Cosmology News - No 46

Magazine Overview

Title: COSMOLOGY NEWS
Issue: Number 46
Date: Spring-Summer 1993
Publisher: CNK PRESS
Type: International Magazine of the Cosmos, formerly COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK.

Introduction and Editorial Stance

The editorial by E. Harris explains the transition from 'Cosmology Newslink' to 'Cosmology News', stating that the name change reflects a desire to focus on the cosmos rather than linking all subjects. The magazine aims to cover paranormal, astronomical, UFO, and space research topics. The editor thanks advertisers, subscribers, and BME of Dunmow for their support. He emphasizes that the world is full of mysteries and that personal encounters with the paranormal can be thought-provoking.

Articles and Features

Strange Case of the "Floating" Photograph

The editor recounts a personal experience from 1980 where a photograph he had taken of a group of people, including his late mother-in-law and father, inexplicably detached itself from his bedroom wall overnight. He had stuck the enlarged print firmly to the wall, but it was found on his bedside table the next morning. He explores possible explanations, including a message from the deceased individuals in the photo, and questions whether unseen hands were involved.

Mystery of the Lamp

This section features a letter from Mrs. Susan Read of Stanstead Abbotts, England. She describes a series of inexplicable events occurring in her home after her mother's death. The most notable incident involves a blown light bulb in her mother's bedside lamp, which suddenly lit up when she moved the lamp to reach a TV plug, and then went out again. She believes her mother's presence is with her.

...And Even Stranger

Susan Read also recounts other strange occurrences, such as items being rearranged in her daughter Tracy's room and her daughter Melissa experiencing a sensation of someone leaning over her bed. These events lead Susan to believe her mother's spirit is still present.

I.P.P Thesis of Life After Death

Authored by Stephanie Wales, this article, continued from a previous issue, discusses the concept of life after death. It references 'The Book of Azrael' and the idea of the 'GODSOUL' and the 'ALL' as interconnected entities. The author recounts witnessing the passing of a hospital patient, observing four spirits arriving to greet him. The article also touches upon the 'Bardo Thodol' and its description of the dying process, relating it to the elements of earth, water, air, and fire.

A Spiritualist's View of the Indigenous American

Elaine Ibiricu offers a perspective on the indigenous American cultures, highlighting their spiritual heritage and their struggle against issues like suicide and alcoholism. She contrasts their deep respect for all life and nature with what she perceives as a more dominant stance in some Western religious traditions. The article touches upon the loss of top-soil in America and the Lakota Indian creation story, emphasizing the interconnectedness with the earth.

Time Travel Update

Authored by Edward Harris and Dibley Wollabrools, this section delves into the theoretical aspects of time travel. It discusses Dr. David Deutsch's findings that time travel might only be possible from the invention date of a time machine forward. The article explores the idea of visiting the past by 'catching up' with light rays and vibrations. It also touches upon the 'Many Worlds' theory as a potential resolution to paradoxes like the 'Grandfather Paradox', suggesting that any alteration in the past would create a new, parallel universe.

Letters and Advertisements

The issue includes a letter from John W.B. Barklam of FORESIGHT, thanking the magazine for its content, particularly the time travel article. Advertisements are present for Elaine Ibiricu's personal readings and SS&S Publications' book catalog on UFOs and related subjects. There is also a tribute to Hugh de Cruz of Spain, who sent out newsletters of cheer and light for 25 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, spirituality, and theoretical science, particularly UFOs and time travel. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and thoughts on these subjects. The publication aims to connect readers with a broader understanding of the cosmos and the mysteries of existence.

This issue of "TIME TRAVEL UPDATE" features a diverse range of topics, including a review of Stephen Hawking's film adaptation of "A Brief History of Time," a serious look at the threat of asteroid impacts and NASA's response, the ongoing efforts and future prospects of Mars exploration, and an in-depth report on the Biosphere 2 ecological experiment.

Stephen Hawking on His Film

Stephen Hawking reviews the film based on his book, "A Brief History of Time." He expresses initial apprehension about the film potentially trivializing the science or confusing the audience. Hawking highlights two key ideas from his book: that the universe had a beginning in time and the concept of imaginary time, which allows for a universe without a boundary or beginning. He notes that recent discoveries about ripples in the microwave background support this idea. Hawking praises the director, Errol Morris, for his integrity and understanding of the scientific issues, contrasting this with potential sensationalism. He recounts his original aim for the book to reach a wide audience, similar to airport bestsellers, and expresses surprise at its global success, selling six million copies. He believes the film, by reaching a mass audience, could achieve his goal of communicating scientific progress, acknowledging his mother as the "real star" of the film.

Wormholes!

This section briefly discusses the theoretical concept of "wormholes" as a potential means of rapid space travel, connecting distant parts of the universe. While acknowledging that such travel is centuries away, physicists are exploring the idea. Wormholes are described as tunnels in space, and the concept is presented with a touch of humor regarding its potential for convenient travel.

Asteroid Threats and Defense

How to Destroy the Doomsday Asteroid

Roger Lewin's article explores the serious consideration given by NASA to the threat of asteroid or comet impacts. David Raup's research suggests that asteroid impacts may have caused up to 60% of species extinctions throughout Earth's history, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. NASA has convened panels to investigate detection and interception strategies. The detection panel recommends an international "Spaceguard Survey" using ground-based telescopes to identify potentially lethal asteroids. The interception panel is exploring technologies, including the deployment of missiles, to deflect or destroy threatening objects. The article notes the potential for catastrophic consequences, including global disaster and extinction-level events, and discusses the immense energy involved in deflecting large asteroids.

Nukes Forever

This subsection touches on the controversial aspect of using nuclear weapons for asteroid interception, with some researchers seeing it as a justification for continued development of nuclear arsenals. It also contrasts the threat of asteroids with that of nuclear war, and raises the point that habitat destruction on Earth is causing species loss comparable to past asteroid impacts.

Armada of Missiles

This section details the scale of potential asteroid threats, mentioning impacts equivalent to hydrogen bombs and the Tunguska event. It highlights the near-miss of an asteroid in January 1991 and NASA's subsequent panels on detection and interception. The development of a global telescope network and strategies for deflecting asteroids are discussed, along with the immense power required for such interventions.

Asteroid Missed Us by a 'Hair' - This Time

This news report from The Toronto Sun details the close pass of the asteroid Toutatis in December 1992, emphasizing the narrow margin by which a global disaster was averted. It mentions the asteroid's size and the potential consequences of a direct hit.

NASA Calls for Worldwide Effort to Cope with Threat of Asteroids

This New York Times article reports on NASA's call for an international effort to detect and intercept asteroids. The plan involves a network of ground-based telescopes and the development of interceptors. The article stresses that while the probability of a major collision in the next century is small, the hazard is significant, necessitating an international insurance policy for the planet.

NASA Snaps Asteroid

This brief report describes NASA's use of radar to create images of the asteroid Toutatis as it passed Earth, providing a detailed look at an object that could potentially threaten humanity.

Comet May Hit Earth in 2126

This Washington Post article discusses the comet Swift-Tuttle and the small but non-negligible chance of it colliding with Earth in 2126. It notes the comet's association with the Perseid meteor shower and the uncertainties in predicting its exact path due to non-gravitational forces.

Mars Exploration

NASA Send Up Mars Probe

This article from The Toronto Sun details the launch of the Mars Observer, NASA's first probe to Mars since the Viking missions in 1975. The $980 million mission aims to map Martian weather and geology. The article mentions the political vision behind the Mars program, with President Bush's goal of planting an American flag on Mars.

America's Return to Mars

This section provides a diagram of the Mars Observer spacecraft, detailing its instruments and mission objectives. It also compares Mars and Earth in terms of diameter, moons, rotation, and year length. The article notes the World Space Congress and the potential for terraforming Mars in the 21st century.

Mars Too Hard to Resist, U.S. Scientist Says

This article discusses the launch of the Mars Observer, emphasizing the long journey and the mission's goal of answering whether life has ever existed on Mars, hinging on the presence of liquid water. It highlights evidence suggesting Mars once had water and may still have ice. Scientists believe that if water existed, life could have evolved similarly to Earth. The article also touches on the cost of sending humans to Mars and the arguments for and against such missions, including economic benefits and the potential to solve Earth's social problems.

Biosphere 2 Experiment

Towards a Mars Landing - 2000

This section revisits a past issue of the magazine that discussed the probability of a manned Mars landing. It introduces the Biosphere 2 project as a precursor to understanding how humans might live in a sealed environment for extended periods, akin to a Mars mission. The article describes the construction of Biosphere 2, its enclosed ecosystem, and the experiment involving eight scientists living inside for two years.

Biosphere Oxygen Decreases

This newspaper clipping reports on the unexpected decrease in oxygen levels within Biosphere 2, raising concerns for the inhabitants. Leaders are considering pumping oxygen into the environment.

Scientists Baffled by Change in Air

This New York Times article elaborates on the mystery of the declining oxygen levels in Biosphere 2, noting a drop of over 28% since the experiment began. Project leaders are preparing to supplement oxygen if necessary. The article mentions that the cause is unknown, with one theory suggesting a reaction in the soil.

Meanwhile, Back in Biosphere 2

This Toronto Star article reports that after a year, the air inside Biosphere 2 has become noticeably thinner, with oxygen levels equivalent to an altitude of 11,000 feet. The eight residents are experiencing symptoms like headaches and fatigue. The article notes that some species of plants and animals have died out, but most are surviving. The project, funded by Ed Bass, aims to test self-sustaining sealed colonies for space voyages.

"We've lost a couple of headline species, but it's clear most of (them) are surviving"

This section continues the report on Biosphere 2, detailing the thinner air and the health effects on the residents. It mentions that the soil is a leading theory for oxygen absorption. The article also notes the loss of certain species, such as bees and hummingbirds, but emphasizes that the majority of species are surviving. The project's goal of creating self-sustaining colonies for space travel is reiterated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the future of humanity, with a particular focus on space exploration and potential extraterrestrial life. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific challenges and possibilities presented by space missions, asteroid defense, and creating self-sustaining environments. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the immense challenges while highlighting the human drive for discovery and survival. The inclusion of UFO research suggests an interest in phenomena that lie on the fringes of conventional science.

Title: Cosmology News
Issue Date: August 20, 1992 (with a later internal date of 15.3-93)
Publisher: CNK Press
Country of Publication: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Cosmology News, published irregularly by CNK Press, focuses on significant developments and reflections in space exploration and astronomy. It covers the latest findings on exoplanets, the legacy and future of human spaceflight, and potential extraterrestrial threats.

Far-out planets no longer a far-fetched idea

This lead article, by John Noble Wilford of The New York Times, reports on groundbreaking discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope has photographed discs of gas and dust surrounding 15 newly formed stars, offering the strongest evidence to date that planets may commonly form beyond our solar system. Astronomers liken this to looking back at the early solar system. These discs, some of which are larger than our current solar system, are believed to be the birthplace of planets. Dr. C. Robert O'Dell of Rice University, who led the study of the Orion Nebula, identified these discs around nascent stars less than a million years old. The findings confirm widely held theories about planetary system formation, suggesting that dust spread out due to spin prevents it from collapsing into the star and instead aggregates into planets. Dr. Stephen Strom of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst notes that about 40 percent of infant stars in typical star-forming regions like Orion Nebula possess these discs, indicating the phenomenon is likely common.

Emus run amok

This brief news item from The Toronto Sun reports on an unusual situation in Australia, where thousands of hungry emus are damaging crops and encroaching on roadways due to a severe drought. Large flocks, sometimes up to 300 birds, are migrating south from dry regions in New South Wales and Queensland. The emus, which can stand five feet tall, are difficult to contain, with fences rarely stopping them.

CLOSE CALL: Asteroid whizzes by Earth

This news brief details a near-miss event involving the asteroid Toutatis. The 1-to-2-mile-wide asteroid was predicted to pass Earth at a distance of 2.2 million miles. Don Yeomans, a research astronomer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, described this as a "hair-thin margin of safety" and stated that an impact would have been catastrophic, potentially blocking sunlight and devastating plant life. Toutatis follows an orbit that brings it across Earth's path every four years.

Moon seems farther now: Mission to moon a distant memory

Written by Marcia Dunn of AP Aerospace Writer, this article reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, the last time humans walked on the moon in December 1972. Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt recall the event, with Schmitt expressing lingering disappointment over President Nixon's statement that it might be the last time humans would walk on the moon in that century. The article highlights the current uncertainty surrounding NASA's future space exploration plans, including the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI), which aims to send astronauts back to the moon and to Mars. Funding for SEI has been refused by Congress, and progress has stalled. Cernan expresses concern that a generation ago humanity achieved a quarter-million-mile journey into space, yet now lacks the capability to go much further than 300-400 miles from Earth. The article notes that while projects like Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and the shuttle have occurred, and the orbiting space station Freedom is planned, the vision for deep space exploration seems to have faded. President Bush's 1989 proposal to colonize the moon and send astronauts to Mars has seen little progress due to lack of funding.

Funding refused

Congress refused to fund the SEI in the budget year that began in October. Michael Griffin, NASA's associate administrator for exploration, had planned to use $32 million to begin building robotic lunar probes, but this has been delayed. Griffin emphasizes that space exploration requires significant funding and that political considerations, particularly from Democratic members of Congress, have hindered support for these plans.

How rather than why

John Pike of the Federation of American Scientists criticizes the SEI program for focusing too much on the 'how' of space exploration rather than the 'why'. He suggests that neither President Bush nor Vice President Dan Quayle, head of the National Space Council, adequately addressed the fundamental questions of purpose and funding. Jay Greene, a flight dynamics officer for Apollo 17, targets the year 2005 for a potential human moon mission, suggesting that with funding, such a mission could be achieved within five to seven years. Greene views the end of Apollo as a wonderful achievement, but laments the lack of a similar future endeavor.

Is NATO ready for an alien attack?

This short piece by Mark Marshall from Toronto questions NATO's preparedness for extraterrestrial threats, given its original purpose of defending Western Europe against a Soviet invasion. It humorously suggests that if Martians were to attack, NATO's current focus might be inadequate.

Overhaul space program, panel urges: NASA, other agencies haven't streamlined for post-Cold War era

This Reuters report from Washington details a White House panel's recommendation for a major overhaul of the U.S. space program. The panel, whose report was released by Vice President Dan Quayle's office, argues that NASA and other agencies are not streamlined for the post-Cold War era. The report highlights issues such as widespread duplication of effort, insufficient technology sharing between government and industry, and inefficient, costly, and inflexible launch capabilities. Since the 1986 Challenger disaster, the U.S. space program has faced setbacks, including issues with the Hubble Space Telescope and delays and cost overruns for Space Station Freedom. The report's impact on the incoming Clinton administration is uncertain.

Keeping an eye on Mars

This section introduces an upcoming focus on Mars, stating that humanity is once again looking towards the planet with the potential goal of colonization. The issue promises to explore what is being done and the challenges surrounding this project, with an eye towards the year 2002 and beyond. A painting depicts an imaginary 21st-century Martian colony enclosed in transparent, air-conditioned, pressurized domes, highlighting Mars as a significant objective for planetary exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of space exploration, both for scientific discovery and for humanity's future. There's a clear concern about the stagnation of ambitious space programs, particularly NASA's, due to funding issues and a perceived lack of political will and clear objectives. The articles reflect on past achievements like the Apollo missions while questioning the current direction and future prospects of human spaceflight. The editorial stance appears to be one that advocates for continued, bold exploration, urging a re-evaluation of priorities and funding to ensure humanity's presence beyond Earth. The publication also touches upon the broader implications of space, including potential extraterrestrial phenomena and the need for preparedness.