Ufology News - No 02 - August 2011

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Novosti Ufologii" (Ufology News), dated August 2011, is presented with the support of the EIBC Research Center. It is published daily and aims to provide information and a communication platform for those interested in UFOs and anomalous phenomena. The issue features a prominent interview with Mikhail Gershtein on its cover.

Project "Ufology News"

The "Ufology News" project, launched in July 2011, offers daily updates on UFO phenomena, interviews with researchers, historical excursions, and documentary materials. The website http://ufology-news.com/ provides information on upcoming ufological events and conferences. The project also maintains a forum at http://anomaly.pp.ua/ and a resource section for specialists at http://ufology-news.org.ua/raznoe/.

Interview with Mikhail Gershtein

Mikhail Gershtein, described as one of Russia's most experienced ufologists and chairman of the Ufological Commission of the Russian Geographical Society, shares his personal journey into ufology. His interest began in December 1985 after witnessing a mysterious object near the Oktyabrskaya Railway. Initially skeptical, he later became a dedicated researcher, collecting numerous articles and self-published lectures on the topic. Gershtein discusses the impact of the 1989 lifting of censorship on UFO information and his personal disappointment when his sighting was identified as a rocket launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. He began working professionally in ufology in 1993.

Regarding important research works, Gershtein points to Western studies as being significantly ahead of Soviet research. He believes that for ufology to be recognized as a science, UFOs need to manifest more actively, making their reality undeniable. He is critical of government programs that hide results under secrecy. Gershtein emphasizes that any effective UFO research organization must be international and operate under the UN, transcending national and religious boundaries. He also advocates for making ufological archives accessible, with appropriate restrictions to protect personal data and military secrets. He expresses concern that many self-proclaimed ufologists lack a scientific approach, seeking confirmation of pre-existing theories rather than objective truth. He advises novice ufologists to remember that 90% of phenomena are likely misidentifications, to be skeptical but open-minded, and to be prepared for the difficulties and lack of financial reward in the field.

Interview with Lev Shneider

Lev Shneider, a founder of ufology in Latvia since the 1980s, discusses his involvement in expeditions and his background as an engineer. He recounts his initial interest in UFOs sparked by reports of the Petrozavodsk UFO incident in 1985. Shneider mentions the functioning of ufological organizations in Latvia, including a training center and UFOlatvia. He recalls a visit from V.S. Troitsky, chairman of the Commission on Anomalous Phenomena at the USSR NTО. Shneider also describes the activities of LAUF (Latvian Ufological Association), which published a newspaper and organized weekly meetings.

He advises ufologists with less experience to approach observations with a skeptical mindset, as many phenomena can be explained. Shneider believes that new knowledge is constantly accumulating, even if progress seems slow. To achieve new, groundbreaking discoveries, he stresses the importance of persistence and determination.

Interview with Sergey Shpakovskiy

Sergey Shpakovskiy, a resident of Toronto, Canada, shares his path into ufology, which began with a strong interest in science fiction. He became more seriously involved during the Perestroika era when UFO topics gained popularity. Initially, he believed everything he read but gradually developed a more critical perspective, realizing that not all phenomena have extraterrestrial explanations. His move to Canada allowed him to access and study materials in English, broadening his understanding. Shpakovskiy believes that the public's lack of critical thinking and the intentional disinformation campaigns in the past have contributed to the discreditation of ufology. He argues that science should engage with the UFO phenomenon, as it is a part of understanding our world. He defines UFOs as simply unidentified flying objects, which can encompass various phenomena, including rare instances of potential extraterrestrial craft. He cites the McMinnville case as an example of a well-documented sighting. Shpakovskiy identifies observer excitement and a lack of detailed observation as common mistakes, urging witnesses to record as many details as possible.

Interview with Alexey Leibman

Alexey Leibman from Moscow, founder of a large social media group dedicated to ufology, explains that his interest was sparked after a near-death experience and reading the book "Mysteries and Secrets of the Earth." He shares an account from Evgeny Semenchenko about a sighting of a luminous, Christmas-tree-like object over the Caspian Sea in May 1995. Leibman notes that this event, despite its unusual nature, has not been widely reported. He also mentions that Chechen militants reported UFOs flying over the mountains during military operations in Chechnya. Leibman recounts another incident involving unusual lights observed over the Caspian Sea, which he believes were not conventional aircraft.

Interview with Edik Gozhin

Edik Gozhin, a researcher from Tomsk, discusses how his interest in ufology began in childhood, fueled by books and a natural curiosity about the universe. He was drawn to topics like stars, consciousness, and extraterrestrial life. Gozhin states that he is primarily interested in the scientific aspects of "flying saucers" and extraterrestrial life, rather than the broader definition of UFOs often presented in the media. He mentions the existence of ufological organizations in Tomsk, such as the "Siberian Center for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena" (SibNTS AY), which unfortunately dissolved due to economic reasons. He notes that in the 1990s, he organized the "Tomsk Group RUFORS" to consolidate information and foster communication among scattered groups and individual researchers. He observes that while there is a general lack of active interest in ufology in Tomsk, niche groups continue to conduct research and hold meetings.

Announcements

The issue includes announcements for upcoming conferences and events:

• A conference in Virginia Beach on September 10, 2011.
• The 6th annual festival in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, on September 17-18, 2011, commemorating a 1965 incident.
• The "Awake and Aware" conference in Irvine, California, on September 23-25, 2011.
• The Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles from September 30 to October 2, 2011.
• A scientific-practical conference in Moscow on October 15, 2011, titled "Unidentified, Traditions and Modernity."
• A MUFON conference in Pennsylvania on October 15-16, 2011.
• A Matrix Magazine conference in West Yorkshire, England, on October 15-16, 2011.
• The 1st International Seminar "Search for Traces of Technogenic Civilizations" in Cairo, Egypt, from December 13-20, 2011.

Conference on "Unidentified, Traditions and Modernity"

This conference, held in Moscow on October 15, 2011, focuses on the themes of "unidentified phenomena, traditions, and modernity." It includes presentations on scientific and methodological issues in anomalistics, aiming to foster an unbiased scientific approach and develop methods to counter the discreditation of the field. The deadline for submitting reports was September 1, 2011. The conference fee is 220 rubles for participants from Russia and CIS countries, covering the cost of a conference proceedings publication and museum entry.

MUFON Pennsylvania Conference

Scheduled for October 15-16, 2011, in Philadelphia, this MUFON conference features speakers such as L. Howe, U. Bjornes, and others.

Matrix Magazine Conference

Also taking place on October 15-16, 2011, in West Yorkshire, England, this conference includes speakers like K. Marden, T. Walton, and N. Pope.

LAI International Seminar in Egypt

The "Search for Traces of Technogenic Civilizations" seminar, held in Cairo from December 13-20, 2011, is organized by the "Laboratory of Alternative History" project and other scientific foundations. It aims to explore evidence of past advanced civilizations in Egypt. The event includes visits to pyramids and complexes, as well as film screenings and discussions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal accounts of UFO sightings, the challenges of establishing ufology as a legitimate scientific field, and the importance of a critical and scientific approach to anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor open discussion and research while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism. The magazine actively promotes upcoming events and resources for the ufological community.

This issue of the magazine "ТОННЕЛЬ" (Tunnel), identified as issue number 39, appears to be a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and related topics. The cover date is listed as December 16-18, 2011, with the event "PRG Pythagoras Conference" taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Seminar Plan for Egypt

The magazine outlines a detailed 7-day seminar plan for Egypt, focusing on ancient sites and UFO theories. The itinerary includes daily excursions to significant locations such as the Giza plateau, Dashur pyramids, Meidum pyramid, and Sakkara. Each day typically involves breakfast, an excursion, lunch, lectures, dinner, and a film screening and discussion, often related to ancient Egypt or other mysterious civilizations. The estimated cost for one person is 35-40 thousand rubles, covering flights from Moscow, accommodation, meals, excursions, and an organizational fee. The article notes that the seminar is not a conference, implying that lectures will be given by invited specialists, and participants can have a say in who is invited.

News and Reports

New Collection of Works "ТОННЕЛЬ" #39

This section announces the release of a new collection of works titled "ТОННЕЛЬ" #39, featuring contributions from various authors including V.A. Azhazha, V. Zlobin, V. Fedotova, and others. A link is provided to read the collection.

42nd MUFON Symposium

The magazine reports on the 42nd annual MUFON symposium held in Irvine, California, which attracted around 400 people. The discussions covered topics such as extraterrestrial life, alternative energy, declassification, conspiracy theories, life on Mars, clairvoyance, and time travel.

Investigations and Articles

Critique of UFOs and MUFON

The article mentions Robert Sheffer, a critic of UFOs, and discusses the organization MUFON, noting its large membership and presence in 50 states and 25 countries. It references past symposiums where the topic "UFOs are real, but there is little evidence" was discussed, with speakers like John Alexander and Stanton Friedman. Astronaut Story Musgrave is also mentioned defending NASA against conspiracy accusations.

Exopolitics Expo Conference

This section covers the Exopolitics Expo held in Leeds, UK, on August 2-3. Over 300 people attended, including engineers, police investigators, and journalists. The main topics of discussion were government cover-ups, eyewitness accounts, conspiracy theories, and paranoid hypotheses about alien invasions in 2012.

NASA Exobiology Section: Life on Mars Possible

Following the discovery of water on Mars, exobiologists are considering the possibility of primitive life. The discovery of salty water streams, which do not freeze in the Martian atmosphere, is seen as a prerequisite for life.

Exclusive Investigation: Belgian Triangles

This article aims to clarify the recent hype surrounding the Belgian triangle sightings. It suggests that the issue is exacerbated by the uncritical reporting of some media outlets. The article debunks the idea that the March sightings are related to the tricks of Gerrard and Patrick, who allegedly falsified triangular UFO photos. It presents evidence of similar triangular object sightings in Bulgaria in March 1990, where a young couple recorded a triangular formation on video.

Details of the Facts: Bulgarian Triangles

This section provides details on the Bulgarian sightings, noting that similar objects were observed by the Belgian Air Force. The article compares footage from the Bulgarian sighting, NASA, a Belgian recording, and a recording over the USSR, suggesting a genuine phenomenon.

Kharkov Operational Group EIBC Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the 8th meeting of the Kharkov Operational Group of the EIBC are published, including preliminary results from expeditions, evidence of an unknown disk in an ocean near Kharkov, and testimonies from various locations. It also mentions an article from the "Technika i Nauka" journal in 1978 and UFO sightings during military service.

New Type of Mock-up

This section warns about a new type of mock-up or hoax that is becoming more prevalent, similar to the spread of sky lanterns and remote-controlled luminous disks. It advises readers to be vigilant.

UK National Archives Release UFO Materials

The UK National Archives has released a new batch of declassified Ministry of Defence materials related to UFOs, covering the period from 1985 to 2007. The archive includes documents, drawings, and letters.

UFOlats Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the UFOlats meeting on August 10, 2011, are published.

New Article: "The Age of Reptiles"

A new article by S.V. Baranov, titled "The Age of Reptiles," has been added to the "Laboratory of Alternative History" project. It discusses the possibility of intelligent reptilian civilizations in pre-diluvian times and their influence on modern civilization.

Kharkov Operational Group EIBC Meeting Minutes #9

Minutes from the 9th meeting of the Kharkov Operational Group of the EIBC on August 13, 2011, are published, including materials from Petrova S. about a "time-slipping" phenomenon.

New Website Features

The magazine announces new sections on its news website, including materials from the International Research Center EIBC, a directory of UFOlogy websites, and information for UFO investigators.

EGU (European Geosciences Union) and UAP

This section mentions that the EGU 2011 session reviewed Hessdalen phenomena, with reports on specific cases.

Collection of Useful Materials

A collection of useful materials is presented, including books on technology, society, mythology, astronomy, UFO programs, films, and debunking articles.

Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Sociology

This article discusses the long-standing search for extraterrestrial life and the growing possibility of contact due to the discovery of exoplanets. It highlights that while the concept of "close encounters" has been discredited, it has also contributed to psychological preparedness and expanded scientific knowledge.

Historical Excursion: BBC - Emergency - Unidentified Intruder in the Sky

This section details an emergency report from the BBC in August 1954 concerning a strange stationary object observed near Maxwell AFB, Alabama. The object exhibited variable brilliance, gained high velocity, and then became motionless. A helicopter dispatched to investigate described it as saucer-like and hovering at a low altitude. The report was sent to various intelligence agencies.

History Excursion: UFO Activation in 1952

This article discusses the increased UFO activity in 1952, noting that while many sightings were identified, some remained unexplained. It mentions a press conference by the Air Force in late July, stating that unexplained sightings do not necessarily indicate alien spacecraft. It also references a report by CIA's Director of Scientific Intelligence, Marshal H. Chadwell, to General W.B. Smith, highlighting the unusual speed and altitude of unidentified phenomena near US defense installations.

Unknown Intruder Over US Missile Complexes, 1966

This article recounts an incident on August 24, 1966, near Minot AFB, where multicolored lights were observed. The object was tracked by radar and visually, hovering at a high altitude. Radio interference was reported. The object later disappeared. The incident was corroborated by observations from three different missile sites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, historical cases, and potential extraterrestrial intelligence. It appears to present a balanced approach, including critical perspectives on hoaxes and media sensationalism, while also reporting on official investigations and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in ancient civilizations and their potential connection to extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical analysis of evidence and debunking misinformation, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFO International Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1, dated October 1975, focuses on significant UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) incidents, primarily involving military bases and potential government involvement. The magazine presents detailed reports, witness accounts, and official documentation related to these events.

Key Incidents and Reports

Malmstrom AFB Incident (March 16, 1967)

The issue details an incident at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, on March 16, 1967. It began with a pilot observing a star-like object moving erratically. This was followed by other lights and a larger glowing object. Sergeant Robert Salas was alerted, and later, Lieutenant Robert Salas was informed. The incident escalated when a mysterious object, described as glowing red, was reported near the base gates. A strike team was dispatched, but radio contact was disrupted by static. The object reportedly hovered, then descended and appeared to land 10-15 miles south of MIKE 6. A strike team was sent to investigate, but their radio communication was again disrupted by static. After a glow diminished, the object took off. Another UFO was sighted and confirmed by radar, with one object passing beneath the second. An F-106 interceptor was sent up but established no contact. A KC-135 aircraft flying in the area reported nothing unusual. The incident concluded with the discontinuation of the UFO search at 0645Z.

Major Chester A. Shaw Jr., USAF Base Director of Operations, provided comments on the event, noting radio interference and radar confirmations.

Wurtsmith AFB Sightings (October 30-31, 1975)

This section covers a series of reports from Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, on October 30-31, 1975. SAC (Strategic Air Command) Lieutenant Colonel Giordano reported an unidentified helicopter with no lights coming over the back gate and hovering over the Weapons Storage Area before moving on. A tanker aircraft at 2700 feet had visual contact with a low-flying aircraft heading southeast over Lake Huron, possibly joined by a second aircraft. Both aircraft then turned off their lights simultaneously. The tanker lost contact approximately 35 nautical miles southeast of the base. Security was increased at Wurtsmith.

An update on October 31st corrected the information, stating that a low-flying aircraft was sighted near the motor pool. RAPCON (Radar Approach Control) showed several aircraft, and a tanker dispatched had visual and skin paint of a low-flying aircraft with lights on, heading southeast. This aircraft was reportedly joined by another. Both turned off their lights, and the tanker lost contact. The Department of Natural Resources confirmed none of their aircraft were in the area. The report includes a detailed distribution list of offices and personnel notified.

A Memorandum for Record from The National Military Command Center (NMCC) dated October 31, 1975, confirms that the SAC Command Post notified the NMCC of reported low-flying aircraft/helicopter sightings at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, at 302342 EST. The attached OPREP-3s (Operational Report-3) provided a summary of these sightings.

Lake Erie Incident (March 4, 1988)

The magazine recounts an incident on March 4, 1988, involving the Baker family near Lake Erie, Ohio. They observed a large, bright, disc-shaped object hovering over the lake, with lights on its ends and a rocking motion. The object moved slowly over the lake, about 1/4 mile offshore. Later, the object descended, its underside flashing red and blue lights. Several smaller, bright yellow triangular lights detached from the main object and moved at high speeds in zig-zagging patterns. These smaller objects were described as smaller than a single-engine Cessna and flew close to the ice. They approached the shore, made 90-degree turns, and ascended rapidly. Some were observed near the Perry Nuclear Power Plant. A neighbor also witnessed the event and attempted to photograph the object. Coast Guard personnel J. Powers and J. Knaub responded to the scene. When they arrived, the triangular objects approached them, and their vehicle's engine and lights shut off. The men watched the triangles hover over the lake, with one approaching them at high speed before veering east and upward. The Bakers returned to the beach and overheard Coast Guard personnel discussing the object potentially landing on the ice. The large object then reportedly began to descend onto the ice, causing it to crack and rumble loudly. The lights on the object went out momentarily, then came back on. The rumbling stopped, and the ice movement ceased. The smaller objects then rejoined the main craft. After about half an hour, the object was no longer visible, leading witnesses to believe it went under the ice. The following morning, unusually large pieces of broken ice were observed at the landing site. The Coast Guard reportedly received orders from the Army and NASA not to conduct further investigations into the broken ice, stating the matter was beyond their jurisdiction. The case information was reportedly sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which declined to confirm or deny any interest.

UFO Research and Official Responses

Ukrainian UFOlogists' Appeal (2002)

The magazine discusses an event from 2002 where Ukrainian UFOlogists, specifically the 'Contact' UFO Research Center, decided to write an official appeal to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. This was prompted by a REN-TV broadcast called 'Military Secret' which allegedly presented unique, declassified information about UFOs from the Ministry of Defense. The researchers sought official confirmation of this information and aimed to advance the process of UFO disclosure. Their request, signed by nine members, was sent to the Ministry. The response, received on a copy of their request, stated that the Air Force did not participate in the REN-TV program and directed them to contact REN-TV. The response was signed by Colonel A. Drobyshevsky, Head of the Air Force Press Service, dated November 21, 2000. The document also notes internal routing numbers and a reference to Alexander Plaskin, identified as an expert from the Ministry of Defense on UAP issues during the TV broadcast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and their potential interactions with military installations and personnel. There's a consistent thread of official involvement, from military reports and investigations to alleged government attempts to downplay or control information. The magazine appears to advocate for greater transparency and investigation into these phenomena, highlighting the efforts of UFO researchers to obtain official data and questioning the lack of definitive explanations for many sightings. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and encouraging further investigation while acknowledging the challenges posed by potential secrecy and the unusual nature of the events described.

This document is a scanned page from a publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, titled "Absolute", Volume 1, Issue 1, dated November 21, 2000. The primary content is a formal statement from the Sumy City Youth Society "Center of Ufological Research "CONTACT" addressed to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the REN-TV channel.

Statement from the Sumy City Youth Society "CONTACT"

The statement, dated October 15, 2000, begins by identifying the Sumy City Youth Society "CONTACT", registered on August 15, 2000. The society expresses its concern regarding a broadcast on the REN-TV channel, specifically the program "Military Secret", aired on October 15, 2000. According to the broadcast, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation had allegedly declassified a significant portion of its UFO archive. The program reportedly featured previously secret lists of UFO sightings on Russian territory, methodological guidelines for observing anomalous phenomena, and instructions for interviewing military personnel who witnessed such events. It also allegedly included unique video recordings of strange objects over military bases and other materials.

The broadcast featured experts such as Nikolai Antoshkin and Alexander Plaskin, described as leading experts from the ministry on problems of anomalous aerospace phenomena, and Major General V.L. Romanchenko.

Guided by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Law of the Russian Federation "On State Secrets", and Russian legislation on information, the society formally requests the Ministry of Defense to provide the following information:

1. Information regarding the receipt of documents mentioned in the broadcast, including photographic and video materials, for review by citizens of the Russian Federation, foreign nationals, public organizations, and the media.
2. Lists of declassified documents pertaining to UFOs and anomalous aerospace phenomena.
3. Lists of Ministry documents concerning UFOs and anomalous aerospace phenomena that are stamped "secret", "top secret", or "of special importance", and whose secrecy periods have expired.

The society requests a written response to be sent to their postal address: P.O. Box 303, Sumy 7, 40007, UKRAINE. Copies of the statement are being sent to the recipients.

The statement is signed by V.L. Romanchenko as Chairman of the Society, and by members A.V. Shpirna, V.B. Kondratyuk, V. Gruzinskiy, L.V. Bubnova, V. Mamontov, V. Koderov, and S. Zhestov, with a date of November 21, 2000.

Response from the Air Force Press Service

A separate document, dated November 21, 2000, is a response from the press service of the Air Force. It states that the Air Force did not participate in the broadcast "Military Secret" on REN-TV on October 8 and 15, 2000. It advises anyone seeking information to contact the REN-TV channel directly.

The response is signed by A. Drobyshevsky, Head of the press service of the Air Force.

Official Stamps and References

Several official stamps and notations are visible on the second page, indicating internal document processing within military or governmental structures. These include references to "Military Unit 55342", "Secretariat", and "Administration of Affairs of the Ministry of Defense".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue revolves around UFO phenomena and the public's right to access government information regarding such events. The Sumy Society's statement highlights a perceived discrepancy between media reports and official government actions concerning UFO documentation. The Air Force's denial of participation in the broadcast suggests a potential attempt to distance official military bodies from the claims made on television. The issue underscores themes of government secrecy, media influence, and the pursuit of transparency in ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of providing access to information, as evidenced by the society's formal request.