Смена

Magazine Overview

Title: Смена (Smena)
Issue: 196
Date: October 25, 2002
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Country: Russia
Original Language: Russian

Article: The UFO Master

This article introduces Viktor Zaitsev, a resident of Malyshevo in the Leningrad region, who is presented as a creator of virtual Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The narrative begins with local villagers describing Zaitsev as a 'witch doctor' and attributing his 'flying saucers' to supernatural or unusual abilities. Zaitsev, a former fish inspector, lives on the outskirts of the village and has transformed his property into a garden and small farm. His house is distinguished by a unique, amber-colored antenna on the roof.

Zaitsev explains that his interest in UFOs stems from his education at the Institute of Precision Mechanics and Optics, where he specialized in holography, iconics, and lasers. He claims to have successfully combined these fields to create his virtual UFOs. He demonstrates his creation by using a computer and various instruments to generate a visual phenomenon that appears in the sky. This object is described as rapidly moving, rotating, and emitting multi-colored lights, resembling a fairground carousel, before disappearing as quickly as it appeared.

Zaitsev's Theory on UFOs

Zaitsev firmly believes that there are no extraterrestrial UFOs. He asserts that the phenomenon is either a product of mass hysteria, a trick of the mind, or a deliberate hoax. He cites the work of psychologist Carl Jung, who discussed collective unconsciousness leading to public madness, and the famous 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast as examples of mass hysteria. He also mentions Ufologist John Kill, who, after years of research, concluded that UFOs are not extraterrestrial.

Zaitsev explains that his 'UFOs' are created using a system that harnesses energy from the atmosphere, particularly from thunderstorms. He describes the atmosphere as being polluted with various elements, and that a thunderstorm front creates a powerful electromagnetic field. This field concentrates atoms and metals in the air, forming an invisible screen upon which he can 'draw' his UFOs. He claims to be able to change their shape, altitude, and direction, and transmit the image to any location.

Applications and Criticisms

Zaitsev suggests that his technology has practical applications, including in medicine, geology, telecommunications, and military defense. He specifically mentions the creation of false targets or 'mirage targets' that could deceive enemy air defense systems (PRO). By making the PRO system fire upon non-existent objects, it would reveal its position and become vulnerable to real attacks.

He also expresses a strong desire to expose what he calls 'ignoramuses and charlatans' – including ufologists and parapsychologists – whom he accuses of lying and profiting from people's gullibility. He states that the public's fascination with the supernatural is a sign of sophistication, but that many people, even with higher education, are easily fooled by clever tricks or scientific-sounding falsehoods.

A Witnessed Phenomenon

The article concludes with a personal anecdote from the journalist, Yuri Sapankevich. While on a train returning from Kuolamäjärvi, passengers suddenly noticed a UFO flying parallel to the train at a low altitude. The object made a sharp turn and disappeared into the sky. The journalist, recalling Zaitsev's claims, reflects on the incident, noting that while some passengers called it 'mystical,' a young woman identified it as an 'unidentified flying object' and regretted not having a camera.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'Smena' appears to explore contemporary issues with a blend of investigative journalism and human interest stories. This particular issue delves into the phenomenon of UFOs, presenting a skeptical viewpoint through the lens of Viktor Zaitsev's technological creations and his critique of the UFO community. The editorial stance seems to lean towards debunking sensational claims and highlighting the role of technology, psychology, and potential hoaxes in explaining unusual sightings. The inclusion of a personal sighting at the end adds a layer of intrigue, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of such phenomena.