Ufology News - No 25 - March July 2015

Magazine Overview

This issue of "НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ" (Ufology News), dated March-July 2015, is dedicated to training individuals in UFO identification and presenting compiled reports on sightings and expert analyses. The magazine is edited by Игорь Калытюк and Андрей Чвартковский, with the website ufology-news.com serving as its platform. The publication aims to provide unbiased information and promote a scientific approach to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Anomalous Aerospace Phenomena (AAP).

Editorial and Project Information

The "Novosti Ufologii" project began as an alternative media outlet in July 2011. Its core mission is to offer accurate information and a platform for discussion for those interested in UFOs and AAP. The website features the latest urology news, UFO identifications, AAP studies, interviews with researchers, historical accounts, and documentary materials. The project emphasizes an unbiased perspective and the popularization of a scientific methodology. It also serves as a hub for information on upcoming events and conferences related to ufology. The site offers a forum and chat for regular visitors.

Definitions are provided for UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and AAP (Anomalous Aerospace Phenomenon). Ufology is defined as the activity of collecting and analyzing information about UFOs.

The project's founders are Igor Kalytyuk (economics and information technology background, from Rivne) and Andrey Chvartkovsky (veterinary background, from Lviv). Kalytyuk's role includes editor, rewriter, journalist, historian, and communications specialist, while Chvartkovsky handles webmaster, administrator, and journalist duties.

An expert council is listed, including Mikhail Gerstein (Senior Expert, St. Petersburg), Sergey Efimov (Senior Expert, Alma-Ata), and Sergey Shpakovsky (Expert, Toronto). Several vacant positions are also noted.

Training Course: 5 Steps to UFO Identification

The magazine announces a training course designed to teach the skill of identifying UFOs. The course is presented as a 5-step process:

1. Step 1: Learning basic layout skills.
2. Step 2: Familiarization with identification examples.
3. Step 3: Acquiring reference information useful for UFO identification.
4. Step 4: Utilizing a software package for identification.
5. Step 5: Completing a first practical exercise.

To be accepted into the expert collective of "Novosti Ufologii," candidates must complete all five steps and provide a quality identification of their first practical exercise. The training program has no time limits and is offered on a voluntary, free-of-charge basis. The experience gained is presented as potentially valuable for future endeavors.

Updated UFO Identification Database

The magazine reports an update to its database of identified UFOs, now containing over 20 identifications from 7 countries, compiled using the expert method according to the GEIPAN ABCD classification. The publication encourages readers to submit their own identifications in MS Word format via email for consideration and potential publication. The database aims to popularize a scientific approach to UAP issues, adhering to the GEIPAN classification system.

• The ABCD classification is detailed:
• A: Phenomenon is identified (unambiguously).
• B: Likely an known phenomenon, but identification is incomplete due to weak quantitative or qualitative data.
• C: Unsuitable for expert analysis due to insufficient quantitative or qualitative data.
• D: Unidentified phenomenon, despite having sufficient quantitative and qualitative data.

UFO Case Compilations and Reports

The issue features several compilations of UFO sightings and expert analyses, categorized by date and location. These include:

• Class A: A list of 19 sightings from June 2012 to May 2015, primarily from Russia and Ukraine, with some entries linking to HTML pages.
• Class B: Three sightings from Ukraine between October 2006 and August 2010.
• Class C: No entries listed.
• Class D: One sighting from Ukraine in May 2004.

Readers are invited to submit their identifications, and the best ones will be published.

Publication of Expert Materials and GEIPAN Data

"Novosti Ufologii" has published the fourth and fifth parts of incoming correspondence and expert analyses of UFO reports. These compilations cover periods from February to April 2015 (fourth part) and May to July 2015 (fifth part). Reports forwarded to research centers are excluded. The magazine expresses gratitude to experts and witnesses for their contributions. Files can be downloaded in PDF format.

Furthermore, the issue highlights new documentation packages from the French state commission GEIPAN (part of the French Space Agency CNES). These packages include reports on unidentified cases with excellent qualitative and quantitative data (Category D, D1, D2).

• GEIPAN Documentation (March 2015): Includes a diagram with measurements and references to unidentified cases, such as "Lamne 26.10.2011."
• GEIPAN Documentation (April 2015): Features scanned documents, including a report from Dakar dated June 20, 1952, concerning an observation near Port-Gentil on June 2, 1952. It also lists unidentified cases from Orange (15.06.1951), Port-Gentil (01.06.1952), and Limoges (11.04.1953).
• GEIPAN Documentation (June 2015): Mentions new documents from GEIPAN, listing unidentified cases from Peremyshlyany (11.11.1963) and Valensole (01.07.1965), the latter described as a very well-known case.

Expert Opinion on Biological Samples

A protocol from the Kharkov Operational Group for Anomalous Phenomena (KHOGAY EIBC) is included, referencing an expert opinion (No. 2497) dated May 16, 2014, concerning objects of animal origin, sent to Mr. S.O. Petrov. The expert examination cost 1058 UAH 40 kopecks. The protocol also lists several identified UFO cases and results of expert analysis of wool from unidentified biological creatures, collected during expeditions between 2010 and 2012.

Another protocol (No. 38) from KHOGAY EIBC lists identified UFO cases, including sightings over Kharkov, Tavda, Dushanbe, and Suprunovka, as well as expedition results concerning crop circles and the 'Hennon Razor' phenomenon.

Historical Feature: Canadian UFO Landing

The issue includes a historical article titled "Canadian UFO Landing," detailing a well-known UFO sighting that occurred on September 1, 1974, near Langenburg, Saskatchewan, Canada. Farmer Edwin Fur reported observing five UFOs that left circular imprints in a canola field. The article describes the weather conditions and Fur's encounter with a metallic, dome-shaped object hovering above the ground. The object was approximately 3.3 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters in height. A sketch of the UFO made by Fur is included, with dimensions given in feet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO identification, the scientific analysis of anomalous phenomena, and the compilation of case studies. "Novosti Ufologii" positions itself as a source of unbiased information, promoting a rigorous, scientific methodology in ufology. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through submitting identifications, participating in training, and engaging with the expert community. The editorial stance favors a data-driven and analytical approach to understanding UFO and UAP reports, utilizing established classification systems like GEIPAN.

This issue of "UFO" (Volume 1, Issue 1, September 1974) focuses on the significant UFO sighting by farmer Edwin Furr in Langenburg, Saskatchewan, Canada. The magazine presents detailed accounts from Furr, corroborating reports from law enforcement, and includes official documentation.

The Edwin Furr Case

The central narrative revolves around Edwin Furr's experience on September 1, 1974. While swathing rapeseed, Furr noticed five saucer-shaped objects hovering about 12-18 inches above the ground. He described them as rotating, made of highly polished steel, and emitting a dark grey exhaust from their undersides. The objects hovered for approximately 15-20 minutes before ascending vertically and disappearing into the clouds. Furr reported being paralyzed by fear during the encounter, unable to move despite operating machinery.

Following the sighting, Furr discovered five circular patterns of flattened grass in the field. These patterns, ranging from 10 to 12 feet in diameter, were later photographed. The grass was laid down in a clockwise direction, with the central portion standing upright. Investigations by Constable Ron L. Morrier of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed Furr's account and the presence of these circular marks. Morrier noted that Furr was a reliable individual with no history of fabricating stories.

Further details emerge from a telex sent to the National Research Council, detailing the sighting and the physical evidence. The report highlights that the grass was not broken or damaged, merely pressed down. Subsequent analysis of the crop circles, including soil and plant examinations, did not support natural explanations like fungal 'witch rings,' strengthening the case for an anomalous origin.

Corroborating Accounts and Later Developments

Furr's mother recounted his unusual behavior after the sighting, noting his shock and inability to articulate what he had seen. The incident attracted significant public attention, with hundreds of curious people and reporters visiting the farm, causing disruptions for Furr.

Additional sightings were reported in the vicinity. On September 14, three more 'circles' were found on a different field near Furr's farm. The next morning, a seventh 'circle' was discovered, this one measuring approximately 10.3 by 9.8 feet. These findings suggest a pattern of activity in the area.

Interviews conducted years later by UFOlogists J. Timmerman and Chris Rutkowski with Edwin Furr revealed that he had initially been a skeptic of UFO phenomena. By 1991, Furr believed he might have been abducted for about an hour and a half during the incident, though his mother's account of his timeline suggested this was unlikely. The UFOlogists concluded that while Furr's perception of time might have been affected by the experience or subsequent discussions with UFO researchers, his honesty and the core details of his sighting remained credible.

International Cases and Analysis

The issue also includes a section on a separate UFO case involving photographs sent by Pavel Zyrjanov. These photos, taken near Lisbon, Portugal, on January 19, 2015, show small, unidentified objects over the ocean. The images were analyzed by Sergey Efimov, a candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, who confirmed the presence of small, unidentified objects in the photographs. The analysis included EXIF data from the images.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly supports the credibility of Edwin Furr's account, emphasizing his reliability as a witness and the corroborating evidence, including the RCMP report and the physical trace evidence of the crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be that the phenomenon is genuine and warrants serious investigation, while acknowledging the limitations of documentation in the Furr case due to the reliance on verbal testimony and the loss of some analytical documents. The inclusion of the Portuguese case suggests a broader scope of UFO phenomena being covered.

This document is a section from an issue of "UFO" magazine, specifically issue number 1 of volume 1, published in Russia. The content focuses on a scientific analysis of photographic evidence of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), proposing a terrestrial explanation.

Analysis of UAP Photographs

The article presents two photographs (Рис.2 and Рис.4) showing what appear to be UAP. Technical details of the photography are provided: the camera used was a PENTAX K-5 II with 16.1 megapixels and a crop factor of 1.5. The focal length was 53 mm (equivalent to 79 mm on a 35mm film), yielding an angular scale of 0.005 degrees per pixel. The exposure time was 1/250 second with an aperture of f/18. The UAP are marked with arrows in Рис.2 and shown in close-up in Рис.3 and Рис.4.

The size of the objects in the first photo is estimated at 23 pixels (central part: 7 pixels), and in the second photo, 18, 7x3, and 9 pixels. The color of the UAP is described as generally matching the background, suggesting they might reflect the sky or be nearly transparent, with minor variations in color on individual details.

Hypothesis: Water Drops and Splashes

The article explores the possibility that these UAP are actually large water drops or splashes. It references research on the behavior of falling raindrops, particularly the work by E. Villermaux and B. Bossa published in Nature Physics (2009) titled "Single-drop fragmentation determines size distribution of raindrops." This research indicates that while small raindrops (up to 2 mm) remain spherical, larger ones become flattened, and those around 5 mm in diameter can adopt a "pancake" or "parachute" shape before fragmenting.

Рис.5 illustrates the change in shape of a large falling water drop over approximately 0.07 seconds. Рис.6 from cyclowiki.org shows different modes of drop disintegration: filament, sheet, and disc-like.

The text explains that the speed and temporal evolution of splashes differ from raindrops. The initial speed distribution of splashes depends on various factors like wind speed, wave height, and even the surface of rocks. While raindrops tend to reach a near-constant terminal velocity, splashes have varying speeds, often peaking at the beginning and end of their trajectory. However, the interaction with air can lead to similar flattened, relatively symmetrical shapes.

If the smallest complex-shaped objects (1 and 2) are assumed to be 5 mm, their distance is estimated to be at least 2.5-3 meters. For smaller, non-spherical splashes of 2-3 mm, the distance would be half that. The article suggests that during stormy conditions, larger drops with lower initial velocities might be observed at distances of 5 meters or more.

This provides a plausible range of distances for the observed phenomena from the camera. The central part of the UAP might be a small water droplet that detached during interaction, as seen in the cyclowiki illustration. The lack of significant motion blur suggests a relatively low speed. It is hypothesized that UAP 1 and 2 were captured near the apex of their trajectory, with their shape resulting from prior interaction with air at higher speeds.

Objects 2, 3, and 4 appear almost collinear, which could indicate a common origin (e.g., from the same wave). The time difference of 2 seconds between the two photos means that the splashes have fallen, and new ones have appeared, explaining why the objects in the second photo are different but similar in appearance.

Additionally, small dark dots and dashes are visible near the horizon in both photos, possibly indicating more distant, larger splashes.

Conclusion

The most probable explanation for the observed phenomena, according to the author S. Efimov (Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences), is large water splashes located within a few meters of the lens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical investigation, applying scientific principles and rigorous analysis to explain purported UFO sightings. Rather than immediately accepting extraterrestrial origins, the publication explores naturalistic explanations, such as atmospheric phenomena or physical processes, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of water drops and splashes. The use of technical photographic data and references to scientific literature underscores a commitment to evidence-based reasoning.