Ufology News - No 21 - April June 2014

Magazine Overview

This issue of "НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ" (Ufology News), dated April-June 2014, features an interview with Sergey Petrov, Coordinator of the Kharkiv Operational Group for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (KhOGAЯ), and delves into various UFO-related topics, including debunking hoaxes and analyzing anomalous phenomena.

Interview with Sergey Petrov

Sergey Petrov recounts his personal fascination with UFOs and anomalous phenomena (AP) that began in his school years. He describes his first UFO sighting at the age of 12, near New Year's 1990, where he observed a green, glowing ball of light approximately 1 meter in diameter at a height of about 20 meters. This experience profoundly impacted him and fueled his ongoing interest.

Petrov details his experience in ufology, starting in late 1989 by keeping a log of UFO manifestations. He notes the presence of informational filters in media coverage and began solo reconnaissance trips in the mid-2000s. In 2009, he became involved with the UFO museum at the Kharkiv planetarium and eventually headed the Club of Researchers of the Unknown. He has collaborated with various ufological and research organizations, sharing and gaining experience.

Regarding his findings, Petrov highlights his research into 'flying rods,' stating their characteristics contradict known quantum physics laws and suggest an extraterrestrial origin. He also mentions identifying some previously 'unidentified' objects as either earthly flying machines or optical illusions, while also acknowledging the existence of 'other beings' far superior to humanity.

Petrov explains the formation of the Kharkiv Operational Group for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (KhOGAЯ) as a subdivision of the International Scientific Research Center EIBC, initiated by its coordinator Igor Kalytyuk. KhOGAЯ, previously known as Expeditionary Search Group No. 3 (EPG No. 3), conducts reconnaissance trips to areas of interest and participates in conferences.

He states that KhOGAЯ investigates all types of anomalous phenomena, including unidentified biological creatures (NBC) that attack domestic animals, ghost sightings, and chronal anomalies in Kharkiv. They also interview UFO witnesses and collect photographic and video evidence. KhOGAЯ collaborates with the Kharkiv group 'Children of the Underground' for subterranean research.

Debunking UFO Hoaxes and Misidentifications

"Quackers" - The Mystery Solved

This section addresses the phenomenon of unidentified sound objects (USO), known to sailors as "quackers." Previously attributed to natural biological origins by M. Gershtein, these sounds are now identified as originating from Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). These whales, weighing around 9 tons and reaching 11 meters in length, inhabit all oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2013, scientists attached hydrophone sensors to whales near Antarctica to record their vocalizations. Analysis of these sounds, which were initially mistaken for submarine noises, led to the conclusion that they are biological in origin. While the exact meaning of these sounds and whether they are produced by the tagged whales or others nearby remains unknown, it is clear that the animals emit these sounds before diving.

David Booth's Mystification - Snowden, Aliens, UFOs, and the FSB

This article debunks a news report from the Iranian agency FARS News Agency (FNA) claiming that Edward Snowden transferred documents to Russia confirming that the USA is controlled by aliens. The report is attributed to 'Sorcha Faal,' a pseudonym for David Booth, a programmer known for conspiracy theories and previous discredited predictions. The article asserts that 'Sorcha Faal' is a fabrication and that Booth has a history of anti-American sentiment and spreading misinformation. It criticizes Russian media, particularly OTR, for promoting such claims as truth, labeling it as propaganda. The article also addresses images of 'spacecraft' allegedly leaked by Snowden, which were actually from British intelligence (GCHQ) and were identified as fake. Ufologist Nigel Watson is cited as debunking a photo from Cornwall, identifying it as a screenshot from a video of a UFO taken by Arthur Robles in Mexico, which was actually a blurred image of a seagull or a deflated balloon.

Not a UFO: Dragon SpaceX Spacecraft Separation

This section clarifies that videos showing numerous small flying objects during the separation of the Dragon SpaceX spacecraft from its Falcon 9 rocket are not UFOs. These objects are identified as particles of rocket fuel or ice, which are common in near-Earth space due to the accumulation of space debris.

Not a UFO: Mars Moon Phobos!

This article debunks a video published by Stephen Hannard of the 'Alien Disclosure Group' claiming to show a UFO caught by the Mars Curiosity rover. Hannard's video, titled "Stunning UFO Caught By Mars Curiosity Rover 2014," presented a cylindrical object entering a volcano. The article states that Hannard is known for creating and spreading hoaxes. The video and description are identified as a fabrication using photos of Mars' moon Phobos. The original images are available on NASA's website. The article further explains that a fast-moving object captured by the Curiosity rover's NavCam was likely a meteor from the Taurid meteor stream, not a UFO.

Video: UFO Attacks Taliban Camp!!! March 2014 - A Fake!

A YouTube video uploaded on May 5, 2014, titled "UFO ATTACKS TALIBAN CAMP!!! March 2014," depicted a triangular craft attacking a ground target in Afghanistan. The video gained significant traction and was widely shared by sensationalist media outlets. However, the article reveals this is a CGI fabrication. The object was inserted into the video using computer graphics. The original video, posted in 2007, shows a US fighter jet destroying a car bomb factory in Iraq, not an alien craft attacking a Taliban camp.

New Zealand UFO Was a Publicity Stunt

An energy company in Auckland, New Zealand, organized a staged UFO event using a remote-controlled octocopter with LED lights to attract attention. News of this 'UFO' was published in the local newspaper Aukland Now on May 18, 2014, and also appeared on YouTube and Facebook.

UFO Identification Archive Addendum

This section provides an update on the global UFO identification archive, detailing its size (5.5 GB, 839 files, 28 folders across 27 countries) and listing the developers as I. Kalytyuk and M. Gershtein.

Top 5: Best Documentary Films on UFOs (Second Five)

The magazine presents a list of five recommended documentary and popular science films about UFOs. These films explore investigations into unusual UFO sightings by scientists, specialists, ufologists, military personnel, and intelligence agencies worldwide.

List of Documentaries:

• "UFOs: The Untold Stories: Episode 7" (UK, 2012, National Geographic Channel)
• "UFOs: The Untold Stories: Episode 5" (UK, 2012, National Geographic Channel)
• "UFOs: The Untold Stories: Episode 1" (UK, 2012, National Geographic Channel)
• "UFOs in the sky over Phoenix: Anatomy events" (USA, 2003, Discovery Science)
• "Alien Mysteries. Season 1, Episode 3. Corina Saebels" (Canada, 2013, Discovery Channel)

EIBC Meeting Protocol Published

The protocol for the EIBC scientific research center meeting No. 24, held on June 14, 2014, is published. The agenda included a review of events since the previous meeting, results of expert analysis of hair samples from unidentified biological creatures (NBC) at the M.S. Bokarius Kharkiv Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, a methodological concept for subject-oriented analysis for the "Unification" project, and a review of motivation-psychological state assessments for individuals in the "Unification" project.

Documentary Series "Cosmos: Space and Time"

The issue recommends the 2014 documentary series "Cosmos: Space and Time," a continuation of the 1980 series "Cosmos: Personal Journey with Carl Sagan." Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the series popularizes recent scientific discoveries in astrophysics, astronomy, and other sciences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, anomalous events, and the scientific investigation of these topics. A strong editorial stance is evident in the debunking of hoaxes, misidentifications, and sensationalist claims, emphasizing critical analysis and factual reporting. The publication aims to provide readers with verified information, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and fabricated stories. The inclusion of interviews with researchers like Sergey Petrov and lists of documentaries suggests an effort to educate and inform the public about the complexities of ufology and related scientific fields.

This document is an excerpt from a magazine, likely a special issue or section focusing on UFO phenomena. The primary content revolves around the "Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey" television series and a detailed case study of the Trans-en-Provence UFO incident.

Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey

The magazine lists the country of origin as the USA, the year of production as 2014, and the production company as Cosmos Studios. The director is credited as Bill Pope. The translation is noted as professional, single-voice, dubbed by Ark-TV. A full list of the 13 episodes of Season 1 of "Cosmos: Space and Time" is provided.

Case Study: Trans-en-Provence UFO Landing

The Incident

The article details the events of January 8, 1981, when an unidentified object landed on a property in Trans-en-Provence, France. Police from the nearby town of Draguignan promptly interviewed the witness and collected samples from the landing site. These samples were analyzed by several government laboratories, making this incident the most studied UFO landing case globally.

The investigation was led by GEPAN, an official government organization for studying unidentified aerospace phenomena, and its director, Jean-Jacques Velasco. The sole witness was 55-year-old Renato Niccolai, on whose property the UFO landed. Niccolai's account was recorded by gendarmes at the scene.

Eyewitness Testimony (Renato Niccolai)

Niccolai stated that he and his wife had lived at the address in Trans-en-Provence for nearly 14 years. His wife worked as a cleaner in Draguignan, and he had been unemployed since November 1979 after his company, SCNI, closed. He received a disability pension due to heart disease since 1973.

On the day of the incident, January 8, 1981, he was working in the garden behind the house on the terrace. Around 5 PM, as it began to get cold, he heard a faint whistling sound. He turned and saw an object approximately the height of a pine tree on the edge of his property. The object descended with a slight whistle, without rotating. During landing, it emitted a constant, monotonous whistle. It then ascended and, reaching the height of the treetops, quickly flew away to the northeast. As the craft took off, Niccolai noticed four openings on its underside, from which no smoke or flame emerged. It kicked up a little dust as it lifted off.

He described the apparatus as looking like two plates with their bottoms facing outwards. It was about 1.5 meters high, lead-colored, with something resembling a flange around its circumference where the two parts joined. As the object ascended, he saw round protrusions, likely landing gear or supports. He also noted two circular areas resembling hatches.

Physical Evidence and Analysis

Later, Niccolai approached the landing site and observed a circular imprint about two meters in diameter, with some marks around its circumference. The soil inside the ring was flattened, forming a crust about 0.5 cm thick, rich in calcium and showing signs of dried vegetation. Microscopic examination revealed fragments of crushed silicon with fracture lines, indicating significant mechanical pressure on the soil. The UFO was estimated to weigh between 4 to 5 tons. The soil was also heated to 300-600°C.

The "black spots" on the grooved areas consisted of iron and iron oxide, which had bonded with the soil. Specialists concluded that the traces fully corroborated the witness's testimony.

Soil and vegetation samples were sent to the University of Toulouse, the University of Metz, and the National Institute of Agronomic Research. Scientists found that the plants had undergone biochemical changes, with the effect increasing closer to the landing site. In alfalfa, 30-50% of chlorophyll was destroyed.

Jean-Jacques Velasco noted in 1987 that the effect on the vegetation was comparable to radioactive irradiation, suggesting a significant dose of gamma radiation. However, he cautioned that there was no significant residual radiation, and suggested electromagnetic radiation as a possible cause.

Biochemist Michel Bounias stated that the alfalfa at the landing site appeared "artificially aged" and that this phenomenon was unlike anything known on Earth. He ruled out chemical waste or pollutants. A repeat study of the samples in 1988 by Jacques Vallée in America confirmed the French specialists' findings.

One scientist commented on the object's precise maneuvering, noting that it passed very close to a two-meter-high wall, with only 20 centimeters clearance at one point. He remarked that such control of a 2.8-meter diameter object at high speed required "astonishing piloting skills" and suggested it was a "spacecraft that cannot be of terrestrial origin."

Professor Jean-Pierre Petit called it the "first case involving a UFO that can be recognized from a scientific point of view," urging serious consideration of the hypothesis that it was a "spacecraft that cannot be of terrestrial origin."

In 2012, an 84-year-old Renato Niccolai told the newspaper "Var-Matin" that the event remained a mystery to him and everyone involved in the investigation.

GEPAN and Scientific Interest

The article highlights GEPAN as the world's only public and civilian organization studying unidentified aerospace phenomena. Xavier Passot, the director of GEIPAN, stated that the organization is open to all hypotheses, including the presence of extraterrestrials, and maintains neutrality. He emphasized that GEIPAN is unique in not being affiliated with the military or financial associations.

Passot identified the Trans-en-Provence case as particularly significant due to the observed ground traces, which are often debated. He noted that since 1981, there haven't been many testimonies as precise as this one.

Related Cases and Regional Context

The magazine also briefly mentions other cases in the Var region, including an incident in Les Arcs-sur-Argens in 2007 involving a fast-moving white oval object, and a case in Lorgues in 1995 where a witness observed a luminous, egg-shaped object. The Var region is noted as the second region in France for unidentified spatial phenomena, with 134 cases recorded, following Île de France with 146 cases.

UFOTOG Project

A separate section introduces the UFOTOG project, aiming to create a short film about UFOs using scientific photography. The project intends to use advanced equipment like high-resolution digital cameras, infrared cameras, night vision cameras, spectrographs, and electromagnetic detectors to capture and analyze UFO phenomena. The goal is to provide scientific data rather than sensationalized portrayals, distinguishing it from typical UFO films. The project emphasizes scientific rigor and analysis, aiming to uncover the truth about unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential impact on our understanding of life in the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to take a serious and scientific approach to the topic of UFOs, evident in its detailed coverage of the Trans-en-Provence case and the introduction of the UFOTOG project. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena, coupled with a strong emphasis on rigorous scientific investigation, evidence collection, and analysis. The Trans-en-Provence case is presented as a prime example of a well-documented incident that has withstood scientific scrutiny, supporting the hypothesis of non-terrestrial origins. The UFOTOG project further reinforces this stance by advocating for a scientific, data-driven approach to UFO research.