Moscow: Ziegel publishes UFO article, seeks cooperation
Soviet cosmologist Felix Ziegel published a UFO article in Soviet Life, highlighting cases including Tunguska and revealing a UFO section formed in 1967. He received a cooperation proposal from Edward Condon but faced government rejection for official research.
Background
Background
In February 1968, Felix Ziegel, a cosmologist and assistant professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, wrote an article about unidentified flying objects for the magazine Soviet Life. He described four sightings and speculated about an extraterrestrial origin. He singled out the Tunguska event of 1908 as a striking example.
UFO Section and Cooperation
Ziegel disclosed the founding of a UFO section within the All-Union Cosmonautics Committee in October 1967. Shortly afterwards he received a letter from Edward Condon, head of the University of Colorado UFO Project, proposing an exchange of information and cooperation. Ziegel and twelve colleagues signed an appeal to the Soviet government for a central research body.
Government Response
An official rejection followed in March. This marked a setback for organised UFO study in the USSR, despite public and scientific interest. The events underline Ziegel's pioneering role in Soviet ufology.