Soviet Scientists and UFO Sightings

Summary

This CIA document summarizes a conversation with Soviet scientists about unidentified flying objects. One astronomer emphasized that he was unaware of any UFO sightings in the USSR, though he joked that if they were real in the US, they must be of Soviet origin. Others mentioned sightings near the Caucasus, but no formal studies had been conducted. While some showed interest, these observations were not considered scientific enough to be published in official media. An astronomer described seeing a reddish object in the sky, which did not resemble a satellite or meteorite. Despite doubts, some scientists acknowledged the possibility of further investigation. Overall, there was no official Soviet treatment of the UFO issue, but interest was growing among certain experts.

===EN=== Soviet Scientists and UFO Sightings

This CIA document summarizes a conversation with Soviet scientists about unidentified flying objects. One astronomer emphasized that he was unaware of any UFO sightings in the USSR, though he joked that if they were real in the US, they must be of Soviet origin. Others mentioned sightings near the Caucasus, but no formal studies had been conducted. While some showed interest, these observations were not considered scientific enough to be published in official media. An astronomer described seeing a reddish object in the sky, which did not resemble a satellite or meteorite. Despite doubts, some scientists acknowledged the possibility of further investigation. Overall, there was no official Soviet treatment of the UFO issue, but interest was growing among certain experts.