Ufology-News - Annual Bulletin - 2019

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (UFO NEWS)
Issue: 2019 Yearbook
Date: 2019
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "Novosti Ufologii" (UFO News) presents its 2019 yearbook, continuing its role as an alternative media source for information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Anomalous Aerospace Phenomena (AAPs) since its inception in July 2011. The project emphasizes impartiality and the popularization of a scientific approach to the subject.

Project "Novosti Ufologii" and its Mission

The project's website publishes current UFO news, UFO identifications, AAP studies, interviews with researchers, and historical and documentary materials. It also informs about upcoming events and conferences for ufologists and analysts.

• Definitions are provided for key terms:
• UFO (Unidentified Flying Object): Any object in the atmosphere or outer space that is unidentified and not specifically identified by the observer.
• AAP (Anomalous Aerospace Phenomenon): Any phenomenon in the atmosphere or outer space that cannot be explained by known natural causes.
• Ufology: The collection and analysis of information about UFOs, essentially accumulating and classifying primary reports. It is described as an American model of quasi-scientific subculture.
• UFO Identification: A detailed analysis and classification of primary reports based on their unusualness and informational content, compiled into a working catalog (A, B, C, D). This is presented as a French model of discipline at the intersection of meteorology, ecology, and psychology.
• AAP Study: The formation of a picture of little-studied and undiscovered natural and technological phenomena by supplementing knowledge about them, with anomaly as a mandatory parameter. This discipline is at the intersection of meteorology, ecology, and military affairs.

Since 2017, the project has been publishing an online yearbook, replacing its previous bulletin format.

Project Founders and Expert Council

• The project was founded by:
• Igor Kalytyuk: Possesses two higher education degrees in economics and information technology, residing in Rivne. He serves as editor, rewriter, and journalist. He also handles communication issues.
• Andrey Chvartkovsky: Holds a higher veterinary education, residing in Lviv. He functions as webmaster, administrator, and journalist.

• The Expert Council includes:
• Mikhail Gershtein: Senior Expert, St. Petersburg.
• Sergey Efimov: Senior Expert, Alma-Ata.
• Artyom Bilyk: Senior Expert, Kyiv.
• Sergey Shpakovsky: Expert, Toronto.
• Gennady Semenov: Expert, Kharkiv.
• Eduard Abashiya: Expert, SineInikovo.

Project Archives and Publications

• The issue lists numerous publications, including:
• Old Bulletins: A chronological list of bulletins from July 2011 to December 2016, identified by issue numbers and dates.
• Special Bulletins: A smaller series of bulletins from 2012 to 2018.
• "Other" Section: This includes catalogs of UFO bulletins for various years (2012-2019) and a series titled "Incoming Correspondence and Expertise of Received Materials" (Parts 1-12), as well as "TOP-5: Best Documentary Films on UFOs" and "Vestnik Pokhishchennykh Prishel'tsami" (Alien Abductees Bulletin) from 2014.

"Global Archive" Project and its Connection to "Heritage"

This section details the process of digitizing paper materials and their subsequent systematization. The "Global Archive" project aims to create a comprehensive database of UFO and UAP information. The article describes how paper documents are scanned and processed, with a mention of the "Heritage" project. It discusses the challenges and methods involved in this archival work, including the "shuttle" approach where materials are scanned and then returned to their respective cities.

The Central Repository holds materials from deceased researchers like I. Kuznetsova, V. Rubtsov, A. Beletsky, R. Furdui, O. Goroshko, V. Mantulin, and living colleagues such as A. Pugach, I. Kalytyuk, S. Petrov, R. Oleksyuk, and others from Kharkiv and Kyiv. Mikhail Gershtein's archive contains materials from deceased researchers like Yu. Morozov, K. Butusov, V. Golts, G. Kolchin, V. Fomenko, K. Khazanovich, and A. Mordvin-Shchodro, as well as living colleagues like E. Galevsky, E. Litvinov, M. Mamedov, V. Psallomshchikov, V. Utenkov, and others from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Images (Figure 8 and 9) show the scanning process in 2014 and 2016.

Processing Electronic Variants

Figure 8 depicts the scanning process in 2014. When the ETBI Center existed, scanning was performed as part of a cooperation agreement. After the ETBI Center was absorbed by UNITSA "Zond," the process improved. Scanning transitioned to a "shuttle" method, involving transporting materials for digitization. The article notes that the work of scanning and data entry is time-consuming.

Figure 9 illustrates the scanning process in 2016. After digitization is completed, the performer meets with the authorized representative of the repository for new materials. Some digitized materials are transferred to those responsible for storage after digitization, such as the remaining archives of A. Beletsky. Materials stored by M. Gershtein are scanned by him.

Systematization of Electronic Documents

Figure 10 shows the layout of scans performed by M. Gershtein in 2017. Software like "ScanKromsator" (for recompression and cropping) and "RasterStitch" (for stitching multiple pages) are used, saving documents in DJVU and PDF formats. I. Kalytyuk uses PDF24 and Adobe Acrobat for compiling scanned documents. Internet materials are processed using MS Paint and MS Notepad, then saved in PDF via MS Word. The process often requires manual work due to the nature of internet content, involving copying, re-screening images, and adjusting formatting.

Figure 11 shows the systematization of electronic documents in 2018. I. Kalytyuk systematizes documents by country, organization, or ministry. Book entries typically include the author's surname, initials, title, and year of publication in English. Bulletins are listed with their title, volume, issue number, and year. This process is time-consuming but contributes to the "Global Archive." Systematized materials are distributed as archives to recipients and uploaded to online storage. Copies are made on other media and Blu-ray discs (two copies each). One copy is sent to AFU (Sweden) at their own expense.

To obtain files from the electronic archive, users can contact the project via a feedback form to propose exchanges for specific materials. If the materials are of interest or the user's archive is substantial, access to the entire archive may be granted, involving postal shipments where the user covers all financial and technical costs. Subscribers also receive updates via internal communication.

Investigations: Identification of "Accidentally Captured Objects"

This section presents a case where Dmitry N. submitted a photograph taken on April 18, 2019, in Lithuania, requesting identification of unusual objects. The email correspondence and the results of the expert analysis are published.

Dmitry N. described the objects as unclear and asked for help in identifying them. The editor, Igor Kalytyuk, acknowledged the message and forwarded it to experts. Senior expert Mikhail Gershtein provided an analysis.

Mikhail Gershtein's Analysis

Figure 1 (page 10) illustrates Gershtein's version of the event. He proposes that the objects were a "double glare in the lenses." The image shows a map indicating the shooting location near Gediminas Castle Tower in Lithuania. The objects in the photograph are described as a cluster of bright spots. Gershtein suggests that these are reflections of LED lamps, possibly two round ones. He posits that the blurry circular shape on the left is a secondary reflection of one of the lamps, turned at an angle to the lens. The direction of shooting is indicated towards the lamps.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFOs and UAPs, emphasizing the collection, analysis, and systematization of information. The project aims for impartiality and a scientific approach, distinguishing itself from other media by promoting rigorous research methods. The archival work, including digitalization and the creation of a "Global Archive," is a central theme, highlighting the effort to preserve and make accessible a vast amount of data. The publication also includes case studies, expert analyses, and information on related events, positioning itself as a comprehensive resource for ufology enthusiasts and researchers.

This issue of "UFO Investigations" (Volume 1, Issue 1, 2018) delves into the analysis of a photograph featuring unusual bright spots in the sky, alongside reports from Argentine UFO investigation bodies.

Expert Analysis of Dmitry N.'s Photograph

The central piece of this issue is the examination of a photograph submitted by Dmitry N. Expert Eduard Abashiya, after reviewing the photo, the witness's questionnaire, and the technical specifications of a Nikon D5600 camera, concluded with 99.9% certainty that the bright spots were not unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or anomalous aerospace phenomena. He suggested they were likely 'hot pixels' – a phenomenon where pixels on a camera sensor become overly sensitive and 'flash' due to amplified charge at high ISO settings, which is considered a normal occurrence for the camera's 24.2 million pixels.

In response to a query about the formation of such pixels, Senior Expert Sergey Efimov offered a different perspective. While acknowledging the possibility of hot pixels, he found the number of such anomalies in the photo unusual, especially with a low ISO setting. He proposed that the 'central object' appeared too regular for a natural phenomenon and suggested it might be a reflection of external light sources, such as a headlamp, on a window. He recommended clarifying with the witness if the photo was taken through a window and if anyone inside the tower was using headlamps.

Expert Sergey Shpakovsky supported Efimov's request for clarification. He deduced that the photo was taken from the 2nd or 3rd floor of a tower, likely the 3rd, and through a glass window. He theorized that the 'UFO' was a double reflection of internal lighting lamps in the window glass.

Visual Evidence and Analysis

Pages 2 through 4 present visual evidence supporting Shpakovsky's theory. Figure 2 compares the angle of the provided photo with a screenshot from Google Maps, suggesting the photo was taken from a 3rd-floor window rather than an external viewing platform. Figure 3 shows examples of lighting fixtures on each floor of the tower. Figure 4 overlays the 'UFO' images onto the lighting fixtures, illustrating how reflections could create such an appearance. Figure 5 provides additional examples of reflections from similar lamps, further reinforcing the hypothesis.

Administrator Andrey Chvartkovsky found a photograph online taken from a similar angle, which appeared to show part of the roof structure. Figure 6 highlights this 'part of the roof' in red. Figure 7, on page 7, shows the same section of the roof in the provided photograph and the online example, linking it to an internet source. Figure 8 is a screenshot from a video of "Gediminas' Tower," showing the roof area, which Chvartkovsky believes supports the version that the photo was taken through a tower window, not from an external platform.

Further Expert Opinions and Conclusion

Expert Gennady Semenov presented two main versions: 1) the objects were external road lighting, and 2) they were reflections from glass. He provided images of different types of LED streetlights (Figure 10) suggesting the objects might resemble certain types of outdoor lighting. However, he concluded that there was insufficient information about the light source. He leaned towards the reflection theory, questioning the photographer's self-criticism in not first investigating the most obvious explanation – reflection from glass.

Ultimately, the issue concludes that the most probable cause for the observed phenomena in the photograph is a double reflection in the window glass of two internal lighting lamps within the tower.

News: CEFAE and CIAE Reports

The latter part of the magazine announces the publication of expert analyses from CEFAE (Comision de Estudio de Fenomenos Aeroespaciales) for 2018 and CIAE (Centro de Identification Aeroespacial) for 2019. Both reports were compiled by Ruben Lianca, head of the Argentine Air Force's UFO analysis department. The 2018 report covers 23 cases, and the 2019 report covers 24 cases, including new and earlier registered incidents. Links are provided to download these reports, with the 2018 report requiring the Tor browser.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical analysis of photographic evidence, emphasizing the importance of considering mundane explanations like camera artifacts (hot pixels) and optical phenomena (reflections) before concluding a sighting is anomalous. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based investigation, encouraging experts to explore all plausible explanations. The publication of official reports from Argentine aviation authorities suggests an interest in documenting and analyzing UFO phenomena from a scientific and investigative perspective.

This issue of "Ufology News" (likely a Russian-language publication) focuses on recent developments in UFO research and documentation, with a significant portion dedicated to updates from international organizations and archival projects. The cover prominently features "GEIPAN - package of documentation for April 2019" and "Protocols of the "Zond" Council meetings for 2018".

GEIPAN Documentation Update

The magazine details a new package of documents from the French state commission GEIPAN, part of the French Space Agency CNES. This release includes cases that could not be identified despite having excellent quality and quantity of data, categorized as D, D1, and D2. Specific examples cited include incidents from Prans (1979), L'Aiguille (1980), Transkrenvil (1982), and Bornel (2014). The document also notes that full scan reports, including drawings, photographs, and diagrams, are available in PDF format via links.

Zond Council Protocols

Information is provided regarding the availability of meeting protocols from the Coordinating Council of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for the Study of Anomalies "Zond" for the year 2018. These protocols are accessible on the official website, which has also been updated with Central materials.

In Memoriam: Vladimir Mantulin

A significant section is dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Mantulin, described as a renowned Ukrainian researcher of anomalous aerospace phenomena. Mantulin passed away on May 12th. He was the head of the group and secretary of the regional section for the study of anomalous phenomena at NTO RES named after Popova, and deputy director of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena. He was also a member of the expert council of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS) and MP "Contact". Mantulin had a background as a military pilot and air traffic controller, with over 300 flight hours. The article recounts his participation in investigations of the Mzha River case in the Kharkiv region, numerous UFO sightings, poltergeists, and ghosts. He also delivered educational lectures on anomalous phenomena to pilots. Mantulin actively collaborated with UNDTSA "Zond", published articles, and participated in meetings and expeditions. He played a crucial role in preserving archival materials from other Kharkiv researchers, such as V. Rubtsov and A. Beletsky, for the "Nasledie" (Heritage) program of UNDTSA "Zond". Vladimir Mantulin was buried in the Zmiyev district of Kharkiv. The article concludes by stating that his legacy will live on.

Experts and Archived Materials

The issue lists experts from UNDTSA "Zond", including I.M. Kalytiuk, S.O. Petrov, and the head of UNDTSA "Zond", A.S. Bilyk. A list of declassified archives from V.S. Mantulin is presented, spanning from 1986 to 1991, including invitations to seminars, correspondence, and reports on radar observations of anomalous aerial objects, methods for studying anomalous phenomena, and characteristic cases of anomalous phenomena observation. It also includes reports on theodolite measurements and locations of anomalous impacts.

Global UFO Archives

Several "Supplements" to a global archive of UFO identification and anomalous phenomena research are detailed. Supplement No. 17 covers 12.0 GB across 17 countries, developed by I.M. Kalytiuk and M.B. Gershtein. It lists file counts for various regions, including Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Oceania. Supplement No. 18 covers 13.0 GB across 10 countries, also developed by Kalytiuk and Gershtein. Supplement No. 19 covers 13.3 GB across 33 countries, with a similar development team. The process for obtaining files involves contacting the developers via a feedback form for material exchange proposals. A comprehensive catalog of 878 UFO newsletter titles from 2019 is also presented.

Press Review: UFOs and Anomalous Phenomena (Parts 28-39)

This section compiles articles on UFOs and anomalous phenomena from various press archives, digitized and systematized by Mikhail Gershtein and Igor Kalytiuk, with expertise from the UNDTSA "Zond" system-analytical department. It references articles from publications like "Vesti", "UFO", "Rossiyskaya Gazeta", and others.

Artificial Luminous Clouds Over Norway

A detailed report describes two successful rocket launches by NASA from the Andøya Space Center in Norway on April 5, 2019, as part of the AZURE (Auroral Zone Upwelling Rocket Experiment). These rockets were designed to study the auroral zone at altitudes between 114 and 250 km. The experiment involved releasing trimethylaluminum and a mixture of barium and strontium to create luminous clouds, which were then tracked to measure atmospheric density, temperature, and wind patterns. The event generated numerous public reports of unusual lights, with one observer describing it as "like an alien attack."

SpaceX Starlink Observations

The issue includes information on the SpaceX Starlink project, which aims to provide satellite internet. A graphic shows the schedule of Starlink "star train" observations. On May 24, SpaceX launched 60 satellites, each weighing 227 kg, intended to provide internet coverage globally using solar energy. The article suggests using the Orbiton program to calculate satellite passage times and provides a link to its official website.

2020 Meteor Shower Calendar

A calendar of active meteor showers for 2020 is presented, compiled by A.V. Chvartkovsky. It lists the names of meteor showers, their active periods, peak dates, number of meteors per hour (ZHR), speed, and radiant coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Ufology News" demonstrates a strong focus on archiving and disseminating information related to UFOs and anomalous phenomena. It highlights the ongoing efforts to catalog and share data from various international and national research groups, such as GEIPAN and the Zond Council. The publication also pays tribute to significant figures in the field, like Vladimir Mantulin, emphasizing the importance of preserving their contributions. The inclusion of scientific experiments like AZURE and technological advancements like Starlink suggests an interest in the intersection of ufology with space exploration and atmospheric science. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent documentation, historical preservation, and exploration of current events relevant to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This document details the proceedings of the third Zhytomyr Cosmobiological Seminar, held on March 23, 2019, and also reports on a scientific-practical seminar celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for Anomalies 'Zond' on December 14, 2019. The primary focus is on the cosmobiological seminar, which aimed to popularize scientific research related to life in space, space colonization, and xenobiospheres, with a particular emphasis on planetary anomalies.

Third Zhytomyr Cosmobiological Seminar (March 23, 2019)

The seminar served as a platform for scientific discourse and the popularization of research into the distribution and development of life in the cosmos. Key issues discussed included the problems of space colonization, the terraformation, and the formation of xenobiospheres. The March 23rd meeting specifically addressed the behavior of living systems within unique planetary anomalies. These anomalous zones are considered to be influential in the future expansion of humanity into space and the quality of life on Earth. They are also seen as potential catalysts for new discoveries in planetology, astrophysics, ecosystemology, and related fields.

Seminar Themes:

The seminar covered a range of topics, including:

• Geophysical anomalies as aerospace phenomena, examined in both terrestrial and cosmic contexts.
• The integration of geophysical and geobotanical research in the study of planetary anomalies.
• Monitoring the condition of plant communities within geophysical anomaly zones.
• The technological aspects of researching geophysical anomalies.
• An overview of the main theories explaining the origin of various phenomena in areas of geophysical anomalies.
• The behavior of living organisms and humans in regions with geophysical anomalies.

Presentations:

Following an introductory address by I. Khomyak, several presentations were given:

• Artem Bilyk (k.t.n., associate professor, head and coordinator of the system-analytical department of the Center) presented on "Research and Models of Hypotheses on the Origin of Anomalous Phenomena in UNDCA 'Zond'."
• Evgen Kovalenko (k.t.n., from NTUU 'KPI' named after Sikorsky, coordinator of the general physics department of the Center) delivered a report titled "Automated Complexes for Monitoring Anomalous Phenomena."
• Ivan Khomyak (k.b.n., associate professor from ZhDU named after I. Franko, head of the 'Ecosystem Theory' laboratory) presented "Biosystems in the Zone of Geophysical Anomalies."
• Alexey Kirichenko (head of the information-technical department of UNDCA 'Zond') spoke on "Anomalous Zones. Phenomena in the Concept of the 'Crossroads of Worlds' of the Multiverse."

The presentations generated constructive discussions and engaged the audience. The seminar concluded with a summary by I. Khomyak, and videos of the presentations were to be made available later. The event was organized by the ZhDU named after I. Franko and was the third Cosmobiological Seminar in Zhytomyr in 2019.

Scientific-Practical Seminar: 15 Years of UNDCA 'Zond' (December 14, 2019)

On December 14, 2019, a scientific-practical seminar was held at 57/3 Velyka Vasylkivska Street (Society "Znannya" of Ukraine) to mark the 15th anniversary of UNDCA 'Zond'. The seminar, titled "15 Years of UNDCA 'Zond'. Experience and Prospects of Aerospace Phenomenon Research," was held under the auspices of UNDCA 'Zond', the "Znannya" Society of Ukraine, and the Aerospace Society of Ukraine. The event featured lectures and reports on the Center's main scientific results.

Key Presentations at the Anniversary Seminar:

• A.S. Bilyk (Head of UNDCA 'Zond', k.t.n., associate professor) gave a lecture on "Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena – Experience of UNDCA 'Zond'." He emphasized the importance of such research for national security and the acquisition of new technologies, and reviewed the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for Anomalies 'Zond's' achievements over 15 years.
• E.Yu. Kovalenko (Head of the general physics department of UNDCA 'Zond', k.t.n., senior lecturer at NTUU 'KPI') presented on "Automated Complexes for Monitoring Anomalous Phenomena."
• O.G. Kirichenko (Head of the information-technical department of UNDCA 'Zond') presented on "Current Hypotheses on the Nature and Origin of Anomalous Phenomena."

A new collection of scientific works from UNDCA 'Zond', titled "Anomalous Phenomena: Methodology and Practice of Research," was also presented. This collection, published every five years, includes articles reflecting the current state of research into anomalous phenomena and their role in shaping the world view. It covers theories, methodologies, and practical aspects of research conducted by UNDCA 'Zond' and draws on leading international experience. The collection is published in both English and Ukrainian.

Round Table and Recognition:

The seminar concluded with a round table discussion on current problems in the study of anomalous phenomena and the prospects for the development of domestic science in this field. To commemorate the 15th anniversary, the leadership awarded certificates of honor to researchers who have made significant contributions to the development of Ukrainian anomalistics.

Seminar Goals and Attendance:

The fundamental goal of researching anomalous phenomena is to form a scientific picture of the phenomenon as part of the overall scientific picture of the world. The Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for Anomalies 'Zond' operates at the interdisciplinary frontier of science, acting as a link between theoretical foundations and practical study. The study of anomalous phenomena opens up possibilities for the expansion of scientific knowledge and, potentially, human life into deep space and the subatomic world, as well as into the mysteries of human consciousness. The registration and acquisition of objects for research, regardless of their origin, is of great value for studying and synthesizing new technologies and safety programs.

Over 30 participants attended the seminar, including delegates and partners from Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and other cities. The seminar's motto was "Sic itur ad astra" (Thus one journeys to the stars), signifying the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of understanding and moving towards a cosmic future for humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the document are the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena, cosmobiology, and the potential for human expansion into space. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and supporting interdisciplinary research in these fields, highlighting the importance of centers like UNDCA 'Zond' in advancing scientific understanding and technological development. There is a clear emphasis on the practical applications and national security implications of studying anomalous phenomena, alongside the fundamental pursuit of knowledge.