Cos-Mos - Vol 2 No 01 - 1971

Magazine Overview

COS-MOS, Volume 2, Number 1, published in Spring 1971, is a quarterly magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena. The issue features a diverse range of articles, reports, and letters from contributors and readers.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The magazine is edited and published by Norman Oliver, with offices in Lee, London, England. The editorial team includes President Dr. G.G. Doel, and Vice Presidents J. Cleary-Baker and Lucius Farish. The decision to move to a quarterly publication was driven by the time element in production and increased postage costs, with the page count standardized at 25 pages per issue to maintain content volume.

Contents Overview

The issue includes articles such as "DRIVING IN THE SERIAL TIME MACHINE" by Arthur Shuttlewood, "THE FAIR GOD" by W. Raymond Drake, and "ON ERICH VON DANIKEN" by Lou Zinstagg. It also features "WORLD-WIDE '70", a section detailing various UFO sightings from around the globe, "REPORT FROM NORWAY", "FOCUS ON SIUFOP", and a "LOOKING BACK" section. A "MAILBAG" section provides reader correspondence.

World-Wide '70 Sightings

This section compiles numerous UFO reports from 1970:

• Canada: On New Year's Day 1970, Mrs. Doreen Kendall in Corwichan Valley, British Columbia, reported a saucer-shaped, silvery object with lights, containing two humanoid beings. The object was observed for about 30 seconds before disappearing.
• England: On February 4, 1970, in Warminster, two witnesses observed a steady blue point of light for 12-15 minutes. In Bristol, on July 26, 1970, a woman described a huge, bright orange-coloured object, the size of a dinner plate, which hovered and then disappeared.
• Australia: On September 18, 1970, near Riverina, Mrs. Shirley Ryall reported a football-shaped spaceship with windows and antennas landing in a paddock. On July 28, 1970, a motorist near Avoca saw a cigar-shaped object with lights that accelerated rapidly.
• USA: On May 25, 1970, Max Harper in Topeka, Kansas, observed a bright white light moving across the sky without noise. In Carlisle, Washington, three girls reported a seven-foot-tall creature chasing their car.
• Other Reports: A UFO survey conducted in Abertillery, Wales, by SIGAP and the Gwent UFO Research Group interviewed 55 people, with 63% believing in the UFO mystery and 14% claiming to have seen a UFO.

Special Features and Investigations

• U. Thant Questioned in Ottawa: A report on an interview with U.N. Secretary-General U Thant, who acknowledged interest in extraterrestrial spacecraft and stated the UN could investigate if a member government proposed it.
• Land Sighted on Mercury: A report from the Arkansas Gazette on April 20, 1970, mentions radar astronomers at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory observing topographical features on Mercury.
• Motorist Sees UFO Near Avoca: An Ararat motorist, initially a skeptic, reported seeing a cigar-shaped object with lights that moved with incredible speed.
• UFO Seen in Wantage ('Shaped Like Cross'): A second report from Wantage describes an object seen through a telescope appearing as five round balls aligned in a cross shape, with one sphere shooting off.
• New Saucer' Seen in U.S.A.: A report from Mount Gambier, Australia, mentions a mysterious saucer-like hole scorched in the earth, approximately 6 ft. in diameter and 6 ins. deep, with a central hole and smaller surrounding holes.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

• "BOOB OF THE YEAR" AWARD: This section critiques a question from the U.S. UFO CHRONOLOG regarding the naming of 'leys'.
• Arthur Shuttlewood's "DRIVING IN THE SERIAL TIME MACHINE": This ongoing article details the author's journey from a well-paid job to exploring the possibility of a peculiar dream or a task to help mankind, involving experiments with turbines and materials like Colinite and Edenite, and referencing the 'Schezarurse' as a real space and time ship.

Reader Correspondence (MAILBAG)

• Lionel Peer comments on Dan Butcher's article on Purple Robes, suggesting it might have been a vivid dream rather than a physical event, and discusses dream symbology of purple and red.
• Clare Branch responds to a 'Stop Press News' item, comparing the description of a Hackney object to an expanded atom and questioning the understanding of gravity and the nature of 'saucer' force fields.
• George St. George offers an editorial viewpoint, suggesting COS-MOS could be more focused, perhaps on the mediumism of UFO witnesses, and that studying people with UFO experiences is crucial.
• Lucius Farish responds to Dr. Cleary-Baker's statement about modern instrumentation, providing three counter-arguments: 1) detection would be classified, 2) radar systems are programmed for specific parameters, and 3) advanced intelligence would likely have effective anti-radar devices. He also mentions that his letter was shown in diagrammatic form.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFO sightings worldwide, emphasizing witness accounts and investigative efforts. There's a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and exploring alternative theories, including extraterrestrial contact and advanced technology. The editorial stance, as expressed in the letters and comments, leans towards a serious investigation of UFOs, with a particular interest in the psychological and mediumistic aspects of witnesses. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, encouraging reader participation and critical discussion.

This issue of COS-MOS, identified as issue number 12, is dated November 3rd, 1970. It is published by COS-MOS and focuses on UFO phenomena, research, and debates within the ufology community.

Key Articles and Reports

Report from Norway: "Scared man from Kristiansand - UFO struck me down"

This section details an incident reported from Norway involving Reider Salvesan, a 35-year-old man from Kristiansand. According to a report in the newspaper Verdans Gang, Salvesan claims to have been struck by an invisible force from a UFO on October 29th, 1970, at 4:40 p.m. near Helleland at Jaren. The UFO was approximately 10 meters above his car. Simultaneously, the windscreen of his car was pulverized. Salvesan managed to note down measurements and data related to the flying saucer. He described the object as a powerful lightning ball that stopped ahead of his car, and after he ran away, it vanished, replaced by an object shaped like a disc, lying horizontally above his car at an estimated height of 10 meters. He estimated its diameter to be about 10 meters and its thickness to be about three meters in the center, tapering to fifteen centimeters at the periphery. The object had a shimmering gold belt and a round dome on top. He reported no sign of life, sound, vibration, or movement. As he was crawling up after being struck down, the object shot away with extreme speed, appearing as a penny at an estimated height of 1,000 meters before vanishing.

The Walthamstow Object: Analysis of Specimen

This article presents an analysis of an object picked up by boys at Walthamstow following sightings in Hackney and East London on November 21st, 1970. The analysis, compiled by Charles Carpenter, indicates that the object is of a negative nature and may not be connected to the sightings. An external examination revealed a portion of dead grass, which showed no sign of carbonation, suggesting the body was cool on impaction. The surfaces were ingrained with soil particles, indicating the specimen may have been wholly covered by earth at some point. The specimen's porous nature allowed water to percolate through, carrying soil particles. The interior soil was fine-grained. The analysis suggests the specimen reached the ground cold and had lain under the ground for years. A mineralogical analysis revealed three basic constituents: a dominant dark-colored material (90%) that was hard but brittle, a light-colored fibrous material (5%) that was soft and brittle, and vegetable and soil matter (5%). The conclusion is that the material underwent considerable heat prior to compaction, and its properties are inconsistent with known meteoric specimens. It is suggested that the material is a form of slag, possibly derived from blast furnaces where limestone was added as a flux.

Snow Tracks Riddle (Farnborough)

This short report from the SUNDAY EXPRESS (January 3rd, 1971) describes mysterious tracks found in the snow at Farnborough, Hampshire. The footprints, measuring 8" x 40", appeared overnight in a garden. Animal experts and police were baffled, with a police spokesman suggesting it might be a hoax but acknowledging the difficulty in achieving such a result. The owner, Mr. John Fraser, and his wife Gwendoline, were awakened by their dog. Mrs. Fraser described the footprints as having seven claws and being much larger than those of any dog. One theory suggested the tracks belonged to an elusive Puma, but animal experts dismissed this.

Puzzle in the Forest (New Forest)

This report from the Bournemouth ECHO (December 24th, 1970) details a mystery object found deep in the New Forest at Alder Hill. Police described it as a 'mechanical contrivance' and considered it could be from outer-space or belong to the Army or Air Force. It was thought to be a bomb, but it was in three parts, each larger than the other. The object was found by a Forestry Commission Worker in some bracken, and an Army Bomb Disposal Unit was called.

SIRIUS Inaugural Meeting

This section announces the launch of SIRIUS, the Society for Investigation and Research Into Unidentified Flying Object Sightings, at an inaugural meeting at Charlton House on January 23rd, 1971. Despite adverse weather conditions, over 40 people attended. The meeting featured talks by Mark Stenhoff (Director), Norman Oliver (Co-Director), Barry Marsh (Chairman), and C. Dave Oakley-Hill (Co-Editor of SIRIUS Journal). The SIRIUS Journal 1. was available for purchase and was praised for its lay-out and design, though its price of 17p was noted as a drawback for non-members due to a small print order.

Shefford Contact - 1957

This article recounts an event from 1957 where the author, along with 14 others including BBC engineers, attempted to find a 'saucer' predicted by Mr. John Whitworth. The prediction was based on a previous experience where Whitworth claimed to have seen a flying saucer after being contacted by a mysterious caller. The group spent 12 hours in cold conditions between Biggleswade and Baldock, experiencing only one unexplained phenomenon: a light in the sky miles away to the north-east that moved parallel to the ground and then dwindled. An aircraft engineer present stated it was not a known aircraft signal or identification light.

Focus on S.I.U.F.O.P.

This extensive section critically examines the organization SIUFOP (Society for the Investigation of Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena) and its newsletter. The author, likely Norman Oliver, challenges SIUFOP's claims and methodologies, particularly their criticisms of other UFO groups and researchers, including Frank Morton. SIUFOP's aim is stated as the scientific evaluation of UFO data, aiming to expose misleading reports and irrational theories. However, the author suggests SIUFOP's approach is often dismissive and carping. The article details specific criticisms made by SIUFOP regarding Frank Morton's work on electronic UFO detection, including an alleged 'elementary error' in a circuit diagram, a lack of qualification regarding sensor range, and a 'diatribe' against the use of polaroids. The author defends Morton's work and questions SIUFOP's own qualifications and objectivity, accusing them of being selective in their investigations and avoiding topics that don't fit their conclusions. The article also touches upon the alleged landing and holes at Tyneham in August '69, and events at Kidnapper's Hole, Warminster, questioning SIUFOP's interpretation of these incidents.

The Fair God

This section delves into Aztec mythology, discussing the origins of Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City) and the Aztec belief system. It recounts the tradition of the first men emerging from Seven Caverns and the Aztecs being directed by their Sun God, Huitzilopochtli, to migrate south. The legend of the white eagle leading them and the eventual sighting of an eagle devouring a serpent on a cactus, marking the site for their city, is detailed. The article also explores the figure of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, described as a white-complexioned, tall man with austere habits, an expert in metallurgy and gem polishing, who taught the Toltecans. His reign is referred to as the Golden Age of Mexico.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of COS-MOS include detailed reports of UFO sightings and physical encounters, scientific analysis of alleged UFO-related materials, and a strong emphasis on critical examination and debate within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and a willingness to challenge other organizations, particularly SIUFOP, when perceived inaccuracies or biases are present. There is a clear dedication to presenting factual information and fostering a deeper understanding of UFO phenomena through detailed reporting and critical discourse.

This issue of COS-MOS magazine, dated Summer 1971 with a cover date of December 1970, delves into various facets of the UFO phenomenon and related topics. It features articles on ancient astronaut theories, expert opinions on UFOs, and a detailed account of author Erich von Daniken's legal entanglements.

The Fair God and Quetzalcoatl

The issue begins with an exploration of the origin of the 'Fair God' and the figure of Quetzalcoatl. The text suggests that Quetzalcoatl symbolizes a 'landing Spaceman' and that his identity is a subject of intrigue. The name 'Quetzalcoatl' is broken down, with 'Quetzal' referring to a rare bird with green feathers and 'Coatl' meaning 'Snake'. The term is linked to the Maya word 'Co' (Serpent) and the Nahua word 'Atl' (Water), thus signifying 'Winged Serpent'. Various names attributed to him by different cultures are mentioned, including 'Kukulean' by the Mayas, 'Gucumata' by the Quiches, 'Ehecatl' and 'Lord of the Four Winds' by the Aztecs, and 'tlauiscalpantecutli' or 'Lord of Light of Dawn', identifying him with Venus. The text draws parallels to divine births of saviors, mentioning his Mother as the Virgin-Coatlicus and his Father as the Sun. Traditions suggest he appeared from the East, bringing civilization, law, healing, the calendar, and writing, along with maize to the Nahuas. He is also compared to Buddha for teaching compassion and cosmic wisdom.

Extract from 'Spacemen in the Ancient West'

An extract from Raymond Drake's forthcoming book, 'Spacemen in the Ancient West', is presented. The book is described as a comprehensive work of approximately 460 pages with a bibliography of 517 works in nine languages. Drake's manuscript was held by a London publisher from January 1969 to January 1970, during which time Erich von Daniken's 'Chariots of the Gods' was published. Drake has also heard from Tubstov in Kharkov, who has been writing about UFOs for Russian magazines for ten years, and whose previous book, 'Spacemen in the Ancient East', was acquired by the Lenin Library.

UFO CHRONICLE Integration

It is announced that from its next issue, the SIRIUS Journal will incorporate the 'UFO CHRONICLE', an informative UFO magazine previously produced by Ted Hill. Ted Hill has been unable to dedicate sufficient time to its production, leading to this agreement to continue its features within SIRIUS, with Ted acting in an advisory capacity.

"I CONSIDER.........A SYMPOSIUM"

A report details a meeting at the COS-MOS Kensington Library on Saturday, January 9th, 1971, where four speakers shared their views on the UFO phenomenon. Norman Oliver, Director of COS-MOS, introduced the speakers: Mike Holt (BA, former BUFORA Hon. Secretary), Mollie Thompson (known for her 'Saucer' songs), Dr. John Cleary-Baker (BUFORA Journal Editor and COS-MOS Vice-President), and Dr. Christopher Evans (Principal Research Officer at the National Physical Laboratory).

Mike Holt suggested using the term ETV (Extra-Terrestrial Vehicle) instead of UFO, emphasizing that 'thinking people must accept there is intelligent life in the Universe' and that some of this life is visiting Earth. He questioned the current state of Ufology research, particularly for amateurs, and the potential for 'Fringe' theories and religious involvement to detract from serious study. He also felt that skywatches were more valuable for familiarizing people with natural phenomena than for spotting ETVS.

Mollie Thompson proposed that UFOs might be messengers from 'another realm of consciousness', appearing during a crisis to alleviate catastrophe or take selected individuals to other planets. She suggested UFOs might not be material objects but 'a life form' that can 'tune in to our frequency of life'. She believed that for Mankind to develop as an inner being, individuals must investigate themselves in relation to other things, exploring 'inner space' rather than just 'outer space'.

Dr. John Cleary-Baker stated that the evidence for UFOs as alien vehicles is 'overwhelming', emphasizing that it is the cumulative bulk of sightings over the years that proves it. He also suggested that studying ESP might be necessary to account for UFOs. He posited that advanced civilizations visiting Earth would likely observe rather than reveal themselves to less advanced ones, drawing a parallel to a primitive civilization encountering a more advanced one. He stressed the need for independent research until a new generation of scientists less prone to dogmatism emerges.

Dr. Chris. Evans, identifying as a 'militant sceptic', questioned the jump from believing in UFOs to believing in ETVs, stating he had not yet seen enough evidence to convince him UFOs are ETVs. He found it staggering that if flying saucers were numerous, there were no better pictures available, calling it a 'tremendous weakness'. He also highlighted that few people are aware of natural phenomena that can be mistaken for objective things. He felt the Condon Report, while seemingly objective, had caused scientists to lose interest. Regarding the 'Anthropological Argument', he agreed with Dr. Cleary-Baker that advanced civilizations would likely not reveal themselves. He suggested that the development of brain and conscious control might be a step backward in evolutionary terms, leading to self-destruction. He concluded that UFOs are 'A manifestation of religious belief', akin to Jung's observation that 'Flying Saucers are "signs in the skies" - and an indication that important things are lacking in peoples' philosophy'.

The discussion that followed was lively, particularly between Dr. Evans and Dr. Cleary-Baker, prompted by audience questions. The evening was described as stimulating and thought-provoking.

Erich von Daniken: A Controversial Figure

An article by Lou Zinstag from Basel, dated December 1970, discusses Erich von Daniken, author of 'Memories of the Future' and 'Return to the Stars'. Zinstag describes von Daniken as a young amateur archaeologist with no scientific background but who is well-read and presents his case competently. Von Daniken had visited the sites he writes about and, while impressed by some UFO photographs, was inclined to discard photographic evidence, believing drawings were easier to fake. He firmly believed in interstellar visitors in the past and future visits to other planets but was skeptical of UFOs in the present.

Von Daniken is described as a sturdy man with a red complexion and reddish hair. Zinstag notes that von Daniken himself did not claim to have discovered the sites, which were open to all explorers. The film based on his first book is highlighted as having an enormous impact. When his second book was released, von Daniken was reportedly in debt due to 'fraudulent tricks' to obtain money, including taking credits at different banks while concealing other loans and committing false evidence. However, his debts were paid by his editor before his lawsuit, and money from the second book was streaming in.

The article details von Daniken's legal troubles, initiated by the Canton de Grisons for allegedly withholding hotel tax. He was arrested by Interpol at Vienna airport in November 1968 and kept in a state penitentiary for nearly three months. He was later imprisoned in Coire, the capital of the Grisons, for a year while awaiting trial. The lawsuit, starting in February 1970, was conducted with unusual severity, with the public prosecutor attempting to depict him as a dangerous criminal and unscrupulous money-getter. The accusation paper also attacked his credibility as a researcher and author, calling him a fraud. A psychiatrist provided a portrait of von Daniken as unstable, epicurean, vain, a liar, and a deceitful psychomaniac. Von Daniken's defense counsel protested the public disclosure of his client's past, but the claim was rejected.

Von Daniken was moved to a better prison with more freedom in daily routines and was working in the prison's office, allowed twenty books but no access to archives or libraries. Zinstag concludes that while von Daniken deserved some punishment, the lawsuit's conduct was a shame, and many felt the author, not the man, was attacked. The role of Interpol was questioned, as his offenses were committed in Switzerland. Zinstag questions who was behind the authority that compelled Interpol's involvement and why von Daniken's views on history had to be proven fraudulent. Von Daniken had a chance to be released in August 1971 due to good conduct, and his third book was expected soon after.

Looking Back: Landings in Florence, New Mexico, and Venezuela

This section revisits past items from previous issues. Three landing reports are featured:

• Florence, Italy (April 1962): Iller Benazzi reported a strange flying machine that moved noiselessly, came down, and landed on the road. He and three witnesses observed it. Unlike another report from Mario Zuccala, Benazzi did not report seeing men from outer space. The craft turned its headlights on them and had three smaller tail lights with a violet gleam.
• New Mexico, USA (October 21, 1961): Mr. & Mrs. du Bois were driving along Route 60 when a 'brilliant ball of white light' shone on their car. The object followed alongside, then shot away, reappeared, and split into four entities before vanishing.
• Venezuela (October 6, 1961): Fishermen on Lake Maracaibo witnessed a huge object passing overhead, its glow illuminating the adjacent town. The glare caused one fisherman, Bartolme Romero, to dive overboard and drown. The object remained visible for five minutes, disappearing to the South, leaving behind a reddish exhaust trail, indicating it was not of meteoric origin.

A note clarifies that the Anglicised title of Lou Zinstag's article on pages 23-24 is 'Chariots of the Gods'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with ancient history and mythology, particularly through the lens of ancient astronaut theories, as exemplified by the discussion on Quetzalcoatl and the coverage of Erich von Daniken. There is a clear interest in witness testimony and the presentation of evidence, balanced with a section for skeptical viewpoints, as seen in the symposium. The magazine also engages with the broader ufological community by incorporating content from other publications like 'UFO CHRONICLE' and referencing ongoing research and debates. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both believers and skeptics, and presenting detailed accounts of sightings and controversies within the field.