Ufology-News - Annual Bulletin - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: Bulletin for 2017-2020
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Ufology News" presents a bulletin covering the period from 2017 to 2020, continuing the project's mission initiated in July 2011. The project aims to provide adequate information and a communication platform for those interested in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Anomalous Aerospace Phenomena (AAP), with a strong emphasis on a scientific and unbiased approach.

Project Mission and Methodology

The "Ufology News" project distinguishes itself from other media outlets by its impartiality and promotion of a scientific approach to UFO phenomena. The website publishes current news, UFO identifications, AAP studies, interviews with researchers, historical accounts, and documentary materials. It also serves as a hub for information on upcoming events and conferences involving ufologists and scientists.

Definitions and Terminology

• The bulletin clarifies key terms:
• UFO (Unidentified Flying Object): Any object in the atmosphere or space that is unidentified and not recognized by the observer.
• AAP (Anomalous Aerospace Phenomenon): Any phenomenon in the atmosphere or space that cannot be explained by known natural causes.
• Ufology: The collection and analysis of information about UFOs, essentially accumulating and classifying reports of UFO encounters. It is described as an American model of a quasi-scientific subculture.
• UFO Identification: A process of detailed analysis and classification of reports based on their unusualness and informational content, leading to categorization. The French model, involving meteorology, ecology, and psychology, is mentioned.
• AAP Study: The formation of a picture of little-studied and undiscovered natural and technological phenomena by supplementing existing knowledge, with anomaly as a key factor. This discipline intersects meteorology, ecology, and military affairs.

Since 2017, the project has published an online yearbook, replacing the older bulletin format.

Project Structure and Archives

The "Ufology News" project is founded by Igor Kalytyuk (economics and informatization background) and Andrey Chvartkovsky (higher veterinary education). Kalytyuk serves as editor, rewriter, journalist, and historian, while Chvartkovsky handles webmaster, administrator, and journalist roles. The expert council includes Mikhail Gershtein, Sergey Efimov, Artem Bilyk, and Sergey Shpakovsky.

The publication lists its extensive archives, including a "Old Bulletin Project" with issues from July 2011 to December 2016, and a "Special Bulletin Project" with issues from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, there are catalogs of UFO bulletins for various years and extensive archives of incoming correspondence and expert analyses of received materials, along with "TOP-5: Best Documentary Films on UFOs" and "Vestnik of Abducted Aliens" publications.

• A significant section is dedicated to the "Mass of Identifications UFO," which details UFO sightings classified according to the GEIPAN ABCD system. This system categorizes phenomena as:
• A: Identified without ambiguity.
• B: Likely known phenomenon, but identification is incomplete due to weak data.
• C: Unsuitable for analysis due to insufficient data.
• D: Unidentified phenomenon despite sufficient data.

The Class A section alone lists over 100 identified UFO sightings from 2012 to 2017, spanning various locations in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Israel, and Italy, often with links to further details.

Interviews and Research

An exclusive interview with Ruben Lianza, a professional pilot and head of Argentina's commission for studying aerospace phenomena (CEFAE), is featured. Lianza discusses CEFAE's collaboration with international bodies like GEIPAN and IPACO, as well as with other researchers and organizations. He highlights CEFAE's progress in refining its research methodology using scientific expertise and international standards. Lianza also touches upon interesting cases that challenged their analysis methods, such as the cases of Gabriel Simchuk, Ramos Mejia, Jorge Sandenrs, and General Rodriguez.

Lianza addresses the issue of witness misinterpretation, categorizing distortions into three types: purely imaginative, entirely real, and a combination where a real object is interpreted extraordinarily with added details. He emphasizes that correcting these errors requires practice, reviewing photographic and video evidence, and consulting annual reports.

He strongly advocates for all UFO researchers worldwide to adopt scientific methodologies for analyzing evidence, fitting theories to data rather than the other way around. He promotes using "Occam's Razor" to favor simpler explanations.

Articles and Theoretical Discussions

An article titled "New Ufology or the Beginning of a Methodological Revolution?" critically examines the field. It notes the common frustration among ufologists when seemingly extraordinary cases are explained by mundane phenomena, a phenomenon skeptic Philip Klass termed the "curse of ufologists." The article traces the origin of the term UFO to the US Air Force's "Project Blue Book" and defines it as any aerial object whose aerodynamic characteristics or unusual features do not correspond to any known aircraft or misperception.

The article discusses the evolution of terminology, moving from UFO to UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) and other acronyms, as researchers sought to distance themselves from the sensationalism associated with "flying saucers" and "aliens." It highlights the differing approaches of American and French schools of thought. The American model, influenced by researchers like J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee, focuses on classifying contact types. The French model, exemplified by GEIPAN, emphasizes classifying cases based on their level of unusualness and informational content.

The author proposes applying Occam's Razor to redefine terms like UFO and AAP, stripping them of any inherent assumptions about extraterrestrial technology or intelligence. The article advocates for a more rigorous, data-driven approach, suggesting that the Ukrainian scientific-research center "Zond" is already implementing such methods. It also mentions the development of a "New Ufology" and a potential revolution in the field starting in 2018.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a scientific and methodological approach to the study of UFOs and anomalous phenomena. It critiques sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for rigorous analysis of evidence and the use of established scientific principles like Occam's Razor. The project positions itself as a serious platform for research, aiming to educate and inform rather than sensationalize. The editorial stance clearly favors a disciplined, evidence-based investigation into aerial anomalies, moving away from purely speculative or pseudoscientific interpretations.

Title: Новости Уфологии (Ufology News)
Issue: 12
Volume: 12
Date: 2017
Publisher: UFO-Science
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

Cover Story: Satellite for Hunting UFOs

The cover of this issue highlights a project to launch a "satellite for hunting UFOs." The article explains that space is becoming more accessible, with small satellites called CubeSats (10x10x11 cm) costing between $20-50,000. These satellites have a short lifespan of a few weeks. A group of Canadian enthusiasts is creating the world's first UFO-logical satellite, which is intended to be equipped with a magnetometer, radiation counter, and two HD cameras for a full-circle view. They also hope to include a micro-radar if enough funds are raised. The goal is to capture images of unusual objects near the satellite. The article suggests that in the future, a constellation of such satellites could be formed by enthusiasts to directly transmit data, which would be more beneficial than debates about government secrecy. Details and donation information are provided via links to www.cubesat4disclosure.com and www.finelinelabs.com/cubesatDON.html. The article is attributed to Sergey Efimov, Senior Expert at 'Novosti Ufologii'.

News Section

US Forest Service Declassifies 18 Pages on UFO Sightings

The US Forest Service (USFS), responsible for managing 154 national forests and 20 grasslands, has declassified 18 pages of documents related to UFO sightings. In November 2016, John Greenewald requested these records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). On February 7, he received the 18-page dossier. The article notes that the information was provided by The Black Vault.

GEIPAN Documentation Updates

Several updates are provided regarding documentation released by GEIPAN (French Space Agency's CNES commission) on unidentified cases:

• January 2017: A new package of documents, including cases from 1983 (Ne-Burdette) and 1996.09.12 (Flavin).
• February 2017: Another package, with cases from 1951.06.15 (Orange) and 1953.04.11 (Limož).
• May 2017: A package including a case from 1989.09.04 (Bertr).
• July 2017: A package with cases from 1980.05.26 (Yunen) and 2014.10.15 (Mozel).
• September 2017: A package with cases from 2015.01.12 (Saint-Zacharie) and 2015.10.23 (Montréal).

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Declassifies UFO Documents

The NRC, established in 1974 for the safe use of radioactive materials, has declassified 43 pages of documents concerning UFO observations. These documents were requested by The Black Vault on February 27, 2017, and released on March 23, 2017.

Australian National Archives UFO Documents

A new package of UFO documents from the period 1974-1996, comprising 201 pages, has been made available from the National Archives of Australia.

CEFAE Expertise Packages

• 2008-2016: The Argentine Air Force's CEFAE (Committee for the Study of Aerial Phenomena) published its annual expertise package, analyzing 40 cases registered in the previous year but occurring between 2008 and 2016. Statistics show 40% attributed to birds or misidentifications, 38% to optical artifacts, 12% to astronomical objects, aircraft, or satellites, and 10% to hoaxes. All cases included photos.
• 2017: CEFAE published its 2017 expertise package, covering 19 cases. A notable case involved an object recorded by infrared camera at Aquadilla airport.

Analysis of Infrared Video Evidence

Ruben Lianza of Argentina's CEFAE analyzed an infrared video, which revealed two Chinese lanterns. The article discusses a rebuttal from the Scientific Coalition for Ufology (SCU) regarding the object's behavior. Lianza emphasizes caution when interpreting infrared videos, citing a Chilean case where an IR video of a commercial airplane was misinterpreted as a UFO. He argues that SCU's counter-arguments are flawed and that infrared signatures can be misleading.

UFO Catch® Project

UFOcatch® is a project inspired by the book "Extraordinary UFOs" by Jean-Claude Bouard and Jean-Pierre Petit. It aims to create systems for automatic UFO detection. The magazine also mentions diffraction gratings from 'UFO-SCIENCE' for spectroscopic research.

Catalog of UFO Bulletins for 2017

A catalog listing 666 UFO bulletins for collectors in 2017 is available for download. Contact information is provided for obtaining electronic copies of these bulletins.

Strange Atmospheric Sound Explained

On December 2, 2017, a radar signal lasting two minutes was detected by the BPEarthWatch meteor tracking group. Initially speculated by anonymous ufologists to be a large object entering the atmosphere, the signal was later explained as a natural ionospheric anomaly, specifically a 'Sporadic E' cloud, which causes radio wave reflection. The article dismisses the UFO explanation.

Archival Projects

ZOND Center Archive

Protocols from the Coordination Council of the "ZOND" Scientific Research Center for the Study of Anomalies for 2016 are available. The center has also updated its materials page. Developers are listed as I.M. Kalytiuk and M.B. Gershtein. Access to the global archive of UFO identification and UAP research (2011-2013, 133.9 GB) and its supplements is described. Files are categorized by country, with significant numbers from the USA (284), Russia (31), Italy (6), and others.

"Phoenix Project" - Digitization Initiative

An activist known as "Isaac Koi" is inviting volunteers to join a project to digitize all UFO-related archives, including government documents, to make them publicly accessible. The goal is to aid in the study of sociological, psychological, and historical issues related to UFOs. Several notable individuals have joined, including Jenny Randles, Hal Puthoff, and Jim Oberg.

Editor's Note on the "Phoenix Project"

The editor acknowledges receiving an invitation to participate in the "Phoenix Project" and emphasizes the importance of not duplicating existing efforts. The editor discusses the "Global Archive," which is currently restricted to a few dozen researchers and is partly pirated, making public access difficult. However, parts of it, legally digitized from the "Heritage" project, could be included. The "Upcoming Archive" is described as an offline backup system with confidentiality, storing scanned materials, unpublished books, and government documents.

Press Coverage of UFOs and UAPs

A compilation of articles on UFOs and anomalous phenomena from the press archives, collected and digitized by Mikhail Gershtein and systematized by Igor Kalytiuk, is presented. Links to 16 parts of this compilation are provided. Additionally, a newspaper archive from Sergey O. Petrov, containing articles from 1989-1999, is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, research, and the disclosure of information. There is a strong emphasis on archival efforts, with multiple articles detailing the digitization and release of documents from various organizations and countries. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the explanation of the atmospheric sound anomaly. The magazine also promotes citizen science initiatives, such as the UFO-hunting satellite project and the "Phoenix Project," encouraging public participation in UFO research.

This issue, titled "Ninth Part of Incoming Correspondence and Examination of Received Materials," covers reports and analyses of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and anomalous phenomena. It presents the ninth installment of incoming messages and expert analyses for the period of September 2016 to March 2017, followed by a tenth part covering April to September 2017. The magazine also features a significant tribute to Alexander Vasilievich Beletsky, a notable researcher of anomalous phenomena, highlighting his contributions and publications.

Key Articles and Sections

Incoming Correspondence and Expert Analysis (Parts 9 & 10)

The ninth part of the incoming correspondence and analysis of received materials covers reports from September 2016 to March 2017. The tenth part focuses on reports from April to September 2017. Both sections express gratitude to experts for their analysis and to eyewitnesses for their contributions. Downloadable PDF files are provided for each part.

In Memory of Alexander Vasilievich Beletsky

This section is a heartfelt tribute to Alexander Vasilievich Beletsky, who passed away on October 28, 2017. Born on July 30, 1954, he was a candidate of historical sciences and had a distinguished career in studying anomalous phenomena. He served as the scientific secretary of the Kharkiv Regional Section for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena in the Environment, was the vice-director of the Research Institute for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), and headed the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS). The article lists his numerous publications and mentions his contributions to the field. Experts from the UNITS "Zond" system-analytical department, I.M. Kalytyuk and S.O. Petrov, are credited. A list of materials from Beletsky's declassified archives is provided, including correspondence and reports from the 1980s and 1990s.

Lectures

First Zhytomyr Cosmobiological Seminar

On April 12, the First Zhytomyr Cosmobiological Seminar was held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Zhytomyr State University named after I. Franko. The seminar was dedicated to the forms and means of existence of Life in the Universe and the cosmic future of humanity. The organizer, I.V. Khomyak, Head of the Laboratory of Ecosystem Monitoring of Environmental Conditions, presented a report titled "The Theory of Ecosystems as the Basis for Terratransformation." The UNITS "Zond" also presented a report titled "Research of Aerocosmic Phenomena in the General Scientific Picture of the Universe" by A.S. Bilyk and A.G. Kirichenko. Science fiction writers R. Radutny and M. Malina also spoke at the seminar. The event included a visit to the S. Korolev Museum of Cosmonautics, where agreements for further cooperation were reached.

Open Lecture by Artem Bilyk

An open lecture by Artem Bilyk was available, titled "Extraterrestrial Civilizations and the Study of Anomalous Phenomena in the General Scientific Picture of the Universe." This lecture took place in Kyiv on November 26, 2017, at the Ukrainian House as part of "Yoga Expo."

Investigations

"Strange Object" in the Sky Over Omsk

This section details an investigation into a report from Ksenia S., an eyewitness from Omsk, who observed a "strange object" in the night sky on January 19, 2017. The object was described as resembling a bright star, moving slowly and somewhat erratically. Ksenia S. provided photos and videos and requested identification. The Administrator, Andrey Chvartkovsky, initially suggested it might be an astronomical object and requested more information. After reviewing the materials and consulting with expert Sergey Efimov, the conclusion was reached that the object was most likely the planet Venus. Efimov explained that Venus is visible for several hours after sunset and its brightness is maximal in late January and February. The apparent erratic movement observed by the eyewitness was attributed to camera shake and zoom, and the "halo" effect in some photos was due to autofocus issues in low light conditions. Methods for verifying the observation, such as using binoculars or telescopes, were suggested, along with checking with local amateur astronomers. The eyewitness confirmed seeing the object again in the western part of the horizon, consistent with Venus's position.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, anomalous phenomena, and their scientific investigation. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and analyzing eyewitness accounts, with expert opinions playing a crucial role in identifying and explaining observations. The publication also seems to have a commitment to honoring researchers in the field, as evidenced by the tribute to Alexander Beletsky. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the submission of reports while also providing rational explanations based on scientific and astronomical knowledge. The inclusion of events like the cosmobiology seminar suggests an interest in broader scientific and speculative topics related to space and life beyond Earth.