Ufology News - No 16 - June July 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: #16
Date: June-July 2013
Publisher: Исследовательского Центра EIBC (EIBC Research Center)
Language: Russian

This issue of 'Ufology News' presents a strong emphasis on a scientific approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features an interview with Jean-Pierre Petit, a French scientist and senior researcher at CNRS.

Interview with Jean-Pierre Petit

Jean-Pierre Petit, a scientist with a background in astrophysics, plasma physics, fluid mechanics, and magnetic dynamics, discusses his work and the organization 'UFO-Science'.

The Goal of 'UFO-Science'

Petit explains that 'UFO-Science' aims to demonstrate the cognitive value of UFO research, contrasting it with what he deems unscientific approaches. He asserts that the UFO phenomenon is real and possibly linked to an extraterrestrial hypothesis. The study of magnetohydrodynamic processes in UFOs, he believes, opens new possibilities for research, including the development of supersonic, silent propulsion systems for travel without G-forces or turbulence.

Interest in Plasma Phenomena

Petit clarifies that plasma itself is not a mysterious phenomenon, being the fourth state of matter. He categorizes plasma into 'cold plasma' (over 3000 degrees), 'hot plasma' (over 10 million degrees), and 'thermonuclear plasma' (over 100 million degrees). His research, particularly within 'UFO-Science', focuses on the study of partially ionized plasma at low pressures.

Achievements in Plasma Physics

Throughout his career, Petit has studied various types of plasma. In 1964, he worked with Evgeny Velikhov on cold plasma under conditions of instability and electrothermal instability. Since founding 'UFO-Science' in 2007 with experimenter Christophe Dore, they have achieved low-density plasma. In 2010, at a symposium in Jeju, Korea, they successfully demonstrated the containment of plasma around an MHD in a disk shape, resembling a heavier-than-air craft.

Research and Experiments

Petit mentions experiments conducted on the 'Lambda Laboratory' test bench. In 2010, they demonstrated the ability to contain plasma around an MHD in a disk shape. In 2012, at a symposium in Prague, they presented a similar demonstration of the disappearance of instability in Velikhov's magnetic gradient inversion. In September 2013, they planned to participate in an international conference in Warsaw to demonstrate spiral electric current distribution experiments.

Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

Regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, Petit acknowledges the difficulty of interstellar travel due to speed limitations and vast distances. However, he references Andrei Sakharov's cosmological model, which suggests the possibility of two different paths of travel between points in the universe, potentially explaining UFO movements, sudden appearances, and disappearances.

Biochemical Research and UFO Impact

Petit discusses biochemical probes used to assess the impact of UFOs on soil. These probes analyze plant pigments like carotene, chlorophyll, and pheophytin. He cites Professor Michel Bougnias, who in 1983 demonstrated that UFO activity could alter the distribution of these pigments in plants. The magazine includes diagrams illustrating plant pigmentation analysis from a case in Trans-en-Provence.

Spectroscopic Research

Jean-Christophe Dore and Mathieu Ader are working on spectroscopic research. The methodology, dating back to the 1950s, requires systematic collection of UFO observations using diffraction gratings to filter out known phenomena. The initiative involves distributing diffraction gratings globally, with over 3500 distributed and a smaller percentage found effective.

The State of Ufology

Petit expresses a critical view of the current state of ufology, stating that its scientific level is very low. He attributes this to ufologists primarily collecting evidence without generating new knowledge. He argues that active UFO researchers should adopt methods like using diffraction gratings. He notes that while France has had the GEIPAN department for 36 years, the quality of information analyzed is often poor. Petit concludes that investigating the UFO phenomenon requires a solid scientific approach, not amateur efforts.

Other Content

UK Government UFO Documents

The magazine announces the release of a new (final) package of UK government UFO documents by the National Archives of Great Britain. This package, available for download, contains drawings, letters, blueprints, and photographs from late 2007 to November 2009. A specific document from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is highlighted, stating that the MoD examines UFO reports solely to determine if there is any defense significance, such as a breach of UK airspace by hostile activity. The MoD does not attempt to identify the precise nature of sightings unless a potential threat is identified and remains open-minded about extraterrestrial life, but has found no evidence to substantiate it.

New Translations of John Mack's Materials

Information is provided about new Russian translations of John Mack's materials related to the 'alien abduction' phenomenon, available on a memorial website.

EIBC Expeditionary-Search Group Protocols

Protocols from EIBC Expeditionary-Search Group No. 1 meetings (Protocol #25 and #26) are announced as available on their website. These protocols cover topics such as the psychological state of individuals who may have observed unknown craft or experienced abductions, and the search for new aerospace phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Misidentifications

The issue debunks two specific events as non-UFOs:
1. Soyuz-2.1b Rocket Launch: On June 25, 2013, a Soyuz-2.1b rocket launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome was observed by many in Kazakhstan and Russia. Some mistook it for a Chinese lantern, meteorite, or UFO. News reports from Astana channel are cited, clarifying that a glowing sphere over Kostanay was the trail of the Soyuz rocket.
2. Chinese Lanterns: A YouTube video titled 'UFO over Downtown Los Angeles' posted on May 26, 2013, is presented as an example of misidentification.

Monitoring Section

A section on 'Monitoring Updated' lists various online monitors from astronomical institutions, including the Kharkiv National University, IZMIRAN, SDO, SOHO, HAARP, and NOAA/Space Weather Prediction Center. These monitors cover topics like magnetosphere, solar dynamics, space weather, seismic activity, ozone layer, sea surface temperature anomalies, meteorological extremes, and aircraft movements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and rigorous approach to ufology. It criticizes the lack of scientific methodology in much of the field and advocates for evidence-based research, particularly through advanced techniques like spectroscopy. The editorial stance appears to be that while the UFO phenomenon warrants investigation, it must be conducted with scientific discipline and objectivity, moving beyond mere collection of anecdotal evidence. The publication also highlights international efforts and governmental involvement in UFO research.

This document, presented as a special investigation, focuses on two distinct UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) related events. The primary focus is a detailed report on an incident at Gatwick Airport, UK, on December 30, 2012. It also includes a brief mention of a video from Los Angeles, USA, dated May 26, 2013, which the author attributes to Chinese lanterns.

UFO Incident Over Gatwick Airport

The main body of the investigation meticulously details the events of December 30, 2012, at Gatwick Airport. The incident began when the crew of a Boeing 777, identified as flight B777, reported observing two unidentified flying objects (UFOs) during their final approach to runway RW26L. These objects were described as flat, silver discs, positioned one on each side of the aircraft's centerline, and appeared to be moving very slowly or hovering.

All three pilots in the cockpit of the Boeing 777 witnessed the objects, which passed approximately 100-200 feet below their aircraft. The crew reported the sighting to air traffic control, who confirmed that the UFOs were tracked on radar. Subsequently, the crews of two other aircraft, a Boeing 767 and an Airbus 319, also reported seeing similar unidentified objects.

The report includes extensive details from the UK Airprox Board (Report No 2012175), which investigated the incident. It compiles information from the B777 crew's testimony, RT (Radio Telephony) recordings, radar video footage, and statements from air traffic controllers and other aviation officials. The objects were described by the B777 crew as "some kind of toys" and were seen at an altitude of 1000-1500 feet, approximately 4-5 nautical miles from the runway.

Radar data from Gatwick Airport, specifically from a 10 cm radar, showed the presence of unknown targets. Figure 1 illustrates a radar display at 0852:16 UTC, showing a target's coordinates on the outskirts of East Grinstead. Figure 2 shows a subsequent radar display at 0853:03 UTC, indicating another target appearing 0.1 nautical miles behind the B777. The radar also tracked the B777 at various altitudes and distances from the runway, with the unknown targets appearing and disappearing.

The investigation notes that the British tabloid newspaper The Sun published a humorous article about the incident, linking it to the Church of Scientology and actor Tom Cruise. The article was later followed by an "apology to aliens" from The Sun. The Russian-language media also picked up on this sensationalized coverage, leading to the incident being dismissed by some as a joke, thus hindering serious attention from both government agencies and ufologists.

The Airprox Board classified the incident as a "report of a near miss on final approach" and deemed the risk "unassessable." Despite the radar confirmation and multiple witness testimonies, the nature of the observed objects could not be definitively determined.

UFO Sighting in Los Angeles

Separately, the document briefly mentions a video uploaded to YouTube by Joseph Ruiz, showing a group of glowing lights in the night sky over Los Angeles, accompanied by a police helicopter. The author of the article suggests that these lights were likely "Chinese lanterns," commonly released during festive events in Los Angeles on weekend evenings. The video was dated May 26, 2013. The location was identified from building elements in the video, with YouTube users recognizing the "Alexandria" hotel and indicating the filming was done from an upper floor of a hotel.

Materials Used

The article lists several sources, including the official Airprox Board report, a translation of the report, and articles from The Sun newspaper. These sources provide the basis for the investigation and analysis presented.

Section B: Conclusions from the Council's Review

The review by the Council (likely the Airprox Board) considered the testimonies of the B777 crew, RT recordings, radar videos, and air traffic control reports. The council was informed about the regular requests for permits for various aerial platforms, including balloons and kites. Regulations for model aircraft and drones weighing over 7 kg require permits, and specific restrictions apply to observation aircraft. Operators of platforms weighing less than 7 kg must ensure flight safety. While model aircraft clubs are generally well-controlled, the possibility of flights occurring elsewhere was acknowledged.

The council concluded that the B777 crew and the subsequent two aircraft crews did indeed see a pair of objects, described as artificial and toy-like. However, due to a lack of further information and the inability to identify the objects, the incident was classified as a report of a near miss on final approach with an unassessable risk.

Section C: Assessment of Cause and Risk

Cause: Report of a near miss on final approach.
Risk Level: D.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena and the challenges in their official classification and public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into credible witness accounts and radar data, while also acknowledging the potential for misidentification (as in the Los Angeles case) and the impact of media sensationalism on public understanding. The article emphasizes the importance of official reports like the Airprox Board's findings in providing a factual basis for such investigations, even when definitive conclusions about the nature of the phenomena cannot be reached.