Ufology News - No 22 - July August 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue: #22
Date: July-August 2014
Content Type: Magazine

This issue of "Ufology News" features an in-depth interview with Philippe Ailleris, a researcher from the European Space Agency (ESA), who advocates for a scientific approach to the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). The magazine also presents a detailed account of a significant UFO incident involving the Knowles family in Australia in 1988, complete with eyewitness testimonies, photographic evidence, and physical traces. Additionally, it addresses the debunking of a widely circulated UFO video by musician Nick Menza, identifying it as a CGI hoax.

Interview with Philippe Ailleris

The interview with Philippe Ailleris, an ESA researcher based in the Netherlands, highlights his lifelong fascination with astronomy and his amateur interest in UAP. He believes that UAP research can enhance scientific understanding of the natural world by identifying previously unknown phenomena. Ailleris emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to popularize the study of unexplained natural phenomena within the scientific community.

Origins of Interest in UAP

Ailleris's interest was sparked by reports from France's CNES (National Centre for Space Studies), which began collecting UAP evidence in 1977 and made its reports publicly available in 2007. He found it encouraging that a serious governmental structure was dedicating attention to this topic, contrasting it with the closed projects like 'Blue Book' (USA) and 'Flying Saucer' (Brazil).

The 'UAP Observations Reporting Scheme' Website

Launched in October 2010, the 'UAP Observations Reporting Scheme' (www.uapreporting.org) was created during the International Year of Astronomy. Ailleris recognized an opportunity to gather information from the astronomical community and potential data that could aid in detecting unknown natural phenomena. The website also aims to inform the public about natural and technological phenomena that witnesses may not be able to identify, but which scientists can.

Recent Developments in UAP Research

Ailleris notes that a significant seminar was held in Paris under the auspices of GEIPAN (Groupe D'Etudes Et D'Informations Sur Les Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Non Identifies) of CNES. The seminar focused on the scientific expertise of UFO observations and practical experience sharing. GEIPAN specialists stressed the need for reliable and high-quality information for UAP research, acknowledging that eyewitness accounts are subjective and often distorted, while physical evidence is rare and usually of poor quality. A rational approach requires more effective methods for data collection and analysis.

• Several promising research directions were identified:
• Data Sharing: Creating shared databases for UAP research, incorporating information from biology and sociology.
• Psychological Research: Investigating applied psychology to assess the reliability of information.
• Information Collection: Sharing experiences in organizing incoming reports through gendarmerie and meteorological services, and analyzing photos using specialized software.
• Automated Monitoring: Developing automated monitoring processes using remote cameras and radar, with plans for an international scientific project to establish a network of automated monitoring stations by 2015.

Current UAP Projects

Projects are active in Italy, the USA, and Argentina. The Norwegian "Project Hessdalen" is highlighted as particularly interesting. The Hessdalen valley in Norway has been the site of recurring aerospace phenomena for decades, with an unknown origin. Scientists have established an automated monitoring complex there using optical and geophysical instruments.

The Term UAP vs. UFO

Ailleris explains that the abbreviation UAP was adopted by the Ministry of Defense and CNES to replace the term UFO. This change was intended to avoid the social stereotypes and preconceived notions associated with UFOs, which had become heavily sensationalized in the media, often linked to extraterrestrial vehicles. The term UFO had lost its scientific credibility and was seen as an obstacle to research. Terms like "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" and "Unusual Aerial Phenomena" have not suffered the same reputational damage.

Theories on UAP Origin

Some researchers believe UAP represent a complex set of phenomena, possibly including unknown natural processes (like those in Hessdalen) or phenomena related to human psychology, such as abduction cases. The possibility of non-human intelligence is also considered.

Advice for Researchers in Ukraine

Ailleris advises researchers to avoid hasty conclusions and conduct thorough analyses. He recommends visiting incident sites, collecting material samples, documenting findings meticulously, and sharing information internationally. He cautions against sensationalizing UAP in the media, as this can create more problems than it solves and hinder serious research by alienating credible witnesses.

Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

While acknowledging public interest in extraterrestrial vehicles, Ailleris notes that this has created difficulties, especially when other explanations haven't been fully explored. He states that there is no conclusive evidence of alien spacecraft visiting Earth, but this possibility should not be dismissed, given our limited understanding of nature. He quotes Carl Sagan: "The idea of benevolent and hostile super-beings from other planets visiting Earth undoubtedly belongs to people with a richly imaginative emotional life. There are two extremes: one is to believe everything we would like to see as truth, without convincing evidence, and the other is to deny everything we do not want to be true. Each of these extremes is a serious obstacle to the study of UFOs, and they affect different categories of people."

Explaining the Volume of UFO Sightings

Ailleris suggests that most sightings are informational noise, easily identifiable as astronomical, meteorological, or anthropogenic phenomena. He cites an example from Norway in 2009 of a beautiful optical phenomenon, known to be man-made atmospheric auroras caused by rocket launches. However, he emphasizes that a curious mind should still question whether there are unexplained cases, noting that about 5% of cases remain unidentified, with GEIPAN categorizing about 12% as unexplained.

Importance of UAP Study

Continuous reporting of unexplained observations is crucial to keep minds open to new possibilities and discoveries. Ailleris points out that we understand only about 5% of the universe and still grapple with concepts like dark matter and dark energy. He calls for an end to the flippant attitude towards UAP and encourages serious reports from astronomers and pilots. Ultimately, there is a need to identify UAP and collect data using scientific instruments.

The Knowles Family UFO Incident

This section details a remarkable encounter experienced by the Knowles family (Fay, Sean, Patrick, and Wayne) in January 1988 while traveling in the Australian desert. Their journey from Perth to Melbourne was interrupted by a UFO sighting.

The Encounter

As they drove towards Mundrabilla, the family encountered a bright, egg-shaped object with a yellow core and a stand-like base, hovering about a meter above the road. The object moved towards their Ford Telstar, then 'jumped' and disappeared, only to reappear. The object then seemed to press down on the car's roof, causing the rear tire to burst. The UFO then released the immobilized car, and the family managed to change the tire, forgetting a lug wrench in their haste.

Physical Evidence and Witness Corroboration

Upon inspection, the car's roof showed four shallow dents, and the exterior was covered in a fine black-grey dust that smelled strongly and felt warm. The passengers' voices became muffled, and Sean briefly lost consciousness. The dust was described as feeling like 'sponge'. Later, another driver, Graham Henley, reported seeing a similar bright light with a yellow core in his rearview mirror around the same time and location, though he did not witness the UFO interacting with the car.

Official Report and Analysis

The family reported the incident to the police in Ceduna, South Australia. A police report, later declassified at the request of UFO researchers, described the event. The officer noted the family's distress and examined the car's roof, confirming the dents and the presence of black dust. The report also mentioned that the car was covered in a fine black-grey dust, similar to road dust.

Subsequent Investigations

Researchers from UFORA (UFO Research Australia) in Adelaide were involved. The incident was investigated, and the physical evidence, including the damaged tire and roof dents, was documented. The magazine includes photographs of the car and the damaged tire, as well as drawings made by Sean Knowles depicting the object and the car's maneuver to avoid collision.

Debunking the Nick Menza UFO Video

This section addresses a video posted on YouTube in July 2014 by musician Nick Menza, claiming to show a triangular UFO. The video depicted a triangular object with yellow and white lights, which Menza claimed he and his sons observed.

Analysis of the Video

Ufologists quickly identified the video as a hoax. Analysis revealed that starting at 21 seconds, the object makes a sudden movement, and at 22-23 seconds, it completely disappears when out of focus. This behavior is characteristic of a low-quality CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) fabrication.

Connection to Megadeth's 'Hangar 18'

The article suggests that Menza, a former member of the thrash metal band Megadeth, might have created the hoax to gain attention or profit from his known interest in UFOs. Megadeth has a song titled 'Hangar 18', inspired by a film about government agencies retrieving aliens and conducting experiments. The visual appearance of the 'UFO' in Menza's video closely resembles the alien ship depicted in the 'Hangar 18' music video, further supporting the hoax theory.

Forum and EIBC Announcement

New Forum Launch

The magazine announces the launch of a new forum at http://forum.ufology-news.com. They invite readers to join, register, and provide feedback on desired sections and features. The magazine also states it is ceasing support for its official channels on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and VKontakte, citing concerns about data mining, marketing, and potential surveillance by "thieves and special services." They mention the unexplained deletion of their "harmless" public page on "mordoknizhka" (likely referring to VKontakte or a similar platform) without any explanation from the platform's support.

EIBC Ceases Operations

The International Research Center EIBC (Extraterrestrial Intellectual Biological Creatures) announces the cessation of its activities. Its successor will be the Ukrainian Research Center for the Study of Anomalies "Zond." The magazine provides links to meeting protocols and expedition reports from EIBC.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and rational approach to UAP research, distinguishing it from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous data collection, analysis, and the use of scientific instruments. The editorial stance is critical of hoaxes and media hype, advocating for a serious and evidence-based investigation of unexplained phenomena. The shift from 'UFO' to 'UAP' is presented as a necessary step towards scientific legitimacy. The magazine also highlights the value of eyewitness testimony when properly documented and analyzed, while cautioning against the uncritical acceptance of all claims. The importance of international cooperation and information sharing among researchers is also a recurring theme.

This issue of "UFO REPORT" from 1993 delves into two significant UFO cases, offering a critical analysis of the evidence and investigative methods. The magazine presents itself as a platform for examining historical and contemporary UFO phenomena.

Knowles Family Encounter - Eyre Highway, Australia (January 20, 1988)

The primary focus of the early pages is the detailed account of the Knowles family's experience on the Eyre Highway. The family, traveling in a Ford Telstar, reported an encounter with a bright, white, egg-shaped object that hovered over their car. They described the object as blocking their view of the road and making zig-zagging movements. At one point, the object allegedly came down onto the car's roof, causing the vehicle to shake and the right rear tire to blow out. Sean Knowles drew a sketch of the object, depicting it as an 'egg on a poached egg cup'.

Mrs. Knowles described touching something soft, spongy, and hot on the car's roof, which left her hand covered in blackish-grey dust. Both she and Sean reported hearing a high-pitched buzzing or hissing sound and experiencing disorientation, with their voices sounding slower and lower.

Patrick Knowles, another passenger, corroborated much of the account, adding that the UFO was larger than the car and emitted a blinding white light. He described a foul, 'cadaverous' smell and felt as though the object had 'taken control' of his body. He also noted the low-pitched buzzing sound.

The family drove to the Mundrabilla Roadhouse and spoke to people there shortly before 6:00 AM. A truck driver also reported seeing a white light on the Eyre Highway at the same time and location. Police in Eucla received a similar report from the truck driver, leading them to look for the Knowles' Ford Telstar.

Further investigation by ufologists involved examining the car. While the car's exterior showed minimal damage, with only slight dents on the roof visible up close, the blown tire appeared normal. Dust samples from the interior contained only road dust mixed with tire and brake residue. However, two anomalies remained unexplained: the car lost its original magnetic properties, and its speedometer was stuck at 200 km/h, a speed far exceeding the car's capabilities. When the car was jacked up, the speedometer still registered 200 km/h, suggesting the vehicle may have briefly been lifted off the road with its wheels spinning rapidly.

Magnetic signature diagrams are presented, comparing a standard Telstar car with the Knowles' Telstar, illustrating potential magnetic changes. Meteorologist Peter Schwerdtfeger suggested the car entered a 'dry thunderstorm' and was affected by electrically charged dust, altering its magnetic properties and affecting the passengers' consciousness. However, he could not explain how such a phenomenon could lift the car or create dents.

Notably, the BBC stated that Mundrabilla was outside their radar coverage, and no military aircraft were in the vicinity that night.

Ozirschina Landing Case - Ukraine (December 2, 1989)

The magazine then shifts to a case in Ozirschina, Ukraine. The investigation of a reported UFO landing site on ice was conducted by the Section for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (AS at VSHTO). The initial report described an oval hole, 10x5 cm, in the ice, surrounded by a yellowish substance, with around 8 pairs of tracks around its circumference. The investigation team arrived a month after the alleged event, by which time any traces would have been destroyed by thawing and wind.

Critical Analysis and Criticisms

The "UFO REPORT" issue critically examines both cases, highlighting inconsistencies and methodological flaws.

• Ozirschina Case Criticisms:
• Temperature Discrepancy: A significant point of contention is the reported temperature on the day of the alleged landing. The investigation report stated a temperature of -23°C, while weather archives for Kiev on December 2, 1989, show temperatures ranging from -0.7°C to +2°C. This discrepancy raises doubts about the accuracy of the report or the witness testimony.
• "Worm Digging" for Fishing: The report mentions gardeners going to the lake to "dig for worms for fishing," while a newspaper clipping refers to them going to "collect bloodworms." The magazine questions how anyone could dig for worms in -23°C temperatures, especially since bloodworms (Chironomus plumosus) are insect larvae, not earthworms.
• Large Object on Thin Ice: The description of a "flying saucer sitting on the ice" is questioned due to the minimal thickness of the ice (7 cm) required to support a vehicle of the alleged UFO's size (7.5 to 15 meters in diameter). A table is provided showing minimum ice thickness requirements for various loads, indicating that a 7 cm ice layer would not support such a craft.
• Lack of Physical Samples: Despite the description of a yellowish substance and tracks, no physical samples were taken from the Ozirschina landing site. The investigation team arrived a month later, long after any evidence would have been compromised by natural elements.
• Dowsing and "Biofield": The investigation relied heavily on O.A. Goroshko's dowsing (using a L-shaped frame) to map the landing site. The magazine dismisses this as pseudoscientific, referencing experiments by Yu. Iorish and B. Turobov that cast doubt on the validity of dowsing and the concept of a "biofield."

• General Criticisms:
• Methodology: The magazine concludes that the Section for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena conducted the Ozirschina investigation "incorrectly, using pseudoscientific methods." It states that such research cannot be trusted.
• Insufficient Evidence: For both cases, the magazine emphasizes the lack of conclusive material evidence. Witness testimony alone is deemed insufficient to prove the reality of UFO landings.

Additional Materials:
The issue lists supplementary materials available for download, including an analysis by AMDEL, articles from "Quest International," "Swamp Gas Times," and "The UFO Report."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the questioning of official reports and investigative methodologies, and the distinction between scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific practices. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific standards, verifiable evidence, and logical explanations, while exposing what it perceives as flawed or unscientific approaches to UFO research. The magazine aims to debunk unsubstantiated claims and promote a more rational understanding of anomalous phenomena.