Cosmic News - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: COSMIC NEWS
Issue: No. 8
Date: March-April

This issue of Cosmic News delves into various UFO and space-related topics, featuring witness testimonies, critical analyses, and discussions on current events in the field.

The Zeller U.F.O. Report

This section details a sighting by John Zeller and two witnesses, Bill Zeller and Fred Mayer, on Sunday, September 30, 1956, at 8:35 P.M. Eastern Standard Time in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. They observed approximately 20 objects for about 5 seconds in pitch darkness, with only stars visible. The objects were described as brighter than the background, a little larger than stars but dimmer, and appeared solid and white. They did not stand still, speed up suddenly, break apart, give off smoke, change brightness or shape, flicker, throb, or pulsate. The objects either disappeared behind a haze or seemingly 'turned off their lights,' disappearing in mid-air. They were traveling from west to east in a sort of triangular formation, with a hazy glow surrounding the group. The witnesses could not estimate their size, distance, or speed, but compared them to the size of a pea. The weather was dry and cold. John Zeller, who is 16 years old, believes the objects were 'space ships from a near-by planet.'

Letters To The Editors

This section includes a letter from Lonzo Dove, who critically analyzes the Adamski Saucer Photos. Dove suggests the photos might be of small secret models, arguing that a large metal object would be difficult to photograph in such a manner and that the perspective angle indicates a close-range shot. He also implies that Adamski and his supporters are leaving the country to profit from their books remotely. The Cosmic News editor replies, challenging Dove to prove his claims and stating that George Adamski is not on the run. The editor also mentions a friend who saw a color movie of a large US Bomber with flying saucers hovering over it, suggesting color movies are difficult to fake.

Secret Saucer Studio In Cincinnati, Ohio??

This article reports on an anonymous correspondent's claim that a 'secret studio' is operating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where a project is underway to chart UFO sightings and their directions of travel. The correspondent refused to provide an address for security reasons. The article also features a picture of James Moseley, from Gray Barker's 'Saucerian Review,' and discusses the possibility that the photo was taken at White Sands laboratories, noting labels like 'Nitric Acid tanks' and 'Hydrogen Proxide tanks.' Moseley's assertion that 'Saucers are Earth made' is questioned, and his frequent trips to South America are mentioned.

The International Geophysical Year

This section reports on the International Geophysical Year, which begins July 1, 1957. The United States plans to launch 12 basketball-sized satellites into space, fired by a 3-stage rocket, to improve map accuracy and study space travel. These satellites will achieve a speed of 18,000 miles per hour and orbit the Earth every 90 minutes in an elliptical orbit from 300 to 1500 miles above the Earth. The secrecy surrounding the Florida base is mentioned, with the curtain of secrecy to be lifted after the missile launch. Scientists worldwide will collaborate, and optimists believe man will travel to Mars within 10 years, while rocket expert Von Braun estimates 25 years.

A map is included charting the course of the projectile.

Was It A Flying Saucer the Moffets Saw?

This article, thanks to Elmer O. Dahl of The Forest Lake Times, details a sighting by Mr. and Mrs. Ford Moffet in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ford Moffet first saw a brilliant light at about 9:45 p.m., initially thinking it was a troubled airplane. The object was seen moving back and forth, up and down, at about tree-top height, with no motor noise. It was described as oblong, with luminous red and green colors, like a 'halo or spray of color.' The Moffets pursued the object in their auto, which was described as 'definitely foreign to all of us.'

The continuation of the Moffet sighting (from page 5) describes the object moving toward the south, across fields, around 10:30 p.m. The Moffets gave up the chase, being unable to drive directly under the brightly lighted 'saucer.' They believe it was the same object reported hovering over St. Paul earlier that day, described as a 'large, round, bright-red object.'

The Silence Group

Written by John Pitt, this article critically examines the 'Silence Group.' Pitt argues that this group is a smoke-screen used by former UFO 'celebrities' to leave the field for more profitable pastures. He suggests that much attributed to the 'Silence Group,' 'International Bankers,' 'Super Government,' or 'Hidden Empire' can be traced to F.B.I. or USAF security. Pitt dismisses the idea of widespread persecution, suggesting that many claims of being 'silenced' are a way for individuals to gain attention and appear knowledgeable. He notes that in Great Britain, newspaper editors must submit 'Saucer' features to the Air Ministry for security clearance. Pitt differentiates between possible F.B.I. and Air Force 'investigation' and claims of being 'shut-up.' He concludes that the 'Silence Group' is an anti-Christian counter-move and that suggestions of extraterrestrial connections are ridiculous. He encourages readers to study Occultism and Spacemanism with an open mind but to also study their instructors, warning against easy speculation.

Book Advertisements

• The issue includes advertisements for several publications:
• FATE: Full of saucer information, $3.00 per year.
• THE SECRET OF THE SAUCERS: $3.00 (By Orfeo Angelucci).
• THE UFO ANNUAL: $4.95 (By M.K. Jessup).
• THEY KNEW TOO MUCH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS: $3.50 (By Gray Barker).
• MY FIRST 10,000,000 SPONSORS: 35¢ (By Frank Edwards).
• YOU DO TAKE IT WITH YOU: $3.50 (By R. DeWitt Miller).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Cosmic News revolve around UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the critical examination of claims within the UFO community. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, questioning sensational claims while presenting detailed reports of alleged encounters. There is a clear editorial interest in debunking or providing alternative explanations for phenomena, as seen in the analysis of Adamski's photos and the critique of the 'Silence Group.' The magazine also shows interest in the burgeoning field of space exploration and its potential connections to UFO phenomena.