Ufology News - No 15 - April May 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: #15
Date: April-May 2013
Publisher: Research Center EIBC
Language: Russian

This issue of 'Novosti Ufologii' focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena (AAP), presenting a blend of scientific inquiry and investigative reporting. The magazine aims to provide accurate information and a platform for discussion among those interested in these topics, distinguishing itself with a non-sensationalist and scientifically-oriented approach.

Interview with Massimo Teodorani

The centerpiece of this issue is an extensive interview with Dr. Massimo Teodorani, an Italian astrophysicist and researcher. Teodorani, who holds degrees in astronomy and astrophysics, has contributed to studies of supernovae, protostars, and the SETI project. He also teaches quantum physics and has a significant interest in the physics of anomalous aerial phenomena. He is also an author and composer.

Teodorani recounts his initial interest in luminous atmospheric phenomena, sparked by a personal sighting twenty years prior. He emphasizes the importance of scientific instruments for objective data collection and discusses his preference for the term 'unidentified anomalous phenomena' (UAP) over UFOs. He highlights Hessdalen valley in Norway as a key location for studying these phenomena due to their periodic occurrence, which led to the EMBLA project.

He elaborates on the EMBLA project and the Italian Committee for the Hessdalen Project (CIPN), explaining their goal of fostering scientific methodology in studying atmospheric anomalies. Teodorani details the types of data collected on Hessdalen phenomena, including instrumental descriptions, data analysis, and theoretical interpretations. He notes the challenges in simplifying such phenomena and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving physics, astronomy, and other sciences.

Regarding hypotheses for the Hessdalen phenomena, Teodorani discusses a recent article by Monari suggesting the area acts as a natural energy accumulator due to copper and zinc. He also considers other geophysical causes like piezoelectricity. Teodorani leans towards hypotheses that explain the 'ball lightning' aspect, such as 'central forces' within a plasma trap potentially involving mini-black holes or magnetic monopoles, or chemical reactions of plasma with water vapor and aerosols. He finds the latter, a hydrostatic equilibrium model, to explain about 80% of observations. He also entertains the idea of 'intelligent plasma' and mentions research by Tsytovich.

Teodorani fully supports the concept of a 'new ufology' based on science and impartiality, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach involving physics, astronomy, SETI, chemistry, sociology, history, statistics, and informatics. He stresses the need for a team of experts rather than a single 'ufologist.' He shares his experience with statistical and analytical experiments, correlating UFO sightings and finding other locations similar to Hessdalen. He recommends using astrophysical expertise and specialized portable equipment, including optical spectroscopy, magnetometry, and VLF/ELF/microwave spectrometry.

He advises those wishing to create similar projects to identify locations with recurring phenomena, gather eyewitness accounts, and then deploy scientific instruments. He lists a comprehensive set of recommended equipment, including high-quality video cameras, DSLR cameras with spectrographs, various spectrometers, high-speed cameras, magnetometers, Geiger counters, thermal cameras, UV/IR cameras, optical telescopes, and lasers/lidars. He emphasizes the importance of on-site personnel, such as astronomers and physicists, and suggests involving university students in their thesis projects.

Teodorani concludes by thanking the interviewer and referencing his work for further illustration.

Other Articles and Features

Australian UFO Documents: The magazine announces the availability of PDF downloads of Australian National Archives materials concerning UFOs, flying saucers, and atmospheric phenomena, including the Valentich case. These documents originate from various Australian defense and scientific departments.

Best Views of Earth from Space in 2012: A video compilation of the best full-color satellite images of Earth from space, including time-lapse footage from the ISS and scientific visualizations, is highlighted.

John Mack's Work: The site regularly features translations of materials related to the work of Dr. John Mack, a medical doctor who studied the phenomenon of 'abductions.' Several of his articles and related materials are now available in Russian.

Space Engine 0.9.7: The release of a new version of the 'Space Engine' cosmic simulator is announced, with a link to a list of changes.

EIBC Expeditionary Group Protocol: The protocol of the 24th expeditionary-search group of the EIBC is available, covering topics such as state interest in UFO/UAP phenomena, a German biologist's findings on African crop circles, and other miscellaneous research topics.

GEIPAN Documentation: New packages of documentation from the French Space Agency's GEIPAN commission are presented, including unidentified cases categorized as D, D1, and D2, with links to PDF reports.

In Memory of Vladimir Rubtsov: The issue includes a tribute to Vladimir Vasilievich Rubtsov, a physicist and candidate of philosophical sciences, who passed away on May 6, 2013. He was a leader of the Kharkiv regional section for the study of anomalous phenomena and the founder of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP). A list of his publications and archived materials is provided.

Not UFOs: Multicopters! Part 2: This section debunks sightings of 'UFOs' that were actually multicopter drone formations. It discusses a widely publicized incident in Chelyabinsk where a hexacopter with LED lighting was mistaken for a UFO. The article also features videos of synchronized multicopter flights, including a large-scale display in Linz, Austria, and a swarm of mini-quadrocopters.

Not UFOs: Aerial Targets, Ashuluk, Astrakhan Region: This segment addresses a video of an object over the Ashuluk military range, initially reported as a UFO but later identified as part of military exercises involving air defense units.

Not UFOs: Ammonia Leak from ISS Cooling System: The article reports on an ammonia leak detected on the International Space Station (ISS) and presents a video showing white ammonia clouds emanating from the P6 module.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach to the study of UFOs and anomalous phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the use of advanced instrumentation. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk misidentifications and provide factual information while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena. The publication also highlights the accessibility of research materials and the ongoing efforts of various organizations in the field.

This issue of ufology-news.com, dated May 11, 2013, focuses on recent observations and incidents related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The content spans events in space, on the Moon, and in Earth's atmosphere, drawing from NASA data, video recordings, and eyewitness accounts.

Spacewalk UFO Sightings

The issue begins by reporting on a planned spacewalk by NASA astronauts Thomas Mashburn and Chris Cassidy on May 11, 2013, to address an ammonia leak on the International Space Station (ISS). It also references video recordings from a previous spacewalk on May 11, 2013, by NASA astronauts, where an "UFO" was allegedly discovered.

A separate report details a spacewalk on April 19, 2013, by ISS cosmonauts Pavel Vinogradov and Roman Romanenko. During this EVA, a panel from the 'Vynoslivost' experiment was accidentally released into space. While thousands watched the live online broadcast, a user named George Orwell Smith claimed to have spotted a UFO in the footage and posted a video titled 'UFO seen during Russian Spacewalk. 19 April, 2013' on YouTube. The article notes that the object was likely space debris, according to expert A. Chvartkovsky. The issue also mentions the jettisoning of empty containers (ShKD-1, ShKD-2) by the same cosmonauts on April 19, 2013.

Lunar Impact Flashes and UFOs

The magazine then shifts focus to lunar phenomena, reporting on NASA's monitoring of bright flashes on the Moon since 2005. Over eight years, NASA specialists recorded more than 300 such events, caused by meteorite impacts. A particularly notable event occurred on March 17, 2013, when a 0.3-0.4 meter object weighing approximately 40 kg struck the Moon, producing a flash so bright (4th magnitude) it was visible from Earth with the naked eye. This impact is estimated to have created a 20-meter crater.

Further analysis of lunar events includes a video recording from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) dated December 23, 2006, which allegedly shows a UFO. The MSFC's Lunar Impact Monitoring program tracks meteoroids weighing over 0.5 kg impacting the Moon. The article explains that due to the Moon's lack of atmosphere, meteoroids hit at high speeds, creating craters and generating flashes of light. The video compilation includes several recorded lunar flashes from 2006 to 2007, attributed to sporadic meteoroids and the Leonid and Geminid meteor streams. One event on December 23, 2006, is described as an object resembling an airplane with flashing lights, which NASA puzzlingly labeled as a UFO. Bill Cook, head of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Group, stated that over 107 hours of observation, they recorded 20 lunar meteors, 60 artificial satellites, one meteor in Earth's atmosphere, and one aircraft.

The Brazilian UFO Incident of 1986

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the events of May 19-20, 1986, over southeastern Brazil, known as the "Night of the UFOs." The Brazilian government officially acknowledged that at least 20 UFOs were observed visually, on radar, and by military aircraft. The incident involved multiple radar detections and visual sightings by pilots and air traffic controllers. Fighter jets, including F-5E and Mirage aircraft, were scrambled to intercept the objects.

Eyewitness accounts from pilots describe bright, yellow objects with reddish hues, unlike conventional aircraft. Some pilots reported that the objects moved at speeds and performed maneuvers impossible for known aircraft, such as rapid acceleration, deceleration, and sharp turns. Radar data indicated multiple objects, some appearing to fly in formation and maintain precise distances from the intercepting aircraft. Despite attempts to close in and identify the objects, they often eluded visual confirmation or radar lock, disappearing or moving at extreme speeds.

A commission was formed to investigate the incident, and its findings, declassified years later, concluded that the observed phenomena demonstrated consistent characteristics, including radar reflectivity, the ability to change speed and altitude, and unusual flight patterns. The commission suggested the objects were material and possessed intelligent features, though not necessarily piloted apparatus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of ufology-news.com consistently explores the intersection of space exploration, scientific observation, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence and eyewitness accounts related to UFOs and UAPs, while also incorporating expert analysis and official reports, such as those from NASA and the Brazilian government. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial phenomena, even when official explanations point to more conventional causes like space debris or atmospheric events. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained objects and events in and around Earth's atmosphere and on celestial bodies like the Moon.