UFO Navigator - No 103 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Issue: February-March 2007, No. 2 (0103)
Publisher: UFO NAVIGATOR
Type: Russian ufological digest.

Main Cover Headlines:

• NEW DECLASSIFICATION OF UFO MATERIALS: NOW INCLUDING CHILE
• ICE FALLS AND COLORED SNOW: WEATHER ANOMALIES OR...?
• UFOS OVER GREAT BRITAIN IN THE 60S: AN INVESTIGATION BY R. CHAPMAN

News Briefs:

• Meteor shower over Latvia
• UFOs over the Hawaiian Islands
• Mass appearance of UFOs over Great Britain
• Admissions from the Chilean military
• Japanese ufologists can summon UFOs?
• Multicolored snow in Russia
• Ice fall damages car in Florida
• Organization 'victims of psychotronic weapons' created
• Space news
• Following up on our publications

Article: Meteor Shower Over Latvia

In early February 2007, an unprecedented number of holes were discovered in the ice of frozen bodies of water in northern Latvia, believed to be caused by a meteor shower. The first hole was found in the Karti parish, near Valka. Local authorities and a commission from the Ministry of Environmental Protection investigated but could not explain the phenomenon. A witness living 2.5 km away reported seeing a crescent-shaped UFO with a metallic sheen on the day the hole appeared. To date, over twenty holes have been found, with the majority concentrated in the northern Vidzeme region, particularly in the Limbazhi district where 17 holes were found in pond ice. The holes are described as remarkably similar, with some being round and others surprisingly square. They exhibit a slight eccentricity with an azimuthal direction of 200-220°. Despite the density of impact sites, there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage.

Article: UFOs Over the Hawaiian Islands

On the evening of January 26, 2007, residents of Honolulu, Hawaii, witnessed UFOs over Kevallo Bay and Ala Moana Beach. Honolulu resident Peter Hollingvers described seeing two fiery objects circling at an altitude of 45 degrees above the horizon. The KHON2 'SkyCam' also captured the object. Hollingvers noted that the objects behaved unusually, changing direction and disappearing and reappearing. The National Meteorological Service and the Federal Aviation Administration reported no unusual radar activity. While US military conducted missile tests that day, they began later at 19:20. Professor Gareth Wynn-Williams of the University of Hawaii stated that the objects were indeed unidentified flying objects, but suggested they could be explained as aircraft contrails, possibly caused by high-flying aircraft using hydrogen fuel. He expressed skepticism about alien involvement, suggesting people tend to seek out the most bizarre explanations for simple meteorological phenomena.

Article: Mass Appearance of UFOs Over Great Britain

On January 31, 2007, dozens of mysterious orange objects appeared in the sky over Archway (Islington), causing panic and traffic disruption. The objects, described as a group flying in formation at a constant speed, appeared around 17:30 and moved from north to south. Witnesses reported no sound. Similar sightings were reported shortly after in Kings Lynn, East Anglia. Experts from the Royal Astronomical Society dismissed 'cosmic' explanations, suggesting the lights were likely military aircraft or weather balloons illuminated by the setting sun. However, witnesses argued that such objects could not move in the observed manner.

Article: Admissions from the Chilean Military

Video and photographic materials from secret military archives, presented at an international UFO conference in Viña del Mar, Chile, indicate that the Chilean armed forces have repeatedly pursued UFOs, with at least one incident detected on army radar. General Oscar Iriarte ordered the declassification of archives containing UFO footage from the past 30 years. Demonstrations included footage of Chilean fighter jets, helicopters, and warships chasing an unidentified flying object. The object was detected by military radar, and pilots and sailors were ordered to intercept but could not get close or force it to land. Another video, taken by a 'Citation II' reconnaissance aircraft on March 27, 2000, showed an unknown object over 40 meters long at an altitude of 1000 meters, 100 kilometers from Santiago. Captain Rodrigo Bravo also presented a report on UFO observations within the Chilean Air Force.

Article: Japanese Ufologists Can Summon UFOs?

According to the article, the Japanese UFO observation group "OUR-J", led by Director Yun-ichi Kato, believes in a telepathic connection between humans and UFOs. Kato suggests that individuals can mentally project their thoughts to UFOs, requesting their appearance. This concept is linked to the Japanese cultural idea of "ishin-den-shin" (mind-to-mind transmission) and "anmoku-no-ryoukai" (silent understanding). Members of the group claim to have successfully summoned UFOs using telepathy, with photographic evidence provided. Kato states that UFOs will appear when contacted telepathically, and "OUR-J" has numerous documented cases of mass sightings by group members.

Article: Multicolored Snow in Russia

Multicolored snow, predominantly orange and yellow, has fallen in several Russian regions, including Tyumen, Omsk, and Tomsk Oblasts. Residents have reported that the snow has an oily texture and a musty smell. Authorities have advised against using the snow for water and limiting livestock exposure. Despite assurances that the phenomenon is not dangerous, concerns remain. In Omsk Oblast, orange snow covered approximately 1,500 square kilometers, affecting 49 settlements. Mobile laboratory tests reportedly found no toxic substances in the precipitation. However, the smell led to suspicions of rocket fuel, though no industrial emissions were detected in Omsk. Specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations suspect industrial emissions carried by a cyclone. In Tyumen Oblast, officials claim the colored snow poses no threat but contains four times the normal metal content. Two employees at a weather station in the Tarsky district of Omsk Oblast reported feeling unwell after collecting snow samples, though medical examinations found them to be fine.

Article: Ice Fall Damages Car in Florida

A large chunk of ice fell from the sky on January 28, 2007, in Tampa, Florida, damaging a parked Ford Mustang. Meteorologists were baffled, as the weather conditions in Florida did not support hail formation. The ice did not have the characteristic blue tint associated with toilets or hydraulic systems. The owner's father, Carlos Yavade, suspects the ice fell from an airplane and plans to sue for damages. Similar incidents were reported in the Domodedovo district of the Moscow region, where a large ice chunk fell near a garage, breaking windows.

Article: Organization 'Victims of Psychotronic Weapons' Created

A new organization, 'Targeted Individuals' (TI), has emerged online, whose members believe the US government is using technology to project voices into their minds and conduct constant surveillance. They claim this technology, known as V2K (Voice to Skull), allows for mind control. Websites dedicated to electronic persecution and surveillance have appeared globally. TI members hold meetings to discuss protection from mind control and advocate for legislative strategies to ban it. A 2001 proposal by Congressman Dennis Kucinich to ban 'psychotronic weapons' was dismissed. The article mentions Harlan Girard, a TI member who claims to have been subjected to mind control since 1983, experiencing voices and physical pain. He links this to CIA experiments like MK-ULTRA and the use of electromagnetic fields. The article also touches upon concerns about microwave radiation and mind control dating back to the 1960s, referencing Project Pandora, a secret US military study on the effects of low-level microwaves.

Article: Space News

On January 31, 2007, a Zenit-3SL rocket carrying the NSS-8 telecommunications satellite exploded during launch from the Odyssey sea-based platform in the Pacific Ocean. No personnel were injured, and the platform remained afloat. On February 7, 2007, the Ulysses interplanetary probe passed over the 80th parallel of the Sun's south pole for the third time. The Rosetta probe performed a gravitational maneuver around Mars on February 25, 2007, coming within 250 km of the planet's surface. The New Horizons probe flew by Jupiter on February 28, 2007, at a distance of 2,305,126 km, en route to Pluto.

Article: Following Up on Our Publications

This section reports on Italian UFO statistics for 2006, with 605 reports received by ufologists. 20% were indirectly related to UFOs (e.g., crop circles), and 30% were identified as meteors. The Italian Air Force reportedly received only three such reports during the same period.

Reports from the Ground:

• UFO in the Slonim District of Belarus? On January 14, 2007, residents of the village of Ostrova in the Slonim district reported seeing UFOs between approximately 19:00 and 20:30. Witnesses described dark disc- or sphere-shaped objects with flashing lights, surrounded by smaller, irregularly shaped objects. The objects appeared to be hovering at an altitude of about 500 meters.
• Strange Phenomenon in the Sky of Yakutia: On the morning of January 15, 2007, a bright flash illuminated the sky over Neryungri, Yakutia. Witnesses described a strange object emitting a dazzling blue light. Some reported experiencing fear and instinctively ducking. The object was described as a prolonged shape with a trail resembling an aircraft's contrail, but with unusual light properties. It was also observed in Chulman, 30 km away. Many children reported seeing laser-like beams of light from the sky.
• Inta Visited by Aliens? On the night of January 24, 2007, residents of Inta observed an object resembling a flying saucer over the ruins of the 'Kapitalnaya' mine. A witness reported his car and mobile phone malfunctioning during the sighting. He described a dim, non-bright beam of light descending from the object. After the light disappeared, the UFO became more visible, hovering and moving erratically before ascending rapidly. The witness managed to photograph the object.
• Flying 'Donuts' Over Kaliningrad? On January 29, two residents of Kaliningrad reported seeing a strange, glowing 'donut'-shaped object in the sky.

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

• 'Martian Panic' in Estonia. 1921: Rumors circulated in Estonia about Mars exploding and fragments falling to Earth, causing widespread fear. Astronomers debunked these claims.
• Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Fall. 1947: On February 12, 1947, a large iron meteorite exploded over the Sikhote-Alin region of Russia, creating over 100 craters and scattering fragments across an area of 35 sq km. The total mass of the meteorite before the explosion was estimated at 60-70 tons.
• Whirlwind UFO in Australia. 1963: On February 15, 1963, a strange formation described as a 'whirlwind' or 'flying donut' appeared near Moe, Victoria, Australia. It hovered at an altitude of 75-100 feet, emitting a pale blue light from its base and rotating slowly. It was observed by witnesses, including Charles Bruce, and investigated by the Royal Australian Air Force and CSIRO.
• Tractor Driver Abducted in the Vologda Region? 1990: On the night of March 27-28, 1990, a young tractor driver named Andrey Vinogradov reported seeing a bright red ball in the sky near the village of Depo. He then allegedly saw two figures emerge from the ball, described as twice the height of a normal person.

Article: 'Martian Panic' in Estonia. 1921

This article details a period of mass hysteria in Estonia in 1921, fueled by rumors that the planet Mars had exploded and fragments were heading towards Earth. The panic, amplified by sensationalist media and possibly religious sects, led to widespread fear and anxiety. Astronomers at the Tartu Observatory worked to debunk these claims, publishing scientific explanations about Mars. The article suggests that a lack of proper astronomical education and an over-reliance on popular literature contributed to the public's susceptibility to such rumors.

Article: Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Fall. 1947

This section provides a detailed account of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite fall on February 12, 1947. The event involved the explosion of a large iron meteorite over the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, resulting in a widespread meteorite shower that created over 100 craters and numerous fragments. Expeditions by the USSR Academy of Sciences collected approximately 8,500 samples, totaling over 23 tons. The original mass of the meteorite is estimated to have been around 60-70 tons. The article quotes geologist E. L. Krinov, who described the event and the subsequent research, including the determination of the meteorite's atmospheric trajectory and orbital elements, suggesting it was a small asteroid.

Article: Whirlwind UFO in Australia. 1963

On February 15, 1963, near Moe, Victoria, Australia, a peculiar object described as a 'whirlwind' or 'flying donut' appeared in the sky. It hovered at a low altitude, emitting a pale blue light from its base and rotating. Witnesses reported a whistling sound, and local livestock became agitated. The object ascended and moved west. The incident was investigated by the Royal Australian Air Force and CSIRO.

Article: Abduction of a Tractor Driver in the Vologda Region? 1990

In March 1990, a tractor driver named Andrey Vinogradov reported seeing a bright red ball in the sky. He claimed two figures, twice the height of a normal person, emerged from the ball. The article notes that this event is presented as a question, implying uncertainty about its veracity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and related events worldwide. It presents various accounts, from eyewitness testimonies to alleged military encounters and scientific investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting information from diverse sources, including ufological organizations and sometimes skeptical scientific viewpoints. There's a recurring theme of official secrecy or lack of explanation from authorities, which is often contrasted with the detailed accounts provided by witnesses and ufologists. The publication also delves into historical cases and alleged government involvement in UFO research or cover-ups.

This issue of "Krasny Sever" (Red North) from April 17, 1990, features an article by Robert Chapman titled "UFOs. Flying Saucers Over Britain?" The article delves into numerous UFO sightings reported in Britain, particularly focusing on a wave of sightings in October 1967.

The Devyatinskaya Incident

The magazine begins with a report from "Krasny Sever" (Vologda, April 17, 1990) detailing an incident involving a tractor driver named Vinogradov. He claimed to have seen a strange, glowing ball and later found himself on the steps of the Devyatinskaya hospital. The hospital's head, V. A. Elakova, stated that Vinogradov did not require medical attention and was not intoxicated.

UFOs Over Britain: The 1967 Wave

Robert Chapman's article explores the phenomenon of flying saucers, noting that while sightings have occurred since the late 1940s, certain periods see a significant increase, often referred to as 'booms.' The article highlights a particular 'boom' in Britain during October 1967.

The 'Flying Cross' Incident

One of the most prominent cases discussed is the 'Flying Cross' sighting on a cold October morning in 1967. Christopher Garner, resting in his Land Rover near Exiter, Devon, was awakened by a police officer. The officer, along with another, reported seeing a cluster of pulsating lights in the sky that formed a cross and moved away at high speed. This event triggered a wave of similar reports across the country.

Two patrol constables, Clifford Waikott and Roger Billy, were on patrol when they observed a star-shaped object that appeared to be following them. They reported that the object glowed without sound and moved at speeds that exceeded any known aircraft, even when they accelerated to 90 mph. The object eventually joined another, larger object, forming a cross before disappearing.

Initial explanations from astronomers at the Royal Observatory suggested the sightings might be the planet Venus. However, this theory was quickly challenged by amateur astronomer Peter Baker and later by the Ministry of Defence itself, which admitted that some lights could not be identified.

Other Sightings and Official Responses

During the October 'boom,' numerous other sightings were reported, including cigar-shaped objects and 'firework wheels.' Police officers, engineers, and ordinary citizens reported seeing these phenomena. The Ministry of Defence initially stated that some objects were aircraft, while others were light sources, primarily Venus. However, they later admitted that the nature of several lights remained unestablished.

Lawrence Aindge proposed that the 'Flying Cross' might have been a refueling operation involving multiple aircraft. This explanation was initially accepted by the Ministry of Defence, which stated that the US Air Force conducted such operations. However, this was contradicted by the "Sunday Express," which reported that no refueling operations were taking place during the times of the sightings. The Ministry of Defence eventually conceded that the refueling theory was not applicable to morning sightings and that no rational explanation had been offered for the objects observed by the police.

The Moyn-Downs 'Apparatus'

Another significant case detailed is the sighting by Angus Brooks near Moyn-Downs, Dorset, on October 26, 1967. Brooks, a former BOAC employee, described a drum-shaped object with four beams that hovered for 22 minutes before moving away. He noted that the object appeared to be made of transparent material and made no sound. Brooks's report was investigated by Ministry of Defence researchers, who suggested that the sighting might have been an optical illusion, a dream, or a 'floater' phenomenon in his eye, possibly influenced by his previous eye injury and the unusual circumstances of his observation.

Brooks, however, maintained that he had seen a flying machine unlike anything on Earth. He expressed his frustration that few others in the area had reported similar sightings.

Analysis and Skepticism

The article highlights the skepticism of the Ministry of Defence towards UFO reports, with officials often attempting to provide mundane explanations or dismissing sightings as misidentifications or psychological phenomena. The researchers' conclusion regarding Brooks's sighting, suggesting it was a 'floater' or a dream, was met with disagreement from Brooks himself.

The Ministry's Stance

In a letter to Angus Brooks, L. Akhurst of the Ministry of Defence acknowledged the detailed nature of his report but stated that their investigation found no evidence of unusual aerial activity or additional witnesses. He suggested alternative interpretations for the sighting, including optical illusions or dreams, and concluded that there was no basis to believe the object was an extraterrestrial craft. He also mentioned that radar services indicated no secret aerial activity under national control over Britain.

Despite the official attempts to downplay or explain away the sightings, the article suggests that many people, including the witnesses themselves, remained unconvinced by the proposed explanations, leaving the mystery of the 'Flying Cross' and other UFOs unresolved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically UFO sightings in Britain during the 1960s. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the evidence and witness accounts while also acknowledging the official investigations and their often unsatisfactory explanations. There is a clear tension between the compelling nature of the witness testimonies and the government's reluctance to accept the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The article implicitly questions the thoroughness and objectivity of the official investigations, suggesting that the phenomenon remains unexplained and warrants further study.

This issue of 'Flying Saucer Review' delves into various UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and close encounters, primarily from the mid-20th century. It presents detailed accounts from witnesses, including drivers, police officers, and ordinary citizens, alongside attempts at official explanations and investigations.

Case Studies and Witness Accounts

Moyn-Doun Sighting

The issue begins with a letter from Angus Brooks dated April 28, 1968, responding to an inquiry about a Moyn-Doun UFO sighting. Brooks expresses that while he was initially hesitant to get involved in ufology, he now wishes to share his findings. He notes that any investigative commission can only verify technical, medical, and scientific details, and that his conclusions regarding the Moyn-Doun UFO remain unchanged. He suggests that the 'daytime mirages' and 'phantoms' might stimulate 'broad' reflections for the Ministry. Brooks invites the recipient to visit his area and mentions the possibility of another encounter with the Moyn-Doun UFO. The author of the article comments that Brooks' letter provides a clear picture of a man who wouldn't likely mistake his surroundings. The Moyn-Doun observation is presented as a perplexing mystery, with a persistent suspicion that the phenomenon might have been a 'flying cross' observed during the day. The author concludes that the sighting qualifies as a 'real UFO' because it was observed in the sky, not as a hallucination.

The 'Big Boom' of October 1967

This section details an incident involving B. J. Collett, a transport company director from Sussex. While driving his truck on the A32 road near Reading early on October 1967, his vehicle's radio cut out, headlights failed, and the engine stalled. After checking the electrical system and finding no apparent faults, Collett restarted the engine, only for it to stall again after 400 yards. Upon exiting the vehicle, he noticed an indistinct object in the sky, described as a flattened cone approximately 60 feet in circumference and 30 feet high. After observing the object for several minutes, it silently glided away and disappeared behind trees. Once the object vanished, the truck's engine started perfectly. Collett initially did not connect the object to his vehicle's problems but described its shape and size clearly.

Collett's experience was later reported to Charles Bowen, editor of 'Flying Saucer Review', who interviewed him along with Dr. Bernard Finch and R. H. B. Winder. Dr. Finch, a researcher of flying saucers for fourteen years, was struck by Collett's sincerity. He noted that Collett experienced a sense of tension, similar to what one feels before a thunderstorm, and had blocked ears. Finch concluded that there must have been significant air pressure changes around the object. Collett also reported difficulty coordinating his hand and leg movements, feeling as if he was 'learning to drive again'. The article suggests that a 'force field' might have induced currents in the peripheral nerves and spinal cord, blocking nerve impulses. This is supported by Collett's later complaints of 'tingling numbness and a crawling sensation' in his fingertips, indicative of restored nerve sensitivity.

It is hypothesized that Collett may have been on the periphery of a 'force field' of minimal intensity. The object itself emitted no light or sound, suggesting its 'engine' was idling. A more powerful engine would have resulted in a dazzling violet glow, a force field extending hundreds of yards, and the observer losing consciousness and suffering burns. The author speculates on the potential long-term effects on cerebral neurons, auditory, and visual centers, leading to hallucinations.

The Ronald Wildman Sighting (February 1962)

This case, occurring five years prior to Collett's experience, involved Ronald Wildman, who was driving a new Vauxhall truck near Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire. He observed a large, whitish, metallic-looking object hovering about 30 feet above the road. As he approached, his truck's engine power dropped, and it stalled. Wildman described the object as oval-shaped, white, with black spots, and estimated its diameter to be at least 40 feet. When he got within 20 yards, his truck's engine power decreased to 20 mph, and pressing the accelerator had no effect. He turned on his high beams, but the light did not dim. The object hung silently about 200 yards away at an altitude of about 20 feet. It then began to descend, emitting a white gas that resembled a halo around the moon. The object then moved sideways and disappeared. After the object vanished, Wildman's truck engine started normally. He reported the incident to the police, who confirmed he was sober and likely telling the truth. The Ministry of Aviation suggested it was a fog cloud illuminated by headlights, an explanation deemed unsatisfactory by skeptics, given the object's described features like 'illuminators' and its interaction with the environment.

The Dunoon Schoolgirls' Sighting (September 1959)

Two schoolgirls, 14-year-old Patricia Murchison and 13-year-old Linda McCulloch, reported seeing two UFOs near Dunoon. They described the objects as 'black and white and round, pointed at the bottom,' similar to descriptions given by Wildman and Collett. The girls were frightened as the objects descended to the level of telegraph poles and followed them. They sought refuge in a ditch, and the objects hovered above them. They managed to flag down a car, and the occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Henry English, also witnessed the objects.

Linda described the UFOs as moving in circles, sometimes moving away and then approaching again, without any sound. The 'Dunoon saucers' caused a stir but were later forgotten. The Ministry of Aviation stated that no aircraft existed at the time that could be mistaken for flying saucers.

Policeman Colin Perks' Sighting (March 1966)

Policeman Colin Perks reported seeing a huge UFO while patrolling in Wilmslow, Cheshire. He described it as a greenish-grey glow, with an object about 30 feet long, consisting of three sections, with a top resembling a garbage can lid. The object emitted a high-pitched, howling sound. Perks was paralyzed by the sight and observed it for about five minutes before it disappeared. He initially found it hard to believe.

Policeman Donald Cameron's Sighting (May 1966)

Policeman Donald Cameron and his wife reported seeing at least six UFOs from their home in St Helens, Lancashire. They described them as white and glowing, with one being larger and having a 'bowl-shaped top,' possibly a mother ship, while others were oval.

John Dak's Southampton Sighting (September 1966)

John Dak reported a hovering UFO over Southampton, described as a bright light emitting purple flashes. A police patrol car confirmed the sighting, describing a stationary object with red, blue, and white lights, emitting multi-colored flashes, and making no engine noise.

Timothy Robinson's Winchester Sighting (October 1966)

Timothy Robinson, a 13-year-old schoolboy, reported seeing a black, mushroom-shaped object being pursued by two RAF Lightning jets over Winchester. He described the object as hanging tail-down, not rotating, and moving at high speed before abruptly ascending and disappearing into the clouds. The jets attempted to follow but could not match its maneuverability. The Ministry of Defence stated that no aircraft were involved in flights in that area at that time.

Tynemouth Sighting (August 1971)

A mathematics teacher and an engineer observed a UFO for nearly three hours in Tynemouth. They described it as a disc seen edge-on, yellowish in the center with red edges, and occasionally surrounded by a bluish gas. Their independent drawings of the object matched, and they later read about a similar object photographed over Oldridge, Staffordshire, by four policemen.

Historical UFO Observations

'Strange Signs in the Heavens' (1646)

This book is mentioned as describing phenomena consistent with modern flying saucers, indicating that sightings are not a post-war phenomenon.

London Sighting (November 1882)

Walter Maunder, an astronomer at Greenwich Observatory, observed a large, round, greenish-light disc moving smoothly across the sky at high speed. He described its shape as a 'cigar-shaped' or 'torpedo-like' object. Hundreds of people reportedly saw it, and it was estimated to be moving at over 100 miles above the earth at about ten miles per second, with a length of at least 40 miles.

'Flying Saucer Boom' of 1967

This period saw a surge in UFO reports, many from police officers, who are described as trained observers. The article notes that police officers can err, but their reports are generally reliable.

Briksheam Sighting (April 1967)

A giant object was observed at an altitude of about 15,000 feet over Briksheam, Devon. Dozens of people reported it, and it was described as slowly rotating. Coastguard personnel observed it through strong binoculars, noting what appeared to be a door on one side. A plane attempted to approach the cone but the object ascended rapidly and disappeared. The Ministry of Defence suggested it might have been a reflection of car headlights or a meteorological phenomenon, an explanation dismissed as absurd by observers who noted the object was seen in daylight and the angle required for a headlight reflection was improbable.

International UFO Activity

Soviet UFO Observations

Reports from the Soviet Union in the summer of 1967 included sightings of 'shining crescents' and discs. Observations were made by private individuals and from astronomical observatories. The 'Soviet Weekly' reported on a 'shining orange crescent' UFO, described as having a diameter of 14 to 20 feet and a slightly dimmer surface than the moon, with jets of light or sparks emanating from its horns. These crescents were sometimes observed moving ahead of a bright disc. Astronomers in Kazan estimated the diameter of some crescent-shaped UFOs to be 400-600 meters, with a speed of 5 km/sec. The article suggests these objects could be shock waves at altitudes of 30-65 miles, not man-made. A report from B. K. Duginov described a luminous disc about one-third the diameter of the sun moving eastward. Latvian astronomers observed a bright star-like object that turned out to be a disc with a thickened middle, like a lens, and a 'ball' on top, with other balls rotating around it.

Aviashipman V. I. Akkuratov's Greenland Sighting (1956)

An aviashipman reported observing a UFO over Greenland that rapidly approached his aircraft. It resembled a lens with blurred, pulsating edges. To avoid a collision, he dived into clouds. Forty minutes later, the object was sighted again and flew parallel to the aircraft. After 20 minutes, the UFO turned away and disappeared. The crew did not observe any illuminators or superstructures on the disc, suggesting it was not piloted. No gas jet or trail was visible, and its speed of departure was described as immense.

Norwegian Airlines Film (1954)

A color film of a UFO was shown, taken from a plane flying over clouds during a solar eclipse. The film, lasting only a few seconds, was viewed by passengers including General Jørgensen, commander of the Norwegian Air Force. Arthur C. Clarke suggested the objects might be reflections from the aircraft's windows, but the article's author dismisses this, noting the film was taken from outside the plane and the objects were too distinct to be mere reflections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the lack of official explanations for many UFO sightings, often attributing them to natural phenomena or misidentifications, which are frequently challenged by witnesses and the publication's authors. There's a recurring theme of government skepticism or potential cover-ups, as seen in the Ministry of Aviation's responses. The article emphasizes the reliability of witness testimony, particularly from trained observers like police officers. The publication appears to lean towards the belief that UFOs are real phenomena, possibly extraterrestrial in origin, and criticizes the scientific community for its reluctance to seriously investigate these occurrences. The editorial stance is one of advocating for open-mindedness and further research into the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it is a global issue requiring international cooperation.

This issue of UFO Annual, published in 1989, focuses heavily on the enigmatic town of Warminster in Wiltshire, UK, often dubbed the 'UFO Capital of the World'. The magazine explores various UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and journalistic investigations related to the area, alongside broader themes of ancient astronaut theories, parallel universes, and alarming predictions about climate change and the potential for future pandemics.

Warminster: The UFO Capital of the World?

The lead article investigates why Warminster has become a focal point for UFO interest. It highlights the town's unique reputation, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. The author recounts personal experiences, including a claimed UFO sighting on May 13, 1968, in Warminster. The piece delves into the history of the town, noting its ancient origins and its current status as a market town and military center. A significant portion is dedicated to the experiences and findings of Arthur Shuttlewood, a local journalist and Fleet Street correspondent, who has extensively investigated UFO reports in the area. Shuttlewood's own sighting of a cigar-shaped object on September 28, 1965, is detailed, including his attempt to photograph it and the subsequent physical effects he experienced, such as facial twitching and temporary paralysis of his left arm. The article also mentions other local residents' accounts, such as Kathleen Penton's description of a 'flying carriage with illuminated windows' and Patricia Phillips' sighting of a glowing cigar-shaped object.

Ancient Astronauts and Parallel Worlds

Beyond contemporary sightings, the magazine explores the theory of 'Paleocontact,' suggesting ancient civilizations may have had contact with extraterrestrials. It references historical figures like Isaac Newton and Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle who speculated about life beyond Earth. Professor N. A. Ryinin is quoted on the possibility of ancient visits to Earth based on cross-cultural legends. The rise of paleocontact theories in the 20th century, particularly after the space age, is discussed, along with the numerous, though often inconclusive, findings presented as evidence. The issue also introduces scientific concepts like 'wormholes' proposed by Kip Thorne and the 'many-worlds' interpretation of quantum mechanics by Hugh Everett and John Wheeler, suggesting these could be mechanisms for interstellar travel or the existence of parallel universes.

Climate Change and Global Cataclysms

A significant section of the magazine is dedicated to the dire predictions of climate change. Based on observations of melting Arctic ice, Russian scientists forecast widespread coastal flooding by the end of the century, submerging major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. The report details the potential fate of cities like Paris, Berlin, London, Rome, Washington, and New York, as well as entire countries like the Netherlands and Israel. The article also discusses the impact on Russia, with cities like Vladivostok and St. Petersburg facing submersion, and the thawing of permafrost threatening northern regions. The potential extinction of Arctic wildlife and indigenous populations is also raised. The article emphasizes that the disappearance of polar ice caps would lead to a drastic increase in global temperatures, with Europe and the Northern Hemisphere experiencing the most significant warming.

The Deadly "Spanish Flu" Virus Recreated

The magazine reports on the scientific recreation of the 1918 Spanish Flu virus, which caused millions of deaths worldwide. Researchers successfully identified a human gene that may explain the virus's extreme virulence, noting that it could 'turn off' the immune system's defenses, leading to catastrophic self-damage. The process involved analyzing genetic material from a body preserved in permafrost in Alaska. The recreated virus was then used to infect rhesus monkeys, whose lungs were rapidly destroyed, mirroring the effects observed in humans during the 1918 pandemic. The research is presented as crucial for understanding influenza viruses and their pandemic potential, with concerns raised about the H5N1 avian flu virus potentially evolving to become similarly deadly.

Book Reviews and Events

The issue includes reviews of books by Jacques Vallee, such as "Other Dimensions" and "Face to Face," which explore UFO phenomena and their historical context. It also lists upcoming events at the Russian Geographical Society, including lectures on UFOs, the solar system, and the Tunguska event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from contemporary UFO sightings to ancient mysteries and future threats like climate change. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into paranormal and anomalous phenomena, presenting scientific theories and witness accounts with a critical yet open mind. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation, as highlighted by the reviews of Jacques Vallee's work, which seeks to understand UFOs not as alien visitations but as a complex, real phenomenon with deep historical roots and psychological impact. The inclusion of climate change and pandemic virus research suggests a broader interest in significant global issues that may have unknown or unexplained causes.

This document is a page from the Russian magazine "UFO", issue number 3, volume 18, dated March 2007. The content focuses on scientific discussions related to infectious diseases and viruses, particularly the reconstruction of the 1918 Spanish flu virus.

Article on Virus Research

The text discusses the potential for intervention in the early stages of infection and the development of new methods to combat future pandemics. Dr. Ronald Cutler, a specialist in infectious diseases from the University of East London, is quoted stating that understanding the mechanisms of excessive immune stimulation could lead to better preparedness for future pandemics.

Dr. Jim Robertson from the British National Institute of Biological Standards and Control is presented as believing that the decision to recreate the deadly 1918 Spanish flu virus was justified. He acknowledges that many virologists are apprehensive about creating and experimenting with this highly dangerous, extinct virus. However, he argues that the knowledge gained from such experiments is crucial for understanding the extreme pathogenicity of these types of influenza viruses. This perspective is attributed to a BBC report from January 18, 2007.

Publication Details

The issue was completed at 4 AM on March 3, 2007. It was compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gerstein from Saint Petersburg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme explored in this excerpt is the scientific pursuit of understanding and potentially combating dangerous viruses, even those that are extinct. The editorial stance, as represented by the inclusion of Dr. Robertson's justification, appears to support the controversial but potentially beneficial research into reconstructing historical pathogens for the advancement of virology and public health preparedness.