UFODOS - 2008 01 01

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of the "Bulletin UFODOS: News of Ukrainian Ufology," dated December 2008. It is published by the Ufodos Ufological Club of Transcarpathia and aims to provide information on topical issues and problems in Ukrainian ufology.

Crimean "Butterflies" - Target Practice

The article "Crimean 'butterflies' - target practice" debunks the long-held belief that mysterious stone figures on the Karabi Plateau in Crimea were signs of ancient civilizations or alien visitors. According to retired lieutenant colonel German Gertsen, these figures were actually target markers for artillery used during the establishment of a military firing range on the Karabi-Yayla plateau in 1948. He provided old, previously classified maps showing the locations of these 'butterflies' as artillery targets. The figures were used for counter-battery fire training.

UFOBUA Continues Its Work

The "UFOBUA" section reports on the activities of the national UFO archive in Ukraine during 2008. Over 20 new reports were added, with Kyiv and Crimea being the most active regions. Most sightings occurred in spring and early summer. The website "Ukraine Anomalous" received about ten new UFO photographs, but the majority were identified as fakes by experts. The increase in UFO photography is attributed to the rise of digital cameras, though many images are dismissed as natural phenomena like spots and glare.

UFOs, KGB, and SBU

This section discusses the governments' disclosure of UFO-related documents. The UK Ministry of Defence released 19 files in October 2008, following an earlier release, with more to come. France was the first country to share its UFO secrets. However, these documents reportedly contain no conclusive data about the UFO phenomenon, mainly consisting of interrogation protocols and witness testimonies. Ukrainian ufologist Maxim Kozyrev believes that governments will never reveal the full truth about extraterrestrial contacts. Regarding Ukraine, the Deputy Head of the SBU Archive, Sergey Kokin, stated that there are no relevant documents in the SBU or historical KGB archives that mention extraterrestrial encounters. He suggests that such documents might exist in other KGB departments but have not been specifically researched, as UFOs are not considered a threat to Ukraine. A former intelligence officer commented that Ukraine lacks the archives to disclose such information and that the release of such information often serves to distract the public from more important issues.

UFO in Yalta. Direct Report

This report details an account from Timur Osmanov, a resident of Yalta, who claimed to have been observing a UFO for several days and filming it with a video camera. He described the object as two stars that, upon magnification (x500), appeared to have characteristics of UFOs, with visible 'illuminators' and 'superstructures.' The report notes that while atmospheric distortions could make stars appear saucer-shaped, Osmanov insisted the objects moved purposefully. The article mentions that journalists and television crews were informed, and the analysis of the video footage is considered crucial for verifying the sighting. The report also briefly touches upon the possibility of planets like Jupiter and Venus being mistaken for UFOs, but notes their early disappearance from the night sky, contrasting with Osmanov's observation of the object until midnight.

You'll Be Paid If You're Abducted!

This short piece mentions the existence of a branch of the American company "UFO Abduction Insurance Company" in Sevastopol, which offered insurance policies worth ten million dollars for documented cases of alien abduction. The company claimed to have served nearly fifty thousand clients worldwide over eight years.

Ufological Literacy

This section provides a glossary of ufological terms and concepts. It defines ufology as the study of unidentified flying objects, not aliens themselves. It states that the alien hypothesis is just one of many theories about UFO origins. The article mentions the first photograph of a UFO taken in 1883 by Mexican astronomer Jose Bonilla and notes that there are 250 observed UFO shapes, with 32 being the most common. The surge in UFO reports in the USSR in the late 1980s is attributed to the lifting of publication restrictions. Official terms like 'unidentified radar target' and 'anomalous aerospace phenomenon' are used to denote UFOs. Ufology also encompasses other phenomena like crop circles and cattle mutilations. The article traces the classification of UFO shapes back to Pliny the Elder and quotes former UN Secretary-General U Thant on the significance of the UFO problem. It discusses the potential explanation for UFO maneuvers (90-degree turns) through the ability to nullify inertia and gravity, a concept being researched by scientists. The term 'UFO' is derived from secret departments during WWII. Ufology has been adopted by neo-sects since the 1950s, often led by 'contactees.' The article also mentions 'uphophobia' (fear of UFOs) as a psychological disorder and clarifies that 'observer' is an inaccurate term for a UFO witness, preferring 'eyewitness.' The largest database of UFO reports is UFOCAT, with over 100,000 entries. Personal experience is considered the most reliable source for UFO reality. It lists famous individuals who have reportedly witnessed UFOs and notes that UFO activity correlates with astronomical events like Mars' proximity to Earth, new and full moons, and the 11-year solar cycle. The term 'contactee' is defined as someone who engages in telepathic dialogues with other civilizations. The concept of panspermia (life originating from seeds) is mentioned, attributed to the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and his book 'Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies' are also referenced.

UFODOS Contact Information

This section provides contact details for UFODOS, including their website (http://ufodos.do.am), phone number (+3 (8097)7987672), ICQ number (3957877), email ([email protected]), and postal address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena in Ukraine, encouraging the collection of reports and photographic evidence. It highlights the work of the UFODOS club and its website. There's a clear skepticism towards sensational claims, as seen in the debunking of the 'Crimean butterflies' and the critical assessment of submitted UFO photos. The editorial stance also acknowledges the lack of official transparency from Ukrainian authorities regarding UFOs, contrasting it with international disclosures. The publication seems to advocate for a scientific yet open-minded approach to ufology, while also addressing related phenomena like insurance for alien abductions and the psychological aspects of UFO interest.