Ufology-News - Annual Bulletin - 2021

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: 2021 Yearbook
Date: 2021
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue is the 2021 yearbook from 'Ufology News', a project that began in July 2011. It serves as an alternative media source dedicated to providing objective information and fostering discussion about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Anomalous Aerospace Phenomena (AAP). The project emphasizes a scientific approach and aims to popularize this methodology among researchers and the public.

Project Origins and Mission

The project was founded by Igor Kalytyuk and Andrey Chvartkovsky. Kalytyuk, with dual degrees in economics and informatization, serves as the editor, rewriter, journalist, historian, and handles communications. Chvartkovsky, with a higher education in veterinary science, is the webmaster, administrator, and journalist. Their goal is to present accurate news and facilitate communication for those interested in UFOs and AAPs.

The website "Ufology News" has been active for ten years, publishing a vast amount of content including 56 materials in the 'Archive of Documents', 708 in 'Declassified', 3300 in 'Mass of Primary Reports', 5700 newspaper clippings in 'Press on UFOs and AAs', 266 announcements from ufological organizations, 35 interviews with prominent researchers, 12 methodological articles by Kalytyuk, and numerous articles by Chvartkovsky on related scientific fields. The project has received 600,000 visitors, with daily readership ranging from 100 to 15,000.

Expert Council and Research Activities

In 2015, an Expert Council was established, comprising three honorary experts: Mikhail Gerstein, Sergey Efimov, and Artem Bilyk. Other experts like Gennady Semenov and Eduard Abashiya joined through training programs. The council has processed 250 letters from the feedback form and email, with many expert analyses being published on the 'Mass' page.

The project also highlights the activities of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for Anomalies "Zond" (UNIZA "Zond"), founded in 2004. This center is the intellectual successor to earlier AAP research commissions. UNIZA "Zond" conducts expeditions, publishes collections of works, and develops automated systems for monitoring AAP parameters. The center has published numerous archives of UFO identification and AAP research, including annual reports and specific additions from 2012 to 2021.

Key Content and Publications

The yearbook lists extensive archives of past bulletins and special bulletins, dating back to July 2011. These include monthly and bi-monthly bulletins, special bulletins from 2012-2014, and newer bulletins from 2017-2020. Additionally, there are numerous 'Catalogues for Collectors of UFO Bulletins' for various years, and a series of volumes on 'Incoming Correspondence and Expertise of Received Materials'. The issue also references "TOP-5: Best Documentary Films about UFOs" and "Bulletins of Abducted Aliens."

Interview with Alexey Kirichenko

A significant portion of the issue features an interview with Alexey Kirichenko, Deputy for organizational activities and head of the information and technical department at UNIZA "Zond" in Kyiv, Ukraine. Kirichenko's interests include radiophysics, acoustics, cosmology, anomalous phenomena, and futurology. He states that his interest in AAPs began in childhood, sparked by the influx of information following the glasnost period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Kirichenko views ufology as a potential "queen of sciences" because it integrates issues of terrestrial and extraterrestrial life, astrophysics, biology, psychology, and futurology. He believes AAPs reveal a more complex reality and vast potential for scientific and human progress. He advises newcomers to ufology to be patient, systematic, and to broaden their horizons. He clarifies the distinction between UFO (a specific object) and AAP (a broader phenomenon including effects). Kirichenko also discusses the challenges of observation and identification, emphasizing the importance of technical tools like cameras, thermal imagers, and radar, and the need to account for psychological perception biases. UNIZA "Zond" has developed methodologies to quantify these errors and has a unique optical location system at the "Yabunivka" AAR site that has successfully identified several UFOs.

Events and Seminars

The issue mentions various events and activities, including the publication of protocols from UNIZA "Zond" meetings in 2020 and the Kharkiv branch's 2015 meeting. It also details a video conference seminar held on December 23, 2020, jointly organized by UNIZA "Zond", the "Znanie" Society of Ukraine, the Aerospace Society of Ukraine, and the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The seminar covered the center's scientific results for 2020, a collection of scientific works, and a cosmobiological seminar.

Photographs from the seminar show presentations by A.S. Bilyk on the center's work and E.Yu. Kovalenko on monitoring complexes. An online presentation by I. Khomyak from Zhytomyr University was also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the comprehensive documentation and analysis of UFO and AAP phenomena, the promotion of a scientific and unbiased approach to ufology, and the dissemination of research findings through various publications and platforms. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous, evidence-based investigation and the open sharing of information, positioning "Ufology News" as a reliable and independent source in the field.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the V Cosmobiology Seminar, titled "Ethnogenesis in the conditions of space colonization," which took place on March 20, 2021. The seminar was organized by the Aerospace Society of Ukraine, the "Znannya" Society of Ukraine, the National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after I. Sikorsky," Zhytomyr State University named after I. Franko, and the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for the Study of Anomalies "Zond."

V Cosmobiology Seminar Details

The seminar featured reports from I. Khomyak (Associate Professor at ZhDU named after I. Franko), A. Bilyk (Head of UNDCA "Zond"), and I. Kalytiuk (Lead Expert of UNDCA "Zond"). The program also included discussions on current issues of space expansion. Access to the seminar was provided via Zoom, with a specific link and conference ID.

UFO Research and Archives

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO research, presented by Igor Kalytiuk, an investigator from Rivne. He highlights his extensive global archive of UFO identification and AAY (Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) research, which contains over 150 GB of data across numerous countries. The archive is continuously updated, with supplements like "Supplement No. 22" and "Supplement No. 23" detailing the size and scope of the data, categorized by country and year.

Methodology and Human Factor

Kalytuk discusses his work on the "human factor," defining it as the tendency for individuals to make erroneous or illogical decisions. He explains that this factor can be measured and analyzed to understand the reliability of witness testimony. He also touches upon the methodology for identifying UFOs and AAY, defining them as unidentified flying objects and anomalous aerial phenomena, respectively, that cannot be explained by known natural causes.

Personal Experiences and Contact Hypotheses

The magazine includes personal accounts and reflections on UFO experiences. Igor Kalytiuk shares his own childhood interest in astronomy and meteorology, leading him to explore topics like exoplanets and alien contact. He describes an out-of-body experience and a subsequent observation of his parents' house with two chimneys, contradicting his prior belief of only one. The issue also presents various hypotheses attempting to explain the "silence paradox" – why extraterrestrial civilizations might not make open contact. These include the "Rare Earth" hypothesis, the "Great Filter" theory, and the "Earth Zoo" hypothesis, where advanced civilizations observe humanity without interference.

Investigating Contact and UFO Sightings

The publication details methods for investigating UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of collecting detailed observations, including speed, direction, shape, and any accompanying light effects. It also discusses the challenges of verifying evidence, such as photographs and videos, and the need for independent verification. The magazine references specific UFO incidents, such as the 2012 UFO sighting in Vilnoye, the 1980 Huffman incident, and the 2011 Kordyshivka crop circle investigation.

Media and Ufology

There is a mention of a video interview with Igor Kalytiuk on TV Extra, marking his first attempt at such an interview. The content also briefly touches upon the commercialization of astrology, contrasting it with a more proactive approach to self-discovery and research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cosmobiology, UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific investigation of these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous research, critical analysis of evidence, and the exploration of various hypotheses, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls, such as the "human factor" and the commercialization of related fields. The magazine promotes the idea that understanding these phenomena requires a systematic and analytical approach, utilizing extensive archives and developing robust methodologies.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Issue 5 and Volume 25, published in 2021, features a video interview with ufologist Mikhail Gershtein on TV Extra and an in-depth analysis of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) 'Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena'. The magazine explores various facets of UFOlogy, including investigative methodologies, historical cases, and the challenges of data analysis.

Video Interview with Mikhail Gershtein

The issue highlights an interview with ufologist Mikhail Gershtein, who shares numerous cases of UFO sightings. Gershtein, who has dedicated his life to studying this topic, presents his accumulated knowledge to the viewers of TV Extra. The interview covers practical advice for witnesses of UFO landings, discusses concepts like 'wormholes between worlds,' lunar formations, and the dichotomy of skepticism versus belief. It also touches upon the phenomenon of poltergeists, their potential connection to extraterrestrials, and specific anomalous zones like the 'M-shaped triangle' and a powerful anomalous zone in Central Asia.

Analysis of the ODNI Preliminary Assessment on UAP

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to dissecting the ODNI's 'Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena,' released on June 25, 2021. The report, a 9-page document, details the progress made by a task force on UAP. The analysis points out that out of 144 incidents reviewed, only one was definitively identified as a large, inflatable balloon. The remaining 143 cases are classified as 'unexplained' or 'unexplained,' primarily due to insufficient data or issues with the collection, processing, or analysis of information. The article critically examines the report's methodology, noting that military research often operates under different constraints than civilian science, with less transparency and a greater potential for disinformation.

The analysis questions the report's assertion that sensors generally function correctly, suggesting that anomalies in sensor readings might account for some UAP observations. It highlights that military sensors are designed for specific tasks and may not be suitable for identifying UAP. The article also notes the report's admission that while most UAP appear to be physical objects, many exhibit characteristics that suggest advanced technology, such as independent maneuvering, high speed, and lack of visible engines. The report acknowledges that some UAP might be linked to classified US programs but states they cannot confirm this connection.

Methodologies for UFO Information Gathering

The magazine provides a detailed section on the methodology for collecting and analyzing information on anomalous phenomena (AP). It outlines various methods, including manual searches through bibliographical cards and catalogs, internet searches via websites, and analysis of handwritten and printed materials. The importance of using computers for analyzing electronic libraries and databases is also emphasized. Key principles for information gathering are stressed: relevance, authenticity, objectivity, informational unity, and data relevance to the research query.

The article offers practical advice for conducting searches, suggesting keywords like 'UFO Kharkiv,' 'UFOs in the Kharkiv region,' and 'UFO in Kharkiv' for internet searches. It also recommends using similar phrases in different languages and variations like 'flying saucer over Kharkiv' or 'spheres over Kharkiv.' The importance of considering local place names and unofficial territory names is also mentioned. The process of contacting witnesses is detailed, emphasizing the need to build trust, listen carefully, and avoid rushing the interview. It suggests downloading information from online sources before contacting the original source to prevent data loss.

Ukrainian and International UAP Research

The issue also features information on UAP research conducted in Ukraine by the UNITS "Zond." This organization publishes expert analyses of witness testimonies obtained from the State Committee of Ukraine for Hydrometeorology. The article lists several directives and reports related to the collection and analysis of UAP data in Ukraine, dating back to 1979. It also mentions the work of the Centro de Identificación Aeroespacial (CIAE) in Argentina, which publishes expert reviews of UFO cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology in UAP research, while also acknowledging the persistent public interest and the challenges posed by the topic. There's a clear stance that while skepticism is healthy, the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena, potentially of non-human origin or advanced terrestrial technology, should not be dismissed. The editorial stance appears to favor open scientific inquiry and the sharing of information, advocating for transparency from government agencies and a collaborative approach to understanding UAP. The magazine also highlights the importance of meticulous data collection and analysis, cautioning against premature conclusions and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive information to resolve unexplained cases.

Title: Новости Уфологии (UFO News)
Issue: 11
Volume: 2021
Date: November 2021

This issue of "Новости Уфологии" delves into two compelling cases related to unidentified aerial phenomena: a recent 'double meteorite' sighting and a historical radar incident involving the Royal Air Force.

Double 'Meteorite' Sighting Over Central Asia

The issue begins by detailing a widely observed phenomenon on the morning of October 5, 2021, when residents of Almaty and Bishkek witnessed a spectacular double glowing object in the sky, accompanied by smaller objects. Initial reports, fueled by social media and news outlets, described a celestial event that appeared to be a double meteorite. The article notes that while some speculated about extraterrestrial origins, the phenomenon was ultimately identified as the re-entry of a stage from a Chinese space rocket. This identification was confirmed through expert analysis, including the work of Canadian satellite observation expert Ted Molczan, who provided a trajectory map (Figure 3) correlating the observed event with the re-entry of a Chinese rocket stage (2021-085B) that had been launched on September 20, 2021.

The article explains that re-entry events, where space debris burns up in the atmosphere, can sometimes appear as bright meteors or 'bolides'. However, the visual evidence of two distinct, bright objects separating and leaving glowing trails, as seen in video footage (Figure 1 and Figure 2), initially presented a puzzle. The author, S. Efimov, an astronomer and Ph.D. from Almaty, Kazakhstan, notes that re-entering space objects rarely split into two equal halves. Despite this initial peculiarity, a closer examination of the data, including the presence of numerous smaller objects with tails and a consistent trajectory from west to east, strongly suggested a re-entry event rather than an anomalous aerial phenomenon.

Royal Air Force Radar Incident, Summer 1971

The second major part of the magazine focuses on a detailed account of a UFO sighting from the summer of 1971, reported by Alan Turner, then a flight commander and air traffic control supervisor at RAF Sopley in Hampshire, UK. The report, originally from an MBE recipient, details an event observed on a Tuesday (exact date not recalled) when a civilian inspector drew Turner's attention to an unusual radar situation.

Six to seven radar blips were detected moving southeast from a point approximately twenty nautical miles east of the eastern end of Salisbury Plain Danger Area. These objects were approximately six miles apart and disappeared about forty miles from their initial detection point, only to be replaced by similar blips at the original location shortly after. Turner used an FPS 6 early warning radar to determine their altitude, finding they were initially around 3000 feet (914.4m) and rapidly ascending. By the time they disappeared from radar, they had reached an altitude of over 60,000 feet (18288m), an ascent rate considered impossible for any fighter jet at the time.

This phenomenon was witnessed by four civilian and six military controllers. Turner contacted RAF Heathrow, which was also observing a similar pattern. The situation was also prevalent at fighter control points at RAF Chivenor. Three separate units, using different radar frequencies, were involved.

Turner investigated further, ruling out meteorological balloons and upper-level winds as explanations. He also considered 'angels,' which were euphemisms for ionized air pockets that could cause radar reflections, but noted that these typically moved very slowly. The technology at the time was 'raw,' meaning any object capable of reflecting radar pulses could be detected, unlike modern radars that filter out such interference.

A significant part of the investigation involved a Canberra aircraft. The pilot of a Canberra, returning from Germany, was directed to investigate the radar targets. While the pilot did not establish visual contact, he reported detecting an object flying on his port side, approximately a quarter mile away, ascending rapidly like 'a firecracker' and heading back towards the Canberra. The weather conditions were VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), with good visibility.

The entire event lasted about twenty minutes before the blips ceased. All personnel in the operations room were required to file reports and were instructed by the Ministry of Defence not to discuss the incident until authorized. Turner recounts being debriefed by two men he does not name.

Years later, while stationed at RAF Watisham, Turner was informed that the Ministry of Defence had received his report, but that the lack of confirmation meant his account was being questioned. This prompted Turner to feel he was no longer bound by the secrecy order.

Turner concludes that at the time, aircraft could not achieve such speeds or altitudes, and the fact that the objects were detected by multiple ground-based radars and a Canberra's onboard radar remained a mystery to him. He firmly stands by his account, stating, "Please use the information as you see fit; I stand by what I saw because I know what I saw."

About the Author and Contributors

The article is attributed to S. Efimov, an astronomer and Ph.D. from Almaty, Kazakhstan, writing for "Новости Уфологии." The text is credited to Philip Mantle, a long-time UFO researcher from Great Britain, formerly director of investigations for BUFORA and a MUFON representative in England, and founder of FLYING DISK PRESS. The photos of Alan Turner were provided by Philip Mantle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the ongoing challenge of identifying aerial phenomena. It demonstrates how seemingly anomalous events, like the 'double meteorite,' can often be explained by known technological or natural processes (like rocket re-entries) with careful investigation. However, it also presents cases, such as the 1971 RAF radar incident, where the evidence remains puzzling and defies easy explanation within the context of contemporary knowledge and technology. The magazine's stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, seeking to debunk hoaxes and misidentifications while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena. The emphasis on witness testimony, radar data, and expert analysis underscores a commitment to factual reporting within the field of ufology.