critics, like journalist Maxim Borisov, compared the event to the Lysenkoism era, suggesting that such discussions blur the lines between science and pseudoscience. Organizer Chernobrov stated that the event resulted in nothing concrete, devolving into generalities.

"Ghost Hunters": Rostov Version

A new organization of "paranormal phenomenon hunters" has emerged in Rostov-on-Don. The group, officially named the "Non-profit Service for Anomalous Phenomena," consists of two individuals, Andrey Gorodovoy and Grigory Mikhailov. They claim to investigate and resolve cases of "unclean forces" and other anomalies, citing instances of freeing families from hauntings and identifying geopathogenic zones. They have also appeared on NTV, where they described their work more modestly, focusing on geopathogenic zones and technical anomalies rather than explicitly "ghost hunting."

"Paleo-astronaut Sphere": Take Two?

This section revisits the story of a mysterious sphere artifact allegedly found in Ukraine in the early 1990s. The current owner, Kiev architect Yuri Marchuk, claims the sphere is incredibly durable, resisting attempts to damage it with hammers, tractors, and even diamond tools. The article expresses skepticism, noting that no Ukrainian ufologists have reported on this sphere, and Marchuk is known more as a contactee claiming to receive messages from extraterrestrial civilizations. The author also points out that this is not the first "mysterious sphere" reported from Ukraine; a previous one was identified as an ordinary glass ball used for ironing in the 18th-19th centuries. Another similar "sphere" found near Kasimov in 1983 was also determined to be made of ordinary glass.

Icefall in California

A large block of ice, approximately one meter by one meter, fell in a park in Oakland, California, creating a hole about 80 centimeters deep. Experts determined the ice consisted of pure water, but meteorologists and aviation technicians could not explain its formation, as local thunderstorms were not strong enough to produce hail of that size, and natural formation seemed unlikely.

Space News

• Orbital Debris: As of March 22, 2006, 9,458 artificial objects were being tracked in orbit, including 2,975 spacecraft and fragments, and 6,483 rocket stages and debris. Russia accounts for the largest portion of this debris.
• Exoplanet Discovery: Astronomers have discovered a binary star system with a planet of Earth-like characteristics orbiting one of the stars.
• Mars Rovers: The Mars rover "Spirit" has lost the functionality of its right front wheel due to an electrical circuit failure, meaning it will now operate on five wheels. The rover "Opportunity" is in good condition and continuing its mission.
• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter: Launched on March 10th, the orbiter is now in its operational orbit and beginning its detailed mapping of the Martian surface.
• Venus Express: The European probe has entered orbit around Venus and is undergoing adjustments to reach its final polar orbit for scientific research.

From Our Publications

This section mentions a competition for "UFO photo forgers" held in Tallahassee, Florida, where a student named Jacob McCown won for his "UFO" montage.

"Christ" Grigory Grabovoy

Grigory Grabovoy, known for his fraudulent "resurrection" schemes, has been arrested. The article details his pyramid scheme, which involved charging large sums for "resurrection" and healing sessions, and generating millions of dollars through a network of "apostles" and regional dealers. His estimated fortune exceeds 10 million dollars. The article notes that while many people were victims, some were aware of the fraud and participated cynically.

Reports from the Field

• UFOs and Anomalous Phenomena in Belarus: Several accounts are presented:
• Valentina Nasennik from Minsk describes seeing a cigar-shaped object with flashing lights over her town in the mid-1960s.
• T. M. Kholevinskaya from Osipovichi, Mogilev Region, recounts hearing disembodied voices and music that seemed to follow her and her son.
• Boris Aleksandrovich Perovsky from Krasnoselsky, Grodno Region, shares two stories: one about a fiery arc appearing in a kitchen, and another about a mysterious fluffy, red creature appearing on a bed.
• UFOs and Anomalous Phenomena in Belarus (continued):
• Boris Aleksandrovich Perovsky continues with another story about strange footprints in the snow leading to a window and then disappearing, suggesting an object took off vertically.
• UFOs over the Novoladozhsky Canal: An account from August-September 1990 describes a glowing blue sphere with an orange star approaching a vessel on the Novoladozhsky Canal. The object hovered over an electrical substation before moving away.
• Astronomers Observe UFOs in the Arkhyz Gorge: An employee of the Special Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) RAN recounts witnessing phenomena in the Arkhyz Gorge in autumn 2003, involving spheres of light appearing and expanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While it actively debunks hoaxes and fraudulent claims, such as the "Alien Autopsy" film and Grigory Grabovoy's schemes, it also diligently reports on unexplained sightings and anomalous events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to separate genuine mysteries from deliberate deception. There's a recurring theme of questioning official secrecy and the potential for government cover-ups, as suggested by the opening quote from Professor Gabriel Alvial. The magazine also highlights the human element of these phenomena, including personal accounts, the impact on individuals, and the passing of key figures in the ufology community. The inclusion of "Space News" suggests an interest in the broader context of space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life, contrasting with the more terrestrial paranormal reports.

This issue of UFORUM magazine, published in Russian, delves into a collection of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related phenomena from various global locations and time periods. The content spans personal testimonies, scientific speculation, and historical case studies, aiming to document and explore the mysteries surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena.

Reported UFO Sightings and Encounters

Solar Eclipse Sighting (March 29, 2006)

A witness from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, reported seeing two black oval-shaped discs during a solar eclipse. One disc, smaller than the other, vanished instantly, while the larger one, described as a perfect oval like a flying saucer, flew at high speed. Later, a similar disc appeared, flying and repeatedly flipping over before disappearing. The witness notes that UFOs are often reported during eclipses.

Jefferson City Incident (April 17, 1967)

An object described as resembling a World War I helmet appeared over Jefferson City, USA, at 21:00. It emitted a blinding white light, and the witness reported that his hands looked like an X-ray. The object was registered in the Project Blue Book as 'unidentified'.

Gobi Desert Landing (April 1968)

During an irrigation system project in the Gobi Desert, a large, glowing disc with a flame descended slowly. It had a visible diameter of three meters and emitted a red-orange light. After landing, it took off rapidly when a motorcycle squad approached. The object left behind an 'scorched cross' on the ground. Witnesses initially suspected it was a new reconnaissance vehicle from the north.

Zhitlovka Low Pass (1989)

In Zhitlovka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, a bright, disc-shaped object with flashing lights was observed. It divided into two parts, with one descending, before rejoining and flying away with two beams of light. The object's lights were described as blue, red, purple, and green.

Ust-Labinsk 'Balls' (April 6, 1990)

A glowing golden disc, the size of a football but with blurred edges, was seen in Ust-Labinsk, Russia. Metallic fragments, analyzed as an aluminum alloy, fell onto a roof. The fragments were described as small 'bombs' with no rare earth or radioactive elements.

Gerald Sammey's Experience (January 1973)

Gerald Sammey, a 47-year-old truck driver from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, reported a glowing object following his truck for two weeks. Photojournalists and reporters also witnessed the object, which was photographed, appearing as a blurred light spot.

Brooklyn Lights (June 1, 1973)

During a severe thunderstorm in Brooklyn, USA, eleven people observed two bright lights in the sky that pulsed and seemed to respond to each other. They were not considered to be lightning.

Chilean Air Force Encounters (1979, December 1978)

Captain Luis Lira Bastos reported a giant triangular UFO pursuing his F-5V jet and another aircraft over Chile. The UFO moved at supersonic speed. A similar incident occurred in December 1978 near Calama, where a police major observed a fiery ball, and later a triangular UFO with intense lights was seen by pilots from the Cerro Moreno airbase.

Antofagasta UFO (May 1978)

Two F-5E pilots on a training mission near Antofagasta, Chile, reported a UFO flying at over 900 mph. The object, described as a huge ship surrounded by a cloudy substance, changed direction sharply at high speed.

UFOs in Latin America

The magazine highlights Latin America as a region rich in UFO sightings, with Argentina and Venezuela reporting numerous cases. Specific incidents include a triangular UFO observed by a Chilean fighter pilot and a large fiery ball seen by police in Calama. Reports from Antofagasta, Chile, detail a UFO moving at extreme speeds. In Argentina, two girls reported seeing a strange creature with a light beam, and other witnesses in the same area reported UFOs. Brazil also had numerous sightings, including a large UFO visiting Doradoes and a 'capsule-like' object landing near Parana.

Venezuelan Sightings

Venezuela has a high rate of UFO observations. Reports include bright objects, explosions, and ground tremors. A 'man-made apparatus' described as a 'large cigar' was observed. Professor Maximo Antonio Hoffman reported seeing a giant, luminous disc ascend from a mountain near Santa Elena. In Brazil, numerous reports of landed saucers and contacts with occupants are mentioned.

The 'Hollow Earth' Theory

The magazine discusses the theory proposed by the late Dr. Raymond Bernard, suggesting that Earth is a hollow sphere with openings at the poles and a small sun at its center. A researcher named R.K. reportedly traveled to the inner Earth in a 'gigantic cigar-shaped flying saucer' and encountered an 'underground man'.

Astronauts and UFOs

The article includes perspectives from scientists and astronauts. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, an associate professor of psychology, believes that many people have had contact with 'enlonauts' (alien beings). Professor James Hartog, a professor of humanities and mathematical sciences, states that humans are not alone in the universe. Astronauts like Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald Evans have expressed beliefs in the existence of UFOs, with Cernan suggesting they are constructs of an alien civilization. Astronauts on missions, including Apollo-12 and Apollo-11, have reported hearing strange sounds and voices, the source of which remains unknown.

Dr. Garry Henderson's Claims

Dr. Garry Henderson, a senior researcher at 'General Dynamics', claims that NASA possesses extensive collections of UFO photographs and testimonies from astronauts, but keeps them secret to avoid budget cuts. He believes that astronauts have seen and photographed these 'spacecraft'.

Psychic and Physical Evidence

Dr. Bertold Eric Schwartz, a psychiatrist, investigated close encounters and found no psychological abnormalities in the witnesses. He personally observed two bright, color-changing spheres that moved silently and then merged. His equipment malfunctioned during the observation.

Abduction Account (Mrs. B.)

Mrs. B., a housewife from Tonton, England, reported being abducted by 'metallic robots' and 'humanoids'. She described being taken aboard a craft, subjected to examination, and experiencing a violation. She later found herself back in her car with no physical ill effects but experienced nightmares.

Tom Dawson's Encounter (August 6, 1977)

Tom Dawson, a retired car dealer from Pelham, Georgia, USA, reported an encounter with a UFO and its occupants. A strange object descended, paralyzing him, his dogs, and nearby cattle. Five humanoid beings emerged, described as pale-skinned with sharp noses and pointed ears. One of the beings reportedly uttered the name 'Jimmy Hoffa'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings across different continents and decades, the physical characteristics and behaviors of reported UFOs, and the potential implications for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting eyewitness accounts and scientific opinions without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced aerial technology.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 4/95, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, including alleged alien encounters, teleportation incidents, and mysterious aerial lights. The content is primarily in Russian, with some translated material.

Key Articles and Reports

The Higgins Sighting

The issue begins with an account of a man named Higgins who claims to have encountered beings from a spacecraft. He describes three individuals dressed in transparent, inflated suits, carrying metallic packs. They had large eyes, were bald, and wore sandals. Higgins refused their invitation to enter their craft and managed to escape while observing them playing with large stones. He noted they had a peculiar language that sounded pleasant.

The Merauso Incident (Brazil)

On August 20, 1962, Angelo Merauso, a farmer, and his 12-year-old son were in a field near their village when two large spheres, described as aluminum balloons with a reddish glow, descended from the sky. The spheres hovered a few feet above the ground, emitting a low buzzing sound. After emitting clouds of dense white smoke, the son was left alone, his father having vanished. Two police officers corroborated seeing the spheres and finding the boy, who was later psychologically tested and found to be telling the truth.

"Teleportation" from Spain to Chile

In the summer of 1979, a couple disappeared from a Spanish highway and were reportedly transported 5,000 miles to Chile. The incident, reported by the newspaper "Hola," involved a couple who wished to remain anonymous. While driving in Andalusia, they entered a strange cloud and felt disoriented, believing they had taken a wrong turn. After driving for some time, they encountered a peasant who, when asked for directions to Seville, identified himself as Chilean and stated they were 20 kilometers from Santiago de Chile. The couple, bewildered, reported the incident to the police in Santiago. Officials were reportedly aware of similar occurrences and provided the couple with tickets to return to Spain, while their car was impounded for examination.

UFOs: A National Park Landmark

This section details the phenomenon of the "Lights on Mount Brown" in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. For centuries, people have observed unexplained, flickering lights ascending from the mountain. The lights have been investigated by various US government agencies and researchers. Local legends attribute them to spirits, while others suggest more unusual origins. Paul Rose, an observer for 76 years, described the lights as intelligent, engaging in activities like bouncing and moving at high speeds. He also reported two lights approaching his observation tower and subsequently falling ill, leading him to suspect radioactivity. He noted the lights would disappear when he approached and reappear elsewhere.

In 1969, over five thousand people gathered to witness the lights, though some attributed them to reflections from car headlights. Herbert Bailey, a UFO researcher, investigated the lights with a skeptical stockbroker, Leo Bressler, and they observed hundreds of lights forming a line over the mountain. Bailey concluded the lights were intelligently controlled due to their speed and sudden stops. They attempted to photograph the lights but lacked sufficient light. Bailey stated that UFOs could be seen on a schedule at Mount Brown.

Ralph Lael, who owned a "space rock" museum, claimed to have communicated with the lights. He described being led to a hidden base within the mountain where "intelligent beings" resided. These beings, he was told, were descendants of inhabitants from a destroyed planet called Peuyem. The lights, he explained, were not earthly beings and subsisted on a substance called "pezine" and atmospheric gas, requiring darkness to survive.

Glossary of Terms and Individuals

This section provides definitions and brief biographies of UFO-related terms and personalities:

• Nocturnal Lights (NL): A category of UFO observations classified by Allen Hynek, referring to lights or luminous bodies seen at night that do not physically affect their surroundings and are more than 150 meters away.
• Noel, Mel (Noel, Mel): A pseudonym for contactee Noal Bruce Cornwell, who claimed to have communicated with Martians and offered Americans a trip to Europe. His claims were later debunked, and he disappeared from the UFO scene for a time.
• Newbrough, John Ballou (1828-1891): An American medium and author of "Oahspe, a Kosmon Bible in the Words of Jehovih," which he produced through automatic writing.
• Nash-Fortenberry Incident: A report from July 14, 1952, by pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry who observed eight disc-shaped UFOs approaching their DC-4 aircraft at high speed. They described the objects as red-orange, glowing, and performing complex maneuvers, including sharp turns and sudden stops. The pilots estimated the objects' diameter at 30 meters and their speed at over 1600 km/hr, potentially reaching 19,200 km/hr. They believed the objects were intelligently controlled, extraterrestrial craft.

Critiques and Bibliography

This section includes a review of a book by Nikolai Nepomnyashchy, "Encyclopedia of Anomalous Phenomena of the World," rating it as "good" but noting it rehashes previously published stories.

Announcements

Announcements for a UFO seminar in Tolyatti and the Kazantsev Readings commemorating the writer A. P. Kazantsev.

Miscellaneous

• Yuri Yablonsky's Predictions: A resident of Ryazan claims to accurately predict the death dates of celebrities, including a prediction for Philipp Kirkorov's death on July 11, 2006.
• NASA Censorship of Climate Research: Meteorologist James Hansen alleges that the Bush administration is restricting NASA scientists' ability to discuss climate change, fearing that the window to address global warming is closing.
• Nuclear Arms Balance: A report from the US State Department details the nuclear arsenals of the US and Russia as of January 1, 2006, showing Russia with more warheads but the US with a greater throw-weight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting witness accounts and research findings, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The inclusion of detailed reports like the Nash-Fortenberry incident and the Mount Brown lights suggests a focus on well-documented cases. The glossary and critiques indicate an effort to provide context and analysis within the field of ufology.

This issue, identified as number 117, focuses on reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) over the Novoladozhsky region in Russia. The primary visual element is a map of the area, specifically around Novoladozhsky and Sviritsa, which are located near Lake Ladoga. The map includes topographical details such as islands, canals, and bodies of water, with a prominent red arrow indicating a path or trajectory. This path is marked with numbers and symbols, suggesting a recorded observation or analysis of an event.

UFO Reports and Illustrations

The cover headline and accompanying text, "СООБЩЕНИЯ С МЕСТ НЛО над Новоладожским" (Reports from the Field: UFOs over Novoladozhsky), clearly indicate the central theme. The map itself serves as a key piece of evidence or documentation for these reports.

Further into the issue, a separate diagram illustrates the movement or formation of "Три НЛО во время..." (Three UFOs during...). This diagram is divided into sections labeled A, B, and C, with numerical markers (1 through 6) indicating sequential positions or stages. Arrows and angles (e.g., 30°) are used to depict movement and relative positions, suggesting an analysis of the UFOs' behavior or flight patterns.

Another section is titled "НАШ СЛОВАРЬ" (Our Dictionary) and references "Нэш-Фортенберри..." (Nash-Fortenberry...), possibly indicating a glossary or explanation of terms related to UFO phenomena or specific cases.

While the scan does not provide full article texts, the visual elements strongly suggest that the issue delves into specific UFO sightings, their geographical context, and attempts to analyze their characteristics and movements. The presence of a map and detailed diagrams points towards a methodical approach to documenting and understanding these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is undoubtedly UFO sightings and their analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation, as evidenced by the use of detailed maps, diagrams, and a glossary of terms. The publication aims to present reports from the field and provide analytical tools or frameworks for understanding these events. The focus on specific locations like Novoladozhsky and Sviritsa suggests an interest in localized phenomena and potentially corroborating evidence from different observers or sources.