БЮЛЛЕТЕНЬ УФОДОС

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "UFODOS Bulletin: News of Ukrainian Ufology" (Volume 1, Issue 2, March 2009) is presented by the Zakarpattia Ufological Club "UFODOS". The bulletin aims to provide verified and interesting information to ufologists and the public.

UFO Activity in Ukraine

The lead article, "Since the First Days of 2009, Aliens Have Visited Ukraine," reports a surge in UFO sightings across Ukraine at the beginning of 2009. According to Yaroslav Sochka, head of the "UFODOS" club, the most frequent reports come from Kyiv and Crimea, with southern regions being particularly active. He notes a trend of increased UFO activity in rural areas and during times of crisis or social unrest, such as the current global economic crisis. Sightings are reported from Crimea, Kharkiv, Poltava, and Dnipropetrovsk.

Sochka mentions that the club annually compiles about fifty credible sightings into their database, while many others are discarded due to insufficient data or absurdity. To address this, the "UFODOS" club launched the "UFOBUA" national archive for UFO sightings in Ukraine, aiming to collect and systematize testimonies from eyewitnesses across the country.

The increase in photographic and video evidence is attributed to the accessibility of digital cameras, making it easier to distinguish genuine sightings from fantasies. However, Sochka acknowledges that many real encounters go unreported due to fear of ridicule, and a general "ufological illiteracy" among the Ukrainian population prevents many from knowing how or where to report such phenomena.

Advice for UFO Encounters

In response to how one should behave when encountering a UFO, Sochka advises against panic. He states that UFO encounters are usually fleeting and without physical contact. Maintaining a neutral and restrained demeanor is recommended. If any interaction occurs, it is important to notify local authorities, internal affairs, fire departments, or emergency situations commissions, and ideally involve civilian and military specialists. Documenting the event and contacting ufologists is also encouraged.

Specific UFO Sightings in Ukraine

Kharkiv

An article from "dozor.kharkov.ua" dated January 26, 2009, reports that Igor Bereznyuk, a staff member of the Kharkiv Planetarium, filmed an unidentified flying object. The object, described as a glowing ball, moved silently, did not blink, and was capable of sudden stops and hovering. The area around the Blagoveshchensky market has been a site of previous UFO attention, with Bereznyuk having filmed two single-light objects and one three-light object there in October of the previous year.

Bereznyuk views these objects from a cosmic structure perspective, suggesting they might be messengers from more developed civilizations, possibly even our creators.

Dnepropetrovsk

A report from "smi.dp.ua" on January 23, 2009, details a sighting near the Pridneprovskaya Thermal Power Plant. A resident filmed a UFO that remained in the sky for over five minutes, constantly changing shape and color. The video was shown to ufologist Anatoliy Kulchytsky, who deemed the material worthy of attention and suggested it be sent to the Academy of Sciences in Kyiv for further analysis. This is noted as not an isolated incident in the Dnepropetrovsk region.

Poltava

An article from "regionnews.poltava.ua" dated January 28, 2009, describes a sighting in Selishchyna. Oleg Kolisnik filmed an unusual phenomenon that was described as a large, bright, colored object, like a lantern, with a pointed side, not resembling a star. It was seen around 7 PM on "Shchedryi Vechir." The witness, Igor Kobets, called his neighbor Oleg to witness it. The recorded footage shows a bright spot jumping, losing color when zoomed. The witnesses reported sleepless nights due to the event.

Historical Cases and Research

Sumy

An article by Vladimir Surkov from the newspaper "Dankor" discusses the decline of ufology in Sumy. Mikhail Shcherbina, a former ufologist and university lecturer, explains that the field stalled due to a lack of new information and the anticipated "official" contact with extraterrestrials. He believes these objects are probes and that extraterrestrials inhabit our system, possibly using the Moon and Mars as bases.

Sergey Khvostov, an activist from the Sumy youth society "Contact," states that the organization no longer exists due to registration issues and lack of added value. He notes that ufology is more active in Kyiv due to better financial resources and equipment for research.

Sevastopol

A case from September 1996 describes the unexplained disappearance of the fishing seiner "SAOR-3" near Sevastopol. Despite being equipped with modern navigation and safety systems, the vessel vanished without a single distress signal. The investigation considered possibilities like a violent seizure or a powerful explosion, but extensive searches by air and sea found no evidence of a shipwreck, personal belongings, or oil slicks.

Sumy Region (Historical Photo)

In 1990, a seventh-grader named Dima Girenko took several photographs of a flying saucer over the village of Solnechnoye in the Sumy region. These photos, taken before widespread computer image editing, were analyzed and deemed an "anomalous phenomenon." The photos were widely published, and Girenko received recognition, later pursuing a career in aviation.

UFOlogy in Ukraine Today

This section reflects on the state of ufology in Ukraine. It notes the shift from the widespread "flying saucer" craze of the late 80s and early 90s, which was fueled by the lifting of censorship in the USSR, to a more organized and scientific approach. While public interest has waned, the phenomenon itself continues to be observed. The article highlights factors hindering research, such as government secrecy, lack of funding for specialized equipment, and the elusive nature of UFOs. However, it also points to an evolution in the public's and scientists' attitudes towards the subject.

The article mentions the decline of public interest in sensational stories about aliens and the fading of "paranormal" figures from public discourse. It suggests that while the "craze" has subsided, the need for serious investigation by specialists remains. The quality of UFO reports has improved, with fewer fabricated stories.

Despite the decline of many public ufological organizations, informal groups of 3-5 people and virtual clubs continue to operate. The article lists several online resources and organizations, including the Zakarpattia "UFODOS" club, the Sumy "Contact" society, and the Kyiv "Zond" center.

The development of internet technologies has been a significant positive factor, allowing enthusiasts to share information, fill knowledge gaps, and collaborate on analysis. The internet is seen as a crucial tool for collecting and storing data, although Ukrainian online resources are noted as being underdeveloped.

UFODOS Bulletin Submission Guidelines

This section provides detailed instructions for authors wishing to submit materials for publication in the UFODOS Bulletin. It outlines requirements for language (Ukrainian, Russian, English), formatting (MS Word, specific fonts, margins, spacing), structure (problem statement, analysis of previous research, objectives, main material, conclusions), and the inclusion of figures and tables. It also details the formatting for author information, abstracts, text, figures, captions, tables, formulas, and bibliographies, adhering to Ukrainian standards.

Test for Psychic Abilities

A short quiz, "Test for Psychic Abilities," is included, featuring 7 questions designed by British parapsychologists. The quiz aims to assess an individual's intuition and potential for clairvoyance based on their responses to scenarios involving choices, dreams, and abstract concepts. The scoring system categorizes individuals into three levels: those who rely more on intellect, those with developing intuition, and those who possess a strong gift for clairvoyance.

UFODOS Contact Information

Contact details for UFODOS are provided, including their website (http://ufodos.org.ua), phone number (+380977987672), ICQ number (3957877), email ([email protected]), and postal address in Zakarpattia, Ukraine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently emphasizes the importance of verified information and scientific investigation in ufology. It highlights the ongoing nature of UFO phenomena in Ukraine and the efforts of organizations like UFODOS to document and analyze sightings. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, encouraging public participation and the sharing of credible data. There is a clear effort to move beyond sensationalism and focus on factual reporting and analysis, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations of current research. The role of the internet as a vital tool for communication and data collection in modern ufology is also a recurring theme.