Vestnik LO Fakt - 1989 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Vestnik LO "Fakt"" (Herald of the Amateur Association "Fact"), issue number 1 from 1989, is a Russian-language publication from Leningrad. It focuses on the exploration of anomaly zones, particularly one referred to as the "Zone," and includes personal accounts, observations of unusual phenomena, and a report on photographic evidence of a UFO.

Article: "ЗОНА, ОНА И ЕСТЬ ЗОНА" (The Zone, It Is The Zone)

This lengthy narrative recounts an expedition to an anomaly zone, likely near Molëbka. The author describes the journey, the logistical challenges, and the psychological state of the group. They were advised by a 'contactee' in Perm to leave behind weapons and other items, and were told that instruments might not function within the zone. The group experienced a series of minor misfortunes, which they attributed to unusual circumstances rather than skepticism.

The narrative details the initial plans, which included using a helicopter and extensive equipment, but these were thwarted. The team eventually reached the area by train and then by other means, finding themselves in a challenging environment with heavy rain and mud. The author reflects on the 'unwelcoming' nature of the zone and questions the criteria for entry, contrasting it with his own right to be there as a local.

Further into the journey, the group encounters other individuals, including 'stalkers' and a camp leader named Aleksey Vasilievich Zolotov, who is involved in researching the Tunguska event. Zolotov's team has observed phenomena such as light pillars and claims contact with eight extraterrestrial civilizations. The author notes the increasing commercialization of the zone, with tourists being offered 'tours.'

The article also delves into the author's personal motivations for undertaking such expeditions, citing a sense of 'program' or destiny that compels him to investigate. He describes developing intuition and the ability to sense people who are important to him and vice versa.

Article: "ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ ФОТОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ ЭКСПЕРТИЗЫ" (Conclusion of Photographic Expertise)

This section presents the findings of an expert examination of photographs taken by A.I. Maloletkov, a senior technician-geologist. On July 6-9, 1986, near the Mrasu River in the Ust-Orton settlement area, Maloletkov and a group of 4-5 people observed a spherical, white object with a slightly oval (pear-like) shape. The object moved slowly and linearly from southeast to northwest at an altitude of approximately 65-70 degrees, at a speed comparable to wind. The observation lasted 30-40 minutes. Four photographs were taken on "ORWO-CHROME UT-18" color film using a "Zenit-11" camera.

The expert, M.L. Gliko, a photographer with 14 years of experience, examined a 35mm wide, 155mm long segment of the film. The film contained four positive frames showing a blue sky with light, semi-transparent clouds and silhouettes of tree branches. In the center of each frame, there were bright yellow spots. The film surface had numerous defects, including scratches and sand particles. The expert notes that the film was processed and cleaned, but some dirt remained. Enlargements of the yellow spots were made at 250x magnification.

The expert's conclusion is that the images depict bright yellow spots, but due to the condition of the film and the nature of the photographic material, it is difficult to definitively identify the object. The report suggests that the yellow spots could be related to the observed phenomena, but further analysis or clearer evidence would be required for a conclusive identification.

Other Content

The issue also includes a poem by N. Shadrin titled "ЗОНА, ОНА И ЕСТЬ ЗОНА" (The Zone, It Is The Zone), which reflects on the allure and mystery of anomaly zones. There are also brief reports and messages from other individuals, including a report from V.G. Fedotova about the psychological climate in the zone, and a message from I. Baturin discussing his experiences and observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of anomalous zones, personal encounters with unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of UFOs. The publication appears to be from an amateur group interested in these subjects, as indicated by the publisher's name "LO "Fakt"" (Amateur Association "Fact"). The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and documentation of reported events, with a focus on personal experiences and photographic evidence, even when the evidence is not conclusive. There is a clear interest in the psychological and philosophical aspects of these investigations, as well as a critical view of commercialization and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of "Vestnik LO "Fakt"" (Herald of the Leningrad Organization "Fact"), issue number 1, published in 1989, focuses on the analysis of a UFO photograph and provides an extensive compilation of UFO-related publications in the Soviet press.

Analysis of a UFO Photograph

The first section details the analysis of a photograph showing a UFO. The analysis is based on frames from footage, described as "futazhnye nomera" (film footage numbers). The object's shape is described across several frames:

• Frames 48-50: The spot has the appearance of an irregular ellipse.
• Frames 50-52: The spot has a teardrop shape, with the pointed end directed downwards, towards the ground.
• Frames 52-54: The spot has the appearance of an irregular circle.
• Frames 54-56: The spot has a teardrop shape and is directed with its pointed end towards the ground.

The analysis notes that various stripes and spots are visible on all frames. These are attributed not to the object's details but to mechanical effects on the slide's emulsion layer, such as dust and dirt, which are clearly visible under a microscope at 50-100x magnification.

Conclusions from Photo Analysis

The conclusions drawn from the photographic analysis are:

1. The slides contain an image of a real object.
2. The discrepancy between the object's visually observed white color and the yellow color on the slides might be due to illumination by evening sun rays, which contain more yellow-purple hues than midday light. The film, calibrated for a color temperature of 5200 Kelvin, was exposed at a lower color temperature, resulting in the yellow hue. The human eye, due to its color adaptation capabilities, perceived the object as white.
3. The shape of the object has been identified.
4. Details of the object could not be discerned.
5. No signs of forgery were detected.

The photograph was taken by photographer-expert M.L. Gliko on March 11, 1989.

The editorial board invites readers to share their opinions on the nature of the photographed object, with the address provided on the last page.

Compilation of UFO Publications in Soviet Press (September-October 1989)

The second major part of the issue is a comprehensive list of publications concerning UFOs (НЛО - Неопознанный Летающий Объект) in the Soviet press during September and October 1989. This list is extensive, detailing 57 entries, each including:

• A sequential number.
• The title of the article or publication.
• The author(s) if mentioned.
• The name of the newspaper or journal.
• The date of publication.

Some notable publications and topics covered include:

• "UFOs Looking for Owners" by V. Lagovsky in "Socialist Industry" (30.09.89).
• "Third Kind Encounters" by V. Istomin and "Imagine Fantasies" by D. Aliev in "Man and Nature" (No. 9, 1989).
• Numerous articles on "M-shaped triangles" and "triangles" from "Soviet Youth" (Rīga) and other regional papers.
• Reports from Voronezh concerning UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, a recurring theme in Soviet media at the time.
• Articles discussing "strange occurrences," "circles in wheat fields," and "visitors."
• Mentions of specific locations like Sevana, Obradovsk, and Voronezh as sites of reported phenomena.
• Discussions on whether UFOs are real or hoaxes, with titles like "Who believes? Who is being fooled?" and "Are they real or ducks?"
• International reports, such as "Crop circles on the wheat fields of England."
• A report from the USA titled "Heavenly forces help the editors of Newsweek (USA)" in "Izvestia" (22.10.89).

Editorial and Contact Information

The issue concludes with contact information for submitting messages to the "LO "Fakt"" commission, including a postal address in Leningrad and telephone numbers. The editorial team responsible for preparing this issue included I.N. Baturin, V.B. Vorobyev, M.L. Gliko, V.I. Nechitaylo, and V.M. Semenov. The publication date for this preparation is noted as 28.11.89.

A New Year's greeting is extended to "Dear Comrades!" wishing them a Happy New Year.

Finally, a notice states that reprinting without reference to the source is prohibited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, as demonstrated by the detailed examination of a photograph, and the comprehensive documentation of public discourse on UFOs within the Soviet media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and documentation, encouraging reader participation while maintaining a critical eye, as evidenced by the detailed analysis and the extensive list of media reports. The publication aims to serve as a record and a point of reference for UFO-related information and discussions in the Soviet Union during that period.