UFO Realnost - No 03 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Reality (НЛО-реальность)
Issue: No. 3
Volume: N3
Date: March 1991
Publisher: UFO-Reality
Country: Russia
Language: Russian
Price: 5 rubles

Main Cover Story: Traces

The cover of the March 1991 issue of "UFO-Reality" prominently features the headline "TRACES: CROP CIRCLES, THE MYSTERY OF LAKE KORB - THIRTY YEARS, CLASSICS." The cover image depicts a snowy landscape with trees, overlaid with visible crop circle patterns on the ground, hinting at the issue's focus.

Article: Landing Traces (Посадочные следы)

This article defines "landing traces" as areas of soil bearing marks left by unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or attributed to them, where the characteristics of these traces defy rational explanation. The author notes that while many landing traces have been documented worldwide, only those with striking visual features and significant size gain notoriety. The article lists potential characteristics of landing traces, including ground disturbances (burns, dents, circular or oval marks from landing gear), changes in soil composition, plant death, soil precipitation, odors, and, rarely, increased radioactivity.

The author critically examines Professor V. Markowitz's scientific requirements for UFO landing traces, which concluded that UFOs could not be extraterrestrial spacecraft due to the lack of evidence for extreme heat or nuclear decay. Markowitz's argument is presented as an example of "the end of one's horizon being the end of the world," as described by Schopenhauer. Similarly, I.S. Shklovsky's denial of extraterrestrial civilizations based on the lack of colossal, planet-sized traces is mentioned.

The article emphasizes that the traces are visible to the naked eye and debunks the need for telescopes. It highlights that geographical distance can obscure awareness of these phenomena, using the example of crop circles in Australia being unknown to someone in Moscow.

The author asserts that traces do exist and discusses the possibility of elaborate hoaxes. The issue promises to focus on the most striking crop circle formations, unexplained cases, and those that became sensations in 1990.

Article: "Circles" in a Vicious Circle ("КРУГИ" В ПОРОЧНОМ КРУГЕ)

This article, authored by B. Shurinov, discusses the phenomenon of "crop circles," particularly those appearing in England. It notes that while the phenomenon has been extensively covered by the media, the reporting may not always be accurate or complete. The article references an article in "Tekhnika - Molodezhi" (Technics - Youth) by Vadim Aleksandrov, which explores the nature of these circles.

History of Crop Circles

The phenomenon gained significant attention starting in the early 1980s, with circles appearing on grain fields in southwest England. These "crop circles" typically emerged on a schedule a few weeks before harvest. Initially, they were attributed to "non-earthly forces" that flattened the crops. The article mentions that the first documented appearance was on August 13, 1980, in Westbury, Wiltshire, where three circles were found in an oat field. This event, near Warminster (a town known for UFO interest), led to headlines like "Traces of an Alien Astronaut."

The article distinguishes the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) from a similarly named group (BUFOРА) that did not link crop circles to UFOs. The BUFOРА group actively promoted the idea that these circles were landing traces of UFOs.

In 1980, individual circles were observed, but by the following year, sets of three circles (a central one with two satellites in a line) became common. The discovery of such formations near Stonehenge fueled speculation about connections to megaliths and "mysterious forces."

By 1983, more complex formations appeared, including central circles with five satellites and parallel lines. The article notes that while most English ufologists did not initially link crop circles to UFOs, a meeting was held on October 13, 1985, to discuss the situation. A key finding was that when crop stalks were found oriented counter-clockwise, it was often due to a printing error (negatives being reversed).

In 1986, five-circle formations dominated, but a new development emerged: a circle surrounded by a concentric ring, with a band of undisturbed stalks separating it from another ring. The orientation of the stalks differed between the inner and outer rings, demonstrating increasing complexity.

Authors like Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews published influential books, such as "Circular Evidence," which brought the phenomenon to a wider audience. Delgado, an electronics specialist with NASA experience, and Andrews, a chief engineer, investigated the circles by examining fields, taking photographs, and conducting precise measurements. They observed various associated details, including a circle with a multi-meter straight band ending in an arrowhead shape, and a substance resembling yeast with egg white found in another circle.

Hypotheses on Crop Circles

The article presents numerous hypotheses regarding the origin of crop circles:

• Agricultural/Botanical: Over-fertilization causing accelerated growth, chemical soil imbalances, fungal diseases, mass bird landings, or even the movement of "raging hedgehogs."
• Archaeological: Circles appearing in areas where Neolithic megaliths (like Stonehenge) were built, or as traces of Bronze Age burials revealed during dry periods.
• Meteorological: Giant hailstones, or the effects of the greenhouse effect, which some engineers suggested could alter planetary electrical fields, leading to circle formation. Colin Andrews claimed to have detected "energy emissions" in these circles.
• Military/Technological: Early suspicions pointed to helicopters, but their rotor wash couldn't create such precise forms. Later, the "Chinook" helicopter was blamed, but this theory was dismissed. Another hypothesis involved laser beams from Salisbury installations reflected by aircraft.
• Human Activity: The idea that flight school graduates created circles as a prank. The article also mentions the possibility of hot air balloon enthusiasts.

Scientific Investigations and Observations

Terence Meaden, a physicist and specialist in atmospheric vortices, proposed the "plasma vortex" theory. He suggested that atmospheric vortices, carrying an electrical charge, could create the symmetrical circular traces by descending to the ground. These vortices, often found near hills, could carry dust and debris, and stable air masses facilitate their formation. Meaden theorized that these vortices possess ball lightning-like electromagnetic properties but without thermal effects.

The article highlights the involvement of scientists like Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado, who meticulously studied the circles. They used dowsing rods to determine if circles appeared on specific "telluric lines" (grid lines believed to crisscross the Earth). They theorized that the density of these lines in Wiltshire made it an ideal point for a laser beam from the galaxy to communicate with Earth.

Night watch efforts were undertaken by researchers, including Terence Meaden, as part of Operation "White Raven" in June 1989. Despite using highly sensitive cameras, no direct formation was witnessed. However, the next morning, new circles were found. A subsequent operation in 1990 planned to use infrared cameras.

In 1990, crop circles became a tourist attraction. The article notes that while some circles were clearly man-made (e.g., by pranksters), the complexity of others led to continued debate. The article mentions the appearance of a smiling face pictogram and the involvement of a pop music duo, "Time Lord," who admitted to creating some pictograms for promotional purposes.

Swedish Crop Circles

The article also discusses crop circles appearing in Southern Sweden on the farm of K.-A. Immel since the early 1970s. These circles appear annually, with the crops (initially yellow, then green) not ripening within them, leading to them being called "devil's rings." The arrangement of these Swedish circles follows a pattern, with two rows of circles of different diameters (10 and 20 meters) that change orientation annually. Despite extensive study by various institutions, the origin of these circles remains unexplained, leading the farmer to refer to his field as an "NLO landing site."

Article: Searches for Higher Intelligence (Поиски Высшего Разума)

This section critiques the tendency in some UFO literature to attribute unexplained phenomena to a "Higher Intelligence" or "unidentified life forms." The author suggests that journalists often sensationalize such events, contributing to the proliferation of unsubstantiated theories. The article questions whether crop circles are truly the work of a "Higher Intelligence" or if they are more mundane occurrences, such as vandalism or the result of natural forces.

It points out that in 1981, a farmer attributed crop damage to vandals. However, media coverage often favored more extraordinary explanations. The article lists instances where crop circles were demonstrably created by humans, including a farmer using a pole and chain, and the admission by the pop group "Time Lord" of creating some formations.

The article concludes by questioning the validity of attributing crop circles to a "Higher Intelligence," suggesting that many cases are either natural phenomena, hoaxes, or misinterpretations, and that the focus on the extraordinary often overshadows simpler explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "UFO-Reality" consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and the mysterious crop circle phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained events while also scrutinizing potential explanations, including hoaxes and natural causes. The magazine aims to present documented cases and scientific investigations, encouraging readers to critically evaluate the evidence. There is a clear skepticism towards overly sensationalized or unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a more grounded approach to understanding these mysteries.

This issue of "NLO-realnost" (UFO-reality) focuses on unexplained phenomena, primarily crop circles and mysterious ground formations, alongside UFO sightings. The publication appears to be a Russian magazine dedicated to ufology and related mysteries.

Crop Circles: Man-Made Phenomena?

The article "And then the circles began to bloom on collective farms, state farms, and unmanaged fields like dandelions" discusses the phenomenon of crop circles. It references an article from "Tekhnika-molodezhi" (Technics for Youth) describing circles found at UFO landing sites, with one 8-meter diameter circle near a power line featuring smaller, symmetrically placed circles and complex patterns of flattened wheat in different directions. The article notes that Ukrainian ufologists believe the inner and outer rings were formed during the UFO's landing and take-off, respectively. However, the author expresses skepticism, suggesting that pranksters might be involved, and quotes Vadim Alexandrov from "Rebus for Toddlers or a Natural Phenomenon?" questioning whether science or "Satan's host" will prevail. The author then highlights the work of French ufologist Thierry Pinvidic and his colleagues, who analyzed various theories and concluded that the elaborately executed circles in England were not of natural origin, rendering them a "rebus only for toddlers."

Following this, the magazine presents a detailed "Instruction for creating circles on grain fields" developed by French individuals. This method involves using a plan, a rope attached to a peg, and a garden roller. The steps include:
1. Using a plan and rope to mark the center of the main circle.
2. Creating an inner circle by pressing down the wheat.
3. Using the rope to draw the outer circle and then rolling it with a garden roller to create a defined path.

The article mentions that Andrey Delepierre created one of the most complex figures in the English assortment using this method. The process was conducted under the supervision of an enforcement officer, and five circles were created on a seventy-meter plot in just one hour. Notably, no extra traces were found after the operation. The roller used weighed 26 kilograms, which was necessary to avoid crushing the grain.

The Korb-ozero Mystery: 30 Years Later

This extensive section, "The Korb-ozero Mystery – 30 Years," details an unexplained event investigated by writer V. Demidov, a former sapper. The story is based on his account in the book "We are leaving last" and material from Leningrad ufologist Yu. M. Raytarovsky.

The incident occurred on the night of April 27-28, 1961, near Korb-ozero. Forester V.M. Brodsky discovered a large, funnel-shaped depression on the lake's southern shore, measuring approximately 24.5x18.6x3.5 meters. The depression extended into the lake, creating a thawed area in the ice. The description suggests a massive object had impacted the ground, displacing about 1000 cubic meters of frozen earth, moved along the lakebed for about 20 meters, and then vanished without leaving any trace of its passage on the surface.

Unusual findings included chunks of ice, up to 30 cm thick, with their submerged parts stained a bright emerald green. Small, black, crumbly balls, resembling burnt seeds, were also found. Divers noted that the lakebed near the depression was covered with displaced earth and frozen turf.

When specialists, including V. Demidov, arrived a week later, they found no evidence of an explosion, meteorite impact, karst formation, or landslide. The green color of the ice could not be explained by the elements found in the samples. Chemical analysis of the hollow seeds revealed an absence of the C-H group characteristic of organic compounds, and under a microscope, the particles showed a metallic luster and extreme resistance to strong acids.

Subsequent investigations by Yu. M. Raytarovsky in 1970 noted that the depression had grown over with vegetation, including three trees. Further analysis of soil samples from the area revealed numerous small, dark particles with a violet tint, which were hollow and had a crystalline structure.

In 1978, an expedition led by E.S. Gorshkov, including Raytarovsky, found the area densely overgrown with forest. Magnetic and mine detector surveys yielded only mundane debris. Repeated expeditions in 1979 used magnetometers and electrical resistivity equipment but found no anomalies.

Demidov struggled to find scientific interest in the case, with many institutions unable to provide expertise. Hypotheses involving meteorites, aircraft, and even lightning were explored and dismissed due to contradictions with the observed facts. The article emphasizes the difficulty of explaining the phenomenon without resorting to unconventional explanations.

UFOs Over Saratov Oblast

This section details investigations conducted by Vladimir Alexandrovich Maystrenko, a former cosmonaut candidate and member of the "NLO-realnost" editorial board, into UFO sightings in the Saratov Oblast.

One case from June 23, 1978, in Tatishevo involved a pale yellow, glowing object with a shimmering halo, resembling a solar corona, appearing at an altitude of 1.5-2 kilometers. The object, described as a semi-sphere with a flat base, hovered for about 25 minutes after sunset. When a nearby military unit illuminated it with powerful searchlights, the lights malfunctioned within 6-10 seconds. The UFO then departed at high speed. The following day, the military unit's searchlights were found to have unusual grooves, 20-30 cm deep and 30 mm wide, along their concrete bases.

Maystrenko notes that during conversations with astronauts, scientists, and pilots, the question of UFOs and their potential extraterrestrial origin frequently arose.

Other Sightings and Reports

Briefly mentioned are reports of unusual traces in the Kuibyshev Oblast, with the magazine soliciting information from the public. Additionally, a case from July 1976 in Kolmar-les-Alps, France, describes two parallel grooves found in the mountainside, approximately 20 meters long and 20-25 cm deep, with the surrounding rock pulverized.

Moscow. Svobody Street

K. Avdeev recounts an experience from the night of December 20-21 in Moscow. While watching television, he observed a bright light in his window, which he initially mistook for streetlights. Upon closer inspection, he saw a fiery ball, about two to three meters in diameter. He retrieved his camera but struggled with the settings for night photography. The object moved away from his house at high speed and disappeared within five to six seconds. He described the light as blinding, similar to oncoming headlights, creating a sensation of presence without clear visibility. The entire observation lasted about 40 seconds to a minute. He later learned that a neighbor had also seen something unusual.

Visual Evidence

The issue includes photographs of crop circles, with captions indicating they were taken from the ninth and fifth floors. Another set of images shows close-ups of circular patterns in the snow, with measurements provided: diameter of the main circle is not specified, but the regular spacing of the circular formations is 20 cm, and the height of the snowy ridges is 6-8 cm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFOs, crop circles, and mysterious ground formations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and investigations, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the limitations of current scientific understanding. There's an emphasis on collecting eyewitness accounts and scientific data, even when conventional explanations are lacking. The magazine encourages readers to contribute information and ponder the nature of these mysteries, often framing them as challenges to conventional scientific paradigms. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained events that defy easy categorization, prompting a search for answers beyond the ordinary.

This issue of "NLO - Realnost" (UFO - Reality) focuses on several reported UFO sightings and their associated physical evidence, spanning different locations and time periods. The magazine presents detailed accounts from witnesses and investigators, often highlighting unusual phenomena and the challenges of explaining them.

Delphos, USA Case

The lead story details an event that occurred on November 2, 1971, near Delphos, USA. Sixteen-year-old Ronald Johnson, while watching sheep, heard a roaring sound and saw a brightly glowing object. He described the object as approximately 3.5 meters high and 3 meters wide. After about three minutes, the object ascended rapidly, causing temporary blindness in Ronald. Upon regaining his sight, he and his parents observed a glowing circle, three meters in diameter, at the location where the UFO had hovered. This circle had flattened vegetation and broken branches around its perimeter. His parents experienced numbness after touching the ground in the affected area, which persisted for two weeks for his mother. Investigations by Ted Phillips, who later compiled a "Catalog of Physical Traces Associated with UFO Sightings," revealed that the soil within the circle, even after rain, was dry and brown, contrasting with the dark soil outside the circle. Attempts to wet the soil were unsuccessful, indicating unusual properties.

Tulli, Australia Incident

On January 19, 1966, George Padley, a banana grower in Tulli, Australia, reported an encounter with a UFO. While driving his tractor, he heard a strange sound and saw a rapidly ascending, bluish-gray object, described as 7.5 meters wide and 2.7 meters high. The object rotated at high speed before disappearing. Padley investigated the site and found a circular area about 10 meters in diameter where the reeds were flattened in a clockwise direction. Only the reeds within and near the perimeter were affected. He also noted three holes, suggesting landing gear, and a smell of sulfur. Nearby, two smaller "nests" were found, one with reeds flattened clockwise and another counter-clockwise. A section of topsoil was also removed from the perimeter of the first nest. Later, two older "nests" were discovered. All attempts to explain these formations, including by vortices, were unsuccessful.

Kostroma, Russia Encounter

An account from Kostroma, Russia, describes an event on the night of June 8, 1990. Maria Rumyantseva, a 69-year-old woman, was awakened by her dog's barking. She witnessed a cylindrical object, resembling a wide barrel, descend into her yard. The object emitted a faint glow and appeared to have a female face inside. After the object settled, it dissolved, and a tall, slender woman in dark clothing emerged. The woman used a thin, white stick to calm the dog. She then ascended vertically over a fence and moved across the yard, eventually disappearing from view. The investigation, involving police officials, noted that a young currant bush was flattened where the object landed, and two distinct footprints were found, measuring 24 cm in length and 2-2.5 cm in depth, indicating significant weight. The investigator, V. Dyachkov, vouched for Maria Rumyantseva's credibility, noting her serious and honest character.

Makaryev, Russia Sighting

Zemfira Lapshina, a pensioner from Makaryev, Russia, reported an incident in late January. She saw a bright red, sphere-shaped object, 2.5-3 meters in diameter, hovering in her yard. The object emitted a loud, buzzing sound. She went inside to observe it from her window, but by then the object and its glow had disappeared. Later, she found three indentations in the snow, arranged in a triangle, approximately 2 meters apart. There were no signs of melting snow or other thermal effects in the area of the indentations.

Trancas, Argentina Observation

A brief report from Trancas, Argentina, dated October 21, 1963, describes a family observing a disc-shaped UFO for several minutes. After the object departed, a "cloud" hung over the landing site for four hours, accompanied by a strong smell of sulfur. Within a ten-meter radius, numerous small white balls were found. Analysis of these balls by Dr. V.G. Tall indicated a high percentage of calcium carbonate. The vegetation in the area where the balls were found reportedly died within days.

US Government UFO Investigation

An article discusses the US government's stance on UFOs, referencing an article by Sandra Waydener. It mentions a secret council known as the "Working Group on UFOs," established to investigate UFO sightings that caused concern among the military. The group reportedly informs the President of its findings and provides recommendations. One incident cited involved an object performing aerobatics at high speed over Colorado.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing the physical evidence left behind and the testimony of credible witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, presenting cases that challenge conventional explanations and suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown origins. The inclusion of investigations by law enforcement and researchers underscores a serious approach to the subject matter. The magazine also highlights the potential for government secrecy regarding UFO information.