Unidentified flying object

This document, authored by F. Zigel, a Doctor of Technical Sciences and Assistant Professor, provides an overview of the evolving Soviet perspective on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the late 1960s. It notes that previously, the prevailing view in the Soviet Union, supported by U.S. astrophysicist Menzel, was that UFOs were merely optical phenomena. However, this perspective was changing by 1968. The document highlights the upcoming publication of a book titled 'Populated Outer Space,' edited by Academician Boris Konstantinov, which reflects this shift. Furthermore, it details the establishment of a UFO section within the All-Union Cosmonautics Committee in October 1967, chaired by Air Force Major General Porfiri Stolyarov. The document describes the behavior of UFOs as 'sensible,' noting their tendency to fly in group formations and maneuver to avoid direct contact. It suggests that these objects appear to be investigating the Earth. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the 'Tungusky' (Tunguska) event. The author cites a study by Vladimir Khekhedov from the Joint Institute of Nuclear Research at Dubna, which suggests the event involved an artificial flying craft from another planet rather than a meteorite, citing residual radioactivity and flight maneuvers. The document concludes by advocating for a serious, global, and sensation-free scientific study of UFOs, emphasizing that international cooperation is vital for understanding the phenomenon.