COS-MOS

Magazine Overview

COS-MOS, Issue No. 8, published in March 1970, is a UK-based magazine affiliated with SAUCERS - The Saucer & Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, U.S.A. It aims to 'CONTACT Space-Men Or SAUCERS'. The editorial team includes President Dr. G.G. Doel, Vice-Presidents J. Cleary-Baker and Lucius Farish, with Norman Oliver serving as Director & Editor. Co-Directors are Brian Simmonds and Janet Gregory, and Sylvia Shaw is the Membership Secretary. The membership fee is £1.1.0 or $3 per annum.

Editor's Viewpoint

Norman Oliver, in his editorial, expresses his belief in the existence of Flying Saucers, citing specific cases like the Trinidade Island photograph of 1958 and Father Gill's 'classic' case in 1959. He acknowledges that some sightings are misidentifications or hoaxes but stresses the importance of unbiased investigation, treating all reports on their merits without being influenced by a 'will to believe' or the opposite.

John Keel's Reply

This section features a letter from John Keel responding to criticism from Ed. Blandford. Keel defends his work, stating he aims to provide valid information and highlights instances where UFO organizations like NICAP and APRO have allegedly suppressed or delayed important case reports. He criticizes the 'UFO buffery' for turning on researchers who present findings that challenge popular beliefs, citing the example of Wilbert Smith. Keel also asserts that the 'Men in Black' phenomenon is not new and has roots in psychic and religious literature, correlating with symptoms of demonomania. He argues that an overzealous belief in extraterrestrial visitants leads to a rejection of other evidence and that the field is plagued by myth and speculation based on subjective interpretations. Keel calls for a more objective approach, recognizing the complexity of the situation and moving beyond petty gossip and emotionalism. He notes that MIB articles are unpopular with editors and the public because they deviate from popular beliefs, making publication difficult, especially after the termination of Project Blue Book.

Mailbag

The 'Mailbag' section includes correspondence from readers:

• Joseph M. Erhardt, Editor of UFO Chronolog, praises COS-MOS for its objective representation of controversial aspects of the UFO subject.
• George St. George from Paris defends John Keel and Gray Barker against criticism, arguing that sensationalism can be a sign of mental agility and open-mindedness, and that no hypothesis should be discarded out of hand when dealing with baffling phenomena.
• Sean Ainscough from Southport finds the article on telethought transmission by Marianne Francis to have a ring of truth.
• Frank M. Morton, a COS-MOS member, suggests a method for calibrating Geiger counters using a radioactive isotope (COBALT DERIVATIVE ISOTOPE) - CO/D-I 147, noting its stability and low activity. He offers to assist members in his area with calibration.

Case Reports and Sightings

Several UFO cases and sightings are detailed:

• Brixham Revisited (October 2, 1969): Mrs Lilian Eyre reported a tiny red light that grew into three pulsating lights and a blinding white flash. The object, described as an aircraft fuselage without wings, was estimated to be moving at 250 m.p.h. Other independent witnesses corroborated the account.
• Elmstead UFO (July 27, 1969): Mr P A Smith observed an oblong oval object that stopped, dropped, turned, and moved off at high speed. The Air Ministry suggested it was an aircraft reflecting sunlight, which Mr. Smith dismissed as absurd.
• The Lagoa Negra Case: This case, first mentioned in the December issue, is reprinted with permission. On an early January night in 1959, five observers in Brazil witnessed a round craft approximately 10 meters in diameter. Two tall occupants (about 2 meters) and three smaller beings (about 1.40 meters) emerged. The taller beings exhibited unusual behavior, walking back and forth to a fence, while the smaller beings remained near the craft. The dogs remained silent during the encounter. The occupants stopped when the mother and daughter inside the house called out.
• Agricultural Aliens (May 28, 1969): Two farmers near Caltowie, South Australia, observed a blue-white glow that turned red and ascended. The object followed their vehicle, shone a beam into a cloud, and emitted a high-frequency beep. Four legs were seen protruding from the object, described as car-sized. A second orange object was also observed. The UFOs were seen for about two hours. Later, holes were found in the earth around wheat stalks.
• Again Scoriton: This section revisits the contact claim of Ernest Arthur Bryant. On April 25, 1965, Bryant reported seeing a large saucer materialize over a field. Three figures emerged, described as wearing 'diving gear'. Two had long foreheads, blue eyes, and blond hair, while the third, identified as 'Yamski', appeared to be a 14-year-old youth with a 'mid-European accent'. Yamski warned Bryant about 'Forces from Epsilon' and mentioned the 'dimentional field'. Bryant was reportedly assisted into the saucer, which contained compartments and screens. The craft then rose and vanished.

Other Items

• UFO & Space Books, Tapes: Miss S. Stebbing offers lists of books and tapes.
• UFO Booklists: Lionel Beer provides UFO booklists.
• Essex UFO News: The recently-formed Essex UFO Group produces a magazine with reports and theories from Essex ufologists.
• Chandogya Upanishad Quote: A philosophical quote about space is included.
• COS-MOS Study Group: Readers are invited to write for details about joining a study group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of COS-MOS include detailed case investigations, the challenges of UFO research, and the importance of objectivity. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting a wide range of phenomena, from alleged alien encounters to unusual aerial sightings, while also engaging with the controversial aspects of UFO research, such as the 'Men in Black' and the nature of contactees. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norman Oliver and implicitly supported by the publication of John Keel's defense, advocates for rigorous, unbiased investigation and a willingness to explore complex and potentially unsettling explanations for UFO phenomena, moving beyond simplistic or popularly accepted narratives.

This issue of the COS-MOS JOURNAL, identified as issue number 11, focuses on a competition for a new cover design and features articles on UFO sightings, ancient mythologies, and society activities. The cover headline announces the "COMPETITION FOR NEW COVER DESIGN," inviting members to submit designs for the journal, with a deadline of May 1st. The journal is published by COS-MOS and is in English.

UFO Case Study: The Bryant Incident

The issue details a UFO sighting reported by a Mr. Bryant, which allegedly occurred on June 7, 1965. Bryant described seeing a pale blue light overhead that stopped and produced vibrations and a metallic knocking sound. The following day, he claimed to have found metallic parts, a broken bulb, and a glass phial with an inscription from a suspected landing site. The article explores possible associations with this incident, including the idea that a third occupant might be a reincarnated Adamski, and that the 'pieces' found could be related to Captain Mantell's UFO chase in 1948. However, subsequent investigations cast doubt on Bryant's claims. The 'pieces' were identified as coming from a bomb-sight computer, not a Mustang plane. Further inquiries revealed that Bryant had exaggerated his background, having worked as a prison officer for only six weeks and not six years as claimed. The farmer attributed scorch marks to a bonfire and lightning. It was also found that Bryant had access to previously unsuspected UFO literature. Bryant died on June 24, 1967, of a brain tumour, leaving his claims controversial.

Mythological Connections: Space Gods of Scandinavia

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to exploring the "SPACE GODS OF SCANDINAVIA" by W. Raymond Drake. This section delves into the mythology of Odin, Thor, and Freyr, drawing parallels between these ancient deities and the concept of 'Space Gods' or ancient astronauts. Odin is described as having surrendered an eye for wisdom, invented runes, and travelled on the wind. Thor is depicted as a powerful warrior god whose chariot and hammer suggest advanced technology. Freyr, a Sky God, is associated with a wonderful ship that could fly in any direction. The article suggests that these myths may represent 'race-memories of the Space Kings.'

Society News and Activities

The journal also includes information on various UFO societies and their activities. The Bedfordshire UFO Society is involved in two research projects: an Archeological Section focused on ley research and an Instrument Section developing atmospheric monitoring equipment. Meetings for COS-MOS, BUFORA, and CONTACT U.K. are listed, including speakers like Norman Oliver, W R Drake, Rex Dutta, and Mrs. Jaqueline Thorburn. Dan Butcher is congratulated for compiling an excellent 36-page booklet titled "A REFERENCE BOOK OF UFO SOUNDS."

An excerpt from John Keel's editorial in ANOMALY NO.3 is included, urging ufologists to study past flap material and compile statistical studies during quiet periods. The editorial warns that without results, interest may wane, referencing the collapse of other UFO societies.

Future Content and Editorial Stance

Looking ahead, the next issue will feature articles such as "What happened to Mr Lancashire? - an unusual English contact," "The Bisected Book" concerning a strange message, and the concluding part of "Space Gods of Scandinavia." The editorial stance, as suggested by the excerpt from John Keel, emphasizes the need for rigorous study and documentation in the field of ufology, advocating for proactive engagement rather than passive observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of specific UFO cases, the exploration of ancient myths and their potential connection to extraterrestrial visitation, and the importance of organized ufological research and society engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation, critical analysis of evidence, and the compilation of data, while also acknowledging the enduring fascination with mythological figures as potential precursors to modern UFO phenomena.