Ufology News - No 20 - February March 2014

Magazine Overview

This issue of "НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ" (Ufology News), dated February-March 2014, features a prominent interview with renowned ufologist Jacques F. Vallee. The magazine also includes articles on the reliability of memory, particularly in the context of UFO sightings, and presents various archives of UFO-related documentation.

Interview with Jacques Vallee

The interview with Jacques Vallee, a French-born mathematician, astrophysicist, and computer scientist, explores his extensive career and views on anomalous phenomena. Vallee recounts his early interest sparked by a 1954 UFO wave in France and a personal sighting in 1955. He defines Anomalous Aerocosmic Phenomena (AAP) as events that remain unexplained after expert scrutiny. Vallee estimates that approximately 25% of UFO reports, particularly those from the "Blue Book" project, remained unidentified, with his own field research suggesting that at least half of these could be explained with further investigation. He highlights a significant 1998 case in France involving a large, slow-moving object observed by multiple groups. Vallee emphasizes that our perception can be manipulated by phenomena that affect space and time, cautioning against accepting verbal accounts alone and stressing the need for rigorous analysis of multiple cases, rather than relying on single testimonies or photographs. He believes that while verbal accounts have value, especially with multiple independent witnesses, they must be corroborated. Vallee suggests that UFO phenomena may be linked to the collective unconscious, as proposed by Carl Jung, and have influenced human history, culture, and religion. He views AAPs as one of many mysteries humanity faces, urging a scientific approach to understanding their nature and purpose. Regarding theories, he favors concepts related to information physics and the idea of the universe as an informational structure. For future research, Vallee proposes investigating the origins, periodicity, and correlations of AAPs with natural or technological events, as well as their physiological effects on witnesses. He encourages young researchers to approach the subject with an open mind, free from prejudice, and to maintain their curiosity.

The Psychology of Memory and Witness Testimony

This section critically examines the reliability of human memory, particularly in relation to eyewitness accounts of anomalous phenomena. It features insights from psychologist Elizabeth Loftus, who is presented as a leading expert on memory. Loftus's work, including her TED talk, is cited to demonstrate how memory is not a passive recording device but a reconstructive process. She explains that memories can be easily altered, distorted, or even implanted, especially through techniques like regressive hypnosis and leading questions. The article highlights studies showing that false memories can be created, leading to wrongful convictions. Loftus's research suggests that information from media or other witnesses can also contaminate one's own memories. The article concludes that without independent corroboration, eyewitness testimony, even when delivered with conviction and detail, cannot be reliably distinguished from fabricated accounts. Several books and research papers on 'abductions' and 'contactees' are listed, including Susan Clancy's "Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens" and studies by Christopher French, Krissy Wilson, and others, which link susceptibility to false memories and paranormal belief.

UFO Archives and Databases

The magazine showcases several resources for UFO research:

• Mass of UFO Identifications: A new section on the website categorizes UFO sightings based on the GEIPAN ABCD classification system (A - identified, B - likely identified, C - unsuitable for analysis, D - unidentified). Several identified cases from Russia, Latvia, Israel, and Ukraine are listed under Class A, with some probable identifications under Class B and one unidentified case from Ukraine under Class D.
• GEIPAN Documentation Package (March 2014): This includes documents from the French Space Agency's commission, featuring unidentified cases with high-quality data (Category D, D1, D2), such as incidents in Le Mans and Montchabu. Links to PDF reports with images and diagrams are provided.
• COBEPS Documentation Package (2014): This Belgian committee, continuing the work of SOBEPS, presents standardized research on UFOs. A list of 11 cases from Belgium, categorized by A, B, C, and D, is provided, along with references to global and Ukrainian databases.
• EIBC Expeditionary Group Protocol No. 33: This protocol from a Ukrainian expedition group details various UFO-related observations, including reflections in Turkey and Russia, and discussions on underwater findings and pseudolights.
• Association Ecology of the Unexplained (AЭН) Archives: This section presents collections of newspaper and magazine clippings from the Soviet era (1976-1986 and the 1990s), along with specific research papers on topics like the 'Kozyrev Mirrors' and the 'UFO Phenomenon in 1978'.
• 'ZOND' Council Protocols (2013): Protocols from the Coordination Council of UNITSA 'Zond' are available, containing information on methods for studying anomalous phenomena, research results, and photo materials.

Historical Case: The Falcon Lake Incident

The magazine details the 1967 Falcon Lake incident in Manitoba, Canada, involving Stefan Michalák. Michalák, a prospector, reported encountering a UFO that landed on a rock. The object, described as saucer-shaped with a dome, emitted a purple light and a warm, sulfurous wind. The incident left behind scorched leaves, a radioactive spot on the rocks, and a grid-shaped burn mark on Michalák's chest and abdomen. The case was studied by both Canadian and American scientists and was included in the Condon Report as case number 22.

Other Content

• "Born of Lightning" by Roscosmos TV Studio: A segment discussing the 'Chibis-M' microsatellite and experiments on high-altitude atmospheric discharges (sprites, jets).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a scientific approach to ufology, advocating for rigorous investigation, data analysis, and critical evaluation of evidence. There is a strong focus on debunking sensationalism and highlighting the unreliability of anecdotal evidence, particularly memory-based testimony, through psychological insights. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based research into anomalous phenomena, while acknowledging the complexity and often unexplained nature of many reported events. The publication also serves as a repository for historical and contemporary UFO data, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and participate in the collective effort to understand these phenomena.

This issue of "My Encounter With The UFO" (published by Osnova Publications, likely in 1967 based on the content) details two significant UFO-related incidents. The primary focus is the personal account of Stefan Michalak's encounter in Manitoba, Canada, and a secondary report on a UFO sighting at Bremen Airport in Germany.

Stefan Michalak's Encounter

The magazine recounts Stefan Michalak's experience on May 21, 1967, near Falcon Lake, Manitoba. Approaching a glowing metallic object, Michalak heard voices and attempted to communicate in multiple languages before peering into an opening. Inside, he observed a labyrinth of lights. The object then sealed its opening and displayed a 'ventilation grille' structure on its side, which was hot to the touch. When Michalak touched it, he burned his gloved hand.

Subsequently, the object emitted a narrow heat beam that struck Michalak's chest, burning his shirt and undershirt. He described the pain and the subsequent symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and a rash that formed a pattern similar to the 'grille' on the craft. He sought medical attention, and while initial examinations ruled out radiation, the symptoms persisted, leading to further medical evaluations.

The article details the difficulties Michalak faced in getting his story accepted, including skepticism from authorities and media. It mentions investigations by the "Kondor Commission" and the involvement of Canadian military and police. Despite finding radioactive soil and metal fragments at the landing site, the official stance often leaned towards dismissing the event or suspecting Michalak himself.

Bremen Airport UFO Incident

The magazine also covers a UFO sighting at Bremen Airport in Germany on January 6, 2014. An unidentified flying object was observed by air traffic controllers and police, leading to the temporary suspension of flights. The incident generated significant media attention, with various theories proposed. Press releases from the Bremen police and prosecutor's office suggested the object was likely a model aircraft or multicopter, possibly operated by a hobbyist. While some witnesses reported seeing navigation lights, others, including DFS spokesperson Kristina Kelek, stated the object did not illuminate and was not detected by radar. The investigation concluded that the object's behavior and appearance were not definitively identifiable, but the most plausible explanation pointed towards a drone or model aircraft disrupting air traffic.

Medical and Investigative Details

Accompanying the narrative are medical reports and official statements. A medical report by Dr. R. D. Oatway details Michalak's first-degree burns and subsequent symptoms, noting the unusual pattern of the burns. The report also mentions a rash that developed later. The article includes references to declassified documents from the Canadian Air Force, police, and the National Research Council concerning the "Michalak case."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly supports the veracity of Stefan Michalak's account, highlighting the physical evidence and the persistent symptoms he experienced. It implicitly criticizes the official investigations for their skepticism and potential attempts to discredit the witness. The Bremen incident serves as a more recent, albeit less dramatic, example of unidentified aerial phenomena causing disruption and prompting official investigation, with a tendency towards conventional explanations like drones. The overall stance appears to be that unexplained aerial phenomena are real and warrant serious consideration, even when faced with official skepticism.

This document is a single page from a publication by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, focusing on press contacts. It is presented in German with an English option available at the top of the page. The page is structured to provide essential contact information for media inquiries.

Press Contacts Section

The main section details the "Ansprechpartner" (Contact Persons) for the press. The primary contact point is the DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, Unternehmenskommunikation (VK) located at Am DFS-Campus 10, 63225 Langen, Germany. The general fax number for this department is (06103) 707-4196.

It is noted that outside of regular office hours, the press office can be reached at (06103) 707-0. The document also encourages contact via email.

Key Press Personnel:

• Axel Raab: Identified as the "Leiter Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Pressesprecher" (Head of Press and Public Relations, Press Spokesperson). His direct telephone number is (06103) 707-4160.
• Ute Otterbein: Listed as a contact person with the telephone number (06103) 707-4162.
• Kristina Kelek: Also listed as a contact person, with the telephone number (06103) 707-4161.
• Nanda Geelvink: Designated as an "Ansprechpartnerin" (Contact Person, female) with no specific phone number listed on this page, but implied to be part of the press team.

Navigation and Branding

The page includes a navigation bar at the top with options such as "Unternehmen" (Company), "Flugsicherung" (Air Traffic Control), "Services", "Consulting", "FABEC", "Karriere" (Careers), "Europa" (Europe), and "Presse" (Press). Below the main header, there is a secondary navigation with links for "Fluglotsen" (Air Traffic Controllers), "Flugverläufe" (Flight Tracks), "Training", "FABEC", "Center Tower", "Umwelt" (Environment), and "AIS-Portal" (Aeronautical Information Service Portal).

The branding prominently features the "DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung" logo and the "FABEC" logo, suggesting a collaboration or affiliation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's sole purpose is to provide contact information for the press, indicating a focus on transparency and media relations for DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung. The editorial stance is professional and informative, aiming to facilitate communication between the organization and the media. The inclusion of specific roles and direct contact numbers suggests an effort to streamline inquiries and provide direct access to relevant personnel.