Ufology News - No 14 - February March 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: #14
Date: February-March 2013
Publisher: Исследовательского Центра EIBC (Research Center EIBC)

This issue of "Ufology News" delves into various aspects of UFO research, featuring an in-depth interview with Sergey Efimov, an astrophysicist and ufologist from Kazakhstan, alongside analyses of notable cases and the debunking of alleged UFO sightings.

Interview with Sergey Efimov

The magazine opens with an interview with Sergey Efimov, who marks his 25th anniversary in practical UFO investigation in 2013. Efimov, an astrophysicist by training and a ufologist by hobby, explains that his interest in anomalous phenomena stemmed from his childhood fascination with astronomy and the question of extraterrestrial life.

He recounts how a chance encounter with a lecture on UFOs in the late 1970s sparked his curiosity, leading him to pursue a career in professional astronomy while ufology remained a passion.

Efimov also discusses the Commission on Anomalous Phenomena at the Department of Physics and Mathematics of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan (NAN RK). Established in 1990 by a group of enthusiastic scientists, the commission aimed to study anomalous phenomena using scientific methods. Despite facing challenges such as a lack of funding and reporting requirements after the Academy's status change in the early 2000s, the commission managed to build a database of over 1000 UFO reports from Kazakhstan. A significant benefit of its affiliation with the Academy was the enhanced credibility and access to state and military organizations, including a period of direct communication with air defense radar services.

Efimov shares intriguing cases from Kazakhstan, including a 1988 investigation where an eyewitness's description of alien ships as 'saucer-shaped' turned out to be bright planets, a realization that, while initially disappointing, fueled his passion for investigation. He also highlights two cases involving 3-meter rotating spheres observed near Ust-Kamenogorsk and 'folded saucers' in the Aktyubinsk region, both associated with electromagnetic effects.

Regarding hypotheses for unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), Efimov lists standard possibilities: manifestations of higher intelligence, unknown natural phenomena, secret human technology, psychological factors, or misidentification of known objects. He stresses that even seemingly clear cases can have mundane explanations due to observational errors or incomplete data.

To accelerate contact with other civilizations, Efimov believes humanity needs to develop significantly, becoming more advanced and capable of interstellar travel. He likens humanity to ants in a 'galactic anthill,' suggesting that contact is possible but depends on our own development. He dismisses the idea of governments hiding contact, arguing that a truly advanced civilization would make its presence known unequivocally.

Efimov advocates for a scientific approach to ufology, urging practitioners to adopt rigorous methods, test all possible hypotheses, and respect Occam's Razor. He envisions a future where ufology is more specialized, with parts of its research integrated into fields like SETI, physics, and psychology, conducted by individuals with classical scientific training.

He suggests that practical, field-based ufology, involving eyewitness interviews and measurements, could be supported by government bodies like the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Emergency Situations, rather than solely by scientific academies. This would provide more reliable data for scientific study and keep enthusiasts engaged.

For newcomers to the field, Efimov warns against underestimating observational biases and the tendency to rush to conclusions based on preconceived notions. He advises approaching UAP investigations like detective work, patiently exploring all possibilities.

UFO Documentary Films

The magazine presents a "Top 5" list of documentary films about UFOs, distinguishing them from pseudo-documentaries. These films are characterized by their objective presentation, reliance on evidence, and interviews with scientists, military personnel, and police. The listed films include:

• "Are We Alone: NASA's Unexplained Files" (USA, 2012)
• "I Know What I Saw" (USA, 2009)
• "M.O.D. X-Files" (UK, 2006)
• "En quete sur les ovnis" (France, 2007)
• "Mystery 360: The UFO Invasion" (USA, 2009)

The Alberto Mayer Moon Video Debunked

A detailed article examines the "Balloon on the Moon" case, originating from a 2007 video by Italian amateur astronomer Alberto Mayer. While the video became a UFO icon, with many interpreting the object as an alien spacecraft, the article presents a debunking. Analysis by Mayer and mathematician Edoardo Mekkina, along with subsequent reviews, suggests the object was likely a 40 cm balloon at an altitude of approximately 8.8 km. The article criticizes the "ufologists" who ignored Mayer's explanations and jumped to conclusions about alien spacecraft, even attributing the video's temporary disappearance from Google Video to a conspiracy.

Debunking CGI Hoaxes

The issue also addresses two instances of alleged UFO sightings near the International Space Station (ISS) that were later revealed as CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) hoaxes. The first case involved a video titled "Amazing GIANT UFO Near The International Space Station, March 2013 HD," which was debunked by user WillEase666, showing that the original ISS webcam footage contained no such object. The second case involved a video by Stephen Hannard of the "Alien Disclosure Group" titled "Alien Creature Swims Past International Space Station? 2013 1080p Available," also identified as a CGI fabrication, with the original footage showing no anomaly.

Archives and Protocols

The magazine highlights the ongoing development of a global archive of UFO and UAP identifications, Version 1.3 of which contains 111 GB of data across 22,828 files and 737 folders, covering 70 countries. The archive, developed by I. Kalutyuk and M. Gerstein, aims to consolidate materials and is being exchanged with organizations like "Archives for UFO Research" and "SCEAU Archives OVNI."

Furthermore, the issue lists published protocols from meetings of expeditionary-search groups (EPG) of the EIBC Center in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and the UNICA "Zond" Coordination Council. These protocols cover a range of topics, including investigations into poltergeists, haunted houses, media coverage, and various anomalous phenomena, as well as research methodologies and findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and evidence-based investigation. The editorial stance clearly favors a rational, scientific approach, actively debunking hoaxes and misinterpretations while encouraging a more specialized and methodologically sound ufology. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine mysteries and fabricated or misidentified events, advocating for a scientific methodology that can eventually lead to ufology being recognized as a legitimate field of study. The magazine also promotes the importance of archiving data and sharing research findings within the UFO community and with the broader scientific world.

This issue of the magazine, published by the Ukrainian television channel 'Rada' as part of its 'Sobstvenny vzglyad' (Own View) project, features an interview with Artem Bilyk, head of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Center for the Study of Anomalies 'Zond'. The interview, dated February 18, 2013, focuses on the question of extraterrestrial life, particularly on Mars and exoplanets.

Is There Life on Mars?

Artem Bilyk discusses the ongoing exploration of Mars by NASA and the discovery of exoplanets. He notes that by mid-February 2013, 865 exoplanets had been identified, with a significant number falling within the 'Goldilocks Zone' – regions with conditions similar to Earth's, potentially suitable for life. Bilyk references the Kepler space telescope's findings and the predictions of scientists like Lord Rees, who suggested that extraterrestrial life might be discovered by the end of the century. He also mentions the potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa due to the presence of liquid water.

Bilyk emphasizes that the discovery of even single-celled extraterrestrial organisms would be a profound event, changing humanity's understanding of life as a cosmic factor. He addresses the Fermi Paradox, questioning why, if the universe is so vast and potentially populated, we haven't encountered other civilizations. He introduces the concept of Kardashev's classification of civilizations based on energy consumption, ranging from Type 0 (like humanity) to Type III (galactic civilizations) and beyond.

Regarding Mars, Bilyk acknowledges that it was once thought to have conditions similar to Earth's, making it a prime candidate for colonization, as envisioned by scientists like Kondratyuk and Korolev. He also mentions unexplained phenomena observed on the Moon, termed 'Lunar anomalies', and the possibility of life within Martian volcanoes, though he stresses that definitive proof is lacking.

UFO Phenomena and Abductions

The interview shifts to the topic of UFOs and alleged alien abductions. Bilyk states his belief in the existence of extraterrestrials, noting that while most reported sightings are eventually explained, about 10% remain anomalous. He discusses the psychological impact of these experiences and the challenges in studying them.

The 'Experiencer' Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the testimonies of 'experiencers' – individuals who claim to have been abducted by aliens. The article highlights the work of Dr. John Edward Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist who studied hundreds of such cases and concluded that these individuals were not suffering from delusions but were recounting genuine experiences. Mack's research, which spanned decades, involved detailed interviews and analysis of recurring themes in abduction narratives.

Budd Hopkins, an artist and researcher, is also featured for his work on abductions, which began in the 1970s. The magazine presents accounts from individuals like Randy, Rudy Schild (an astrophysicist who found consistency in experiencer testimonies), and a film by Stéphane Allix titled 'Experiencers'. These accounts describe encounters with non-human beings, often involving paralysis, telepathic communication, physical examinations, and missing time.

Case Studies and Testimonies

The magazine includes detailed accounts from experiencers. One notable case involves over 60 children in Harare, Zimbabwe, who in 1994 reported seeing UFOs and alien beings. Dr. Mack conducted extensive interviews with these children, noting the consistency of their descriptions.

Another case describes the experience of Michael and Trish, who reported a UFO sighting in Canada in 1997. Their accounts, obtained through hypnosis sessions with Dr. Mack, revealed similar details about being taken aboard a craft and encountering beings. The narrative emphasizes the physical nature of these experiences and the profound emotional impact on the individuals.

Scientific and Philosophical Implications

The article touches upon the philosophical implications of discovering extraterrestrial life, suggesting it would challenge anthropocentric worldviews and potentially lead to a re-evaluation of humanity's place in the cosmos. The discussion also touches on the limitations of human perception and the need for open-mindedness when considering phenomena that fall outside current scientific paradigms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, the paranormal, and human experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and testimonies related to UFOs and alien encounters while acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific investigation. The recurring theme is the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that could fundamentally alter our understanding of reality and our place in the universe.

Title: UFO ROUNDUP
Issue: Vol. 29, No. 10
Date: October 1994
Publisher: International UFO Reporter
Country: USA
Price: $3.50

This issue of UFO ROUNDUP delves into significant UFO/UAP incidents, with a primary focus on the "Washington D.C. UFO Incident of July 1952." It also includes reports from other locations and time periods, highlighting radar and visual observations, witness testimonies, and the challenges faced by military and civilian investigators.

The Washington D.C. UFO Incident of July 1952

The cover story details the events of July 19-20 and July 26-27, 1952, when radar and visual sightings of unidentified objects over Washington D.C. caused a stir. On July 19, air traffic controllers at Washington National Airport detected a group of seven radar targets moving at approximately 100 mph, 15 miles southwest of the capital, with no scheduled aircraft in the area. This prompted the chief controller, G. J. Barnes, to joke about a "squadron of flying saucers."

As the objects' movements were highly unusual, differing significantly from normal aircraft patterns, controllers noted that the targets would sometimes disappear from the screen and reappear, suggesting rapid, sharp movements. The Air Force, initially attempting to downplay the events, was forced to hold a major press conference due to intense media scrutiny.

On July 20, radar detected more objects. A pilot reported seeing a bright orange object near Andrews Air Force Base, and another controller observed an orange disc at an altitude of about 3000 feet. The objects were seen moving erratically, sometimes disappearing and reappearing, and exhibiting speeds that defied conventional aircraft capabilities.

The events of July 26-27 were even more intense. Betty Ann Beail, a weather observer at Andrews Air Force Base, reported a formation of UFOs approaching the runway at speeds exceeding 900 mph, with diameters estimated between 100 and 200 feet. Radar at Washington National Airport and Andrews AFB detected over a dozen unidentified targets across the sky. The Air Force requested support from New Castle Air Force Base, and the objects were visible both on radar and to the naked eye.

Albert Chop, chief of the Air Force's public relations, was called in to manage the situation. He described the scene at the airport's Air Defense Command (ADC) center, where radar screens showed numerous "unknown" targets alongside regular aircraft. These unknown targets moved with distinct trajectories but at speeds too high for conventional aircraft, sometimes disappearing and reappearing erratically.

During the night of July 26-27, two fighter jets, "Red Dog-1" and "Red Dog-2," were scrambled. "Red Dog-2" reported seeing "huge white lights, blue-white," which appeared to surround the aircraft before moving away. The pilot stated he could no longer see them. The radar continued to track targets until dawn, with the last incident involving 7 or 8 UFOs detected at 5:30 AM.

Despite initial explanations involving temperature inversions and anomalous radio wave propagation, later declassified documents from Project "Blue Book" listed these events under the heading "Unidentified." James McDonald, an atmospheric physicist, refuted the inversion theory, stating that the observed phenomena could not be explained by atmospheric mirages or radar reflections under the prevailing conditions.

Personal Accounts and Encounters

The issue also includes personal testimonies. David, husband of Sue, recounts his experiences of being paralyzed in bed while Sue and their children were allegedly visited by UFO occupants. He describes a heavy weight pressing him down, preventing him from moving.

Sue describes a "close encounter" in 1990 when she and her two children, Dani (13) and Jake (11), were awakened by a blue light. She saw Dani standing in the kitchen like a robot, with eyes wide with fear. Sue tried to comfort him, but he seemed unresponsive. She then saw Jake enter the kitchen. Sue felt a surge of anger, wanting to protect her children. The experience became a nightmare, with fragmented memories of being away from home and hearing Dani cry.

Radar and UFOs: Incidents in the USA and Ukraine

Beyond the Washington D.C. incident, the magazine details other radar-based UFO observations:

• Fort Monmouth, New Jersey (September 10, 1951): Radar AN/MPG-1 detected a fast-moving object near Fort Monmouth, moving at approximately 700 mph. The object was tracked for three minutes before disappearing. Later, two T-33 pilots reported a "silver-gray disc-shaped object" flying at about 900 mph, descending towards Sandy Hook.
• Fort Monmouth, New Jersey (September 11, 1951): Radar detected another target with "unusual maneuverability" that moved at speeds exceeding 700 mph. Attempts to visually confirm the object were hampered by clouds.
• Ukraine (September 1987): Radar operator Igor Suslin observed a silent, unknown object traveling at an estimated 4500 km/h near Orynyne. The object was also reportedly seen in the Netherlands, Poland, and over various military installations in Ukraine.
• Ukraine (Spring-Autumn 1989): While on duty at a radar station, Suslin observed an unknown object on his radar. A related incident involved a radar station's auxiliary control unit unexpectedly activating.
• Ukraine (February 1990): During a planned duty, Suslin experienced a power outage that could not be resolved by backup generators. He then witnessed a static vertical column of white light, about 60 meters high, followed by a yellow-white object flying horizontally at 30 meters. The power was restored immediately after the object disappeared.
• Ukraine (Summer 1990): During planned exercises, a cone-shaped beam of white light illuminated a construction site, causing a vehicle to stall. The light disappeared, and the vehicle restarted.
• Ukraine (October 1990): An object was detected by radar at an altitude of 3 km traveling at 370 km/h. It was observed on TVK with ultraviolet and infrared filters but disappeared before reaching the radar station.

Anomalous Phenomena and Investigations

The article touches upon the difficulties in explaining these phenomena, including the military's initial reluctance to investigate and the eventual reclassification of events as "Unidentified." The role of radar in detecting these objects is emphasized, with descriptions of their high speeds and unusual maneuvers that defied conventional explanations. The issue also briefly mentions an anomaly in a forest near Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, where radar detection was impossible within a certain radius, and locals reported sudden health issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of unidentified aerial phenomena, the critical role of radar in their detection, the challenges in explaining these sightings through conventional means, and the often-opaque nature of military investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence and witness accounts, encouraging an open mind towards phenomena that defy easy explanation, and questioning whether the public and authorities are ready to accept the reality of UFOs. The article implicitly suggests that what cannot be easily understood should not be dismissed outright.

This issue of Coelum magazine, dated 2009, features an article titled "The very same balloon on the Moon" by Alberto Mayer and Edoardo Mecchina, translated from Italian by Andrey Chvartkovsky. The article recounts a personal experience of astronomical observation that became a focal point for UFO discussions and conspiracy theories.

The Observation on April 29, 2007

The article begins with Alberto Mayer's account of attempting to photograph the Moon on the evening of April 29, 2007, despite knowing the Moon's low altitude would make for poor resolution. While setting up his Celestron C8 telescope and Unibrain Fire-i camera, he noticed two dark spots on the lunar surface. Initially, he suspected a dirty camera sensor. After cleaning the sensor, the spots did not disappear but instead merged into a single, larger dark spot. To his surprise, he then realized the spot was moving.

Further observation revealed the object was not only moving but also blinking and exhibiting a slow, 'impossible' speed. Mayer's initial hypothesis was a satellite, but the object's behavior was too unusual. He began recording a video, trying to track the object manually. He identified the Vallis Alpes region on the Moon. Due to excitement and the video program's limitations (capturing only short, 300-frame episodes), he struggled to keep the object centered, leading to gaps in the recording.

As he continued to record, the object appeared to slow down, eventually stopping in a suspended state above the lunar landscape. It then slowly resumed its movement northward, making a 'knee-like' turn. This maneuverability led Mayer to consider it a 'non-terrestrial object' and estimate its size as potentially enormous. The object then moved away from the lunar edge at a constant speed and direction, leaving Mayer bewildered.

Analysis and Initial Hypotheses

After collecting several video sequences, Mayer returned to his hobby of astronomy in 2004 after a 25-year break. He admits to not having extensive experience. He shared the footage with his friend Edoardo Mecchina, who, despite not being an astronomer, possessed mathematical skills and helped analyze the data. They organized the fragments and stabilized the video. Mecchina's analysis, based on the object's angular diameter and the time of observation (5.6 seconds), led to a table correlating distance and real diameter. This analysis suggested that if the object were 10 km in diameter on the Moon, its size relative to communication satellites (36,000 km away) would be about 1 km. If it were in low Earth orbit (300 km), its size would be approximately 8 meters, consistent with artificial satellites. However, the speed required for such an object to traverse the lunar disk in just a few frames seemed too high.

Further Investigation and the Balloon Theory

Further analysis, including digital processing by Mayer and Mecchina, helped explain the object's change in trajectory. They concluded that the apparent maneuver was due to the Moon's movement during the recording. The Moon, moving approximately 40 arc minutes in 165 seconds, caused the object to appear to move in a non-linear path. The object's movement was essentially parallel to the Moon's motion, explained by wind variations at high altitudes. This led to the hypothesis that the object was a weather balloon. They consulted Colonel Tiziano Colombo from Meteo di Pratica di Mare, who provided information on Italian weather balloon launches and wind patterns. This investigation revealed no matching launch times or locations for the observed event. However, a plausible match was found with a standard 40 cm balloon observed at a distance of 14.9 km, corresponding to an altitude of 8800 meters, an altitude commonly reached by balloons.

The UFO Phenomenon and Conspiracy Theories

Despite the scientific explanation, the story took a turn when the video was shared with the 'Sheratan' group, leading to extensive discussion. The material was published, attracting attention from astronomers like Jean Lecacheux. Mayer began receiving emails with various interpretations, including the 'Mercury Theory,' suggesting the dark spot was Mercury's shadow. The portal Meteolive expressed interest in publishing the video with an interview.

Mayer provided 'down-to-earth' explanations, focusing on atmospheric phenomena. However, the interview was presented with captions promoting the idea of mysterious flying objects on the Moon. This led to a surge in interest, and Mayer noticed his internet access being blocked. He contacted technical support, who assured him there were no issues. He suspected a deliberate blockage.

Viral Spread and Misinformation

The video was mysteriously removed from Google Video, further fueling UFO enthusiasts' beliefs in a conspiracy. The video reappeared on various sites, and a Google search for 'Alberto Mayer UFO' yielded millions of results, including claims that NASA had confiscated the video. Mayer attempted to intervene in discussions as the video's author, but was met with skepticism and accusations of downplaying the event, with some suggesting he was threatened by the CIA.

Serious UFO websites, while attempting a 'scientific' approach, still expressed doubts about the object's trajectory and clarity, finding it difficult to reconcile with the balloon hypothesis. They questioned how a balloon could stop, turn, and resume a straight path. The author notes that many discussions ignored concepts like 'depth of field' and 'relative motion,' which would have clarified the situation.

Conclusions and Lessons Learned

Mayer expresses gratitude to the 'ufologists' for their persistent interest, which inadvertently led to the video's viral spread and allowed him to share his findings. He learned valuable lessons, both technical and human. Technically, he learned the importance of thorough data analysis and avoiding premature conclusions. Humanly, he realized how quickly a situation can spiral out of control and how futile it can be to try and explain things when a 'conspiracy' mechanism is invoked. He concludes that such a mechanism makes rational acceptance of evidence impossible, calling it an 'intellectual deviation.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of amateur astronomy, unexplained phenomena, and the subsequent rise of UFO theories and conspiracy narratives. The editorial stance, as presented through Mayer's personal account, is one of scientific inquiry and a desire for rational explanation, contrasted with the often uncritical and speculative nature of the UFO community. The article highlights the challenges of communicating scientific findings in the face of entrenched beliefs and the power of viral online content to shape public perception, even when it contradicts factual analysis.