Cosmology News - No 47

Magazine Overview

Title: COSMOLOGY NEWS
Issue Date: Summer/Autumn 1993
Issue Number: 47
Type: International Magazine of the Cosmos, formerly COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK.

Editorial

Edward Harris, the Editor, addresses the readers, acknowledging the many 'weird, curious, and wonderful experiences' shared by them. He announces a significant change: by the end of the year, COSMOLOGY NEWS will cease publication. The magazine, which has aimed to please readers over the years, will be replaced by a new Psychic magazine. This new publication will cover psychic phenomena, the spirit world, and Fortean information. Harris expresses his intention to remove astronomical data and space research data from COSMOLOGY NEWS, as the title does not fully reflect its content. He solicits reservations for the new Psychic magazine, which will be a 'blockbuster' issue.

Introduction

The introduction defines Cosmology as the science of the universe as a whole, a treatise on its structure and creation. It explains that COSMOLOGY NEWS (formerly NEWS(link)) was formulated to bridge inter-related subjects that might lead to answers about Earth's and the Universe's mysteries. The title COSMOLOGY NEWS was suggested by Mr. Patrick Dineen of Co. Kerry, Ireland. The copyright section clarifies that the editor offers apologies for any inadvertent infringement of rights if the original source cannot be traced, and will give credit where due. Information in the magazine is hoped to be from reliable sources, but contributors are responsible for their information, and the editor's views do not necessarily reflect those of others. Letters addressed to the magazine are considered for publication unless otherwise requested. The editor thanks various publications and individuals for their contributions.

Feature: Are These Footprints of the Yeti?

This section details the discovery of massive footprints on a snow-covered mountain in Mongolia by British climber Julian Freeman-Attwood. The expedition took place in the bleak Alexandroff glacier, 1,000 miles from civilization, where no human had set foot for 30 years. Freeman-Attwood believes he has proven the existence of the legendary Yeti.

The Creature and the Tracks

Freeman-Attwood described the morning as fine and clear with crisp snow. The tracks were found just a few feet from their tents. He estimated the footprints were deeper than usual, suggesting a creature weighing over 14 stone. One print was over 14 inches long and showed three large toes. He speculated the creature might have been walking on two feet with a trailing arm. The tracks appeared fresh, likely made within the previous few hours, as bad weather would have obliterated them. The team followed the tracks, which descended onto the Chinese side of the border, but their limited supplies prevented further pursuit.

Evidence and Expert Opinion

Freeman-Attwood, a forestry consultant with extensive expedition experience, took several pictures of the footprints, planning to present them to university experts to verify his findings. One photograph shows the tracks on a sheer glacier, with an ice pick included for scale. Britain's top mountaineer, Chris Bonington, called the find 'intriguing' and stated that while sightings suggest a large, bipedal creature exists, proof requires more than photographs. Bonington himself led a two-week expedition to Tibet years prior, hoping to find proof, but returned without it.

Legend and Eyewitness Accounts

Julian recounted an encounter with a Kazakh nomad who described seeing an 'Almas' (the Mongolian name for the Yeti) four years earlier. The nomad described it as a huge ape-like creature that wanders the glacial terrain, subsisting on wild goats and vegetation. The nomad also mentioned a legend that the Yeti lives on a diet of wild goats and vegetation from lower slopes.

Expert Analysis

Dr. Ian Bishop, a zoology expert from the Natural History Museum, stated that while photographs cannot confirm the creature's existence, sightings mean it cannot be ruled out. The article notes that legends of ape-men have persisted for centuries, with the Yeti known as 'Yeh-Teh' in Tibet and 'Big Foot' or 'Sasquatch' in North America. Reports of jaw bones, footprints, and teeth found in remote regions support the belief that the creature is real.

'9 Hairy Moments'

• This section lists nine notable incidents related to hairy, ape-like creatures:
• Over 25,000 tourists visited a Chinese national park after sightings of a 6ft 7ins tall, red-haired 'Savage' beast.
• In 1951, explorer Erlo Shipton took photographs of Yeti footprints, which were dismissed as fakes.
• In January 1987, villagers in the Himalayas spotted a hairy creature.
• In February 1988, Chris Bonington's expedition returned with goat carcasses, claiming they were slaughtered by an unknown creature.
• In May 1988, a BBC film director reported being followed by a large, two-legged creature leaving 15-inch long footprints.
• In November 1989, an explorer took a cast of mystery footprints in Sumatra.
• In November 1990, a six-country Yeti search yielded hair samples that experts claimed supported the Yeti theory.
• In February 1992, soldiers in Kargopol, Russia, reported two red-eyed Abominable Snowmen entering their barracks.
• In April 1992, the carcass of a 'forest monster which ate trees' was found in Karella, Russia.

Where It Lives

A map indicates Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Japan as regions associated with the Yeti.

Laura Mundo: Have You Felt Nervous Lately?

This article, written in June 1974 by the late Laura Mundo, discusses her group's understanding of 'accelerating sun spots' and 'spacepeople' coming from other planets to remove people before a 'peak, beyond human bearing, is reached.' Mundo suggests looking back 30 years to Sky & Telescope Magazine reports. She notes that 'current' solar cycles are shorter than usual, leading to high intensity and nervous tension, with an increase in mental hospital admissions. She proposes setting aside the 'money system' to be prepared for 'climax and reconstruction on a more universal basis.' Mundo also speaks of 'space people quietly living amongst us,' helping humans to see themselves and come safely through the climax. The editor adds a footnote connecting Mundo's ideas to 'abductions' in ufology, but states that Cosmology News no longer deals with UFOs.

Psychic: Reports From The Press

This section compiles various paranormal news items:

Rula's Got a Ghostly Pal

Actress Rula Lenska was reportedly told by psychic taxi driver Gerry Sherrick that the ghost of actress Kay Hammond was standing behind her. Sherrick believed Hammond wanted to protect Lenska and wish her luck in her role as a ghost.

Giant Cat is on Rampage

Police in Edgware, London, were searching for a six-foot domestic cat, described as a 'Coonmain,' which had reportedly terrorized residents and killed a kitten.

Widow Visits His Old Base

RAF chiefs arranged for Audrey Hodgson, widow of war hero Walter Hodgson, to visit his old bomber base at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, York, to make contact with his restless spirit, which had been seen by staff.

How Real is the Spirit World?

This piece, by the editor, John Harris, discusses the concept of life after death and the survival of consciousness. He mentions an experience where his wife's spirit placed her hand on his shoulder. Harris plans to publish a 'blockbuster' on the spirit world in his new Psychic magazine.

Ghost Plays The Organ in a House of Horrors

This article recounts the experience of John and Helen Costello, who were driven from their home in Nottingham by alleged paranormal activity, including a ghost playing an organ, objects moving, and a window breaking. They sought rehousing from the council, who claimed they became homeless deliberately. Spiritualist Betty Henswell supported their claims, stating there were five ghosts in the house. The case was revealed in the London High Court, where the Costellos were given leave to appeal against the council's decision.

Life After Death?

This short piece, attributed to Sir E. F. Dicott, discusses the importance of Jesus' reported survival of death and the hope it offers. It also touches on recent discoveries in nuclear physics suggesting survival after death and reunion with loved ones. The author contrasts this with religious doctrines.

Is Anything-Anybody There?

This section presents photos sent by psychic researcher Elaine Ibiricu of Sheffield, showing what appears to be a superimposed spirit entity or a 'fogged frame' of a young man. The reader is invited to judge whether it is a genuine spirit or a photographic anomaly. The article also includes a call for readers to submit their own unusual photographic experiences.

Witches Harassed

A news brief from Salem, Massachusetts, reports that witches are complaining of threats from religious zealots, with authorities investigating possible violations of civil rights. The article notes the historical persecution of witches in Salem and the current presence of self-described witches who view witchcraft as a nature-based religion, distinct from Satanism.

Letters

• Elaine Ibiricu of Sheffield thanks the magazine and recommends books on 'FAERIES' and 'The Jinn in the Qur'an and the Sunna'.
• Hugh de Cruz from Gran Canaria, Spain, expresses his pleasure with the magazine and discusses spreading 'Great LIGHT' in Venezuela through a Spanish friend. He criticizes the 'false Christian church' and emphasizes 'the LIGHT' crushing 'dirt'.
• Jenny Randles, a TV personality and writer, thanks the editor and mentions her upcoming book 'DEATH BY SUPERNATURAL CAUSES?' and her appearance on Carlton TV discussing UFOs.
• David Blevins from PHAEDRA ENTERPRISES inquires about the possibility of separating psychic content into a new publication called 'INTERPLANETARY NEWS' and notes that if UFOs are moved to 'WORLD UFO JOURNAL', it might become more popular.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Cosmology News are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, including cryptids (Yeti), ghosts, and psychic experiences. There is a strong emphasis on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies, with a call for reader contributions. The magazine appears to be moving away from purely scientific or astronomical content towards a broader focus on the paranormal and spiritual. The editor, Edward Harris, is clearly transitioning the publication's focus, announcing the end of Cosmology News in favor of a new Psychic magazine, indicating a shift towards more spiritual and Fortean subjects. The editorial stance is open to unusual claims and encourages readers to share their experiences, while also acknowledging the need for evidence beyond photographs and personal accounts.

Title: COSMOLOGY NEWS
Issue: 18
Volume: Vol:1 No:1
Date: June 1993
Publisher: Abstract Publ.
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Cosmology News, dated June 1993, is a paranormal and esoteric magazine that continues its exploration of diverse topics. The issue features a continuation of a thesis on life after death, discussions on fairies and jinn, and reports on UFO phenomena and fetal development.

Life After Death: The Bardo Thodol

The article "I.P.P. THESIS OF LIFE AFTER DEATH - Part 3" by Stephanie Wales, continued from Issue 46, 1993, delves into the Tibetan concept of the Bardo Thodol. The Bardo Thodol outlines six states of BARDO: the Natural state (in the womb), the Dream state (intermittent state of uncertainty), Ecstatic equilibrium (in deep meditation), the Moment of death (Dying moment), Reality (Intermediate state of reality), and Sangsaric existence (Intermediate state of seeking rebirth). At the actual time of death, it is stated that there are three states of Bardo: Moment of death, Reality, and Rebirth.

The author suggests that much of our fear of dying stems from not knowing what to expect, leading to a clinging to life. The Bardo Thodol is presented as a guide to understanding the death process, offering clarity that other religious texts may not provide, possibly due to religious institutions' vested interests. The Tibetan belief is that a free spirit is aware of all aspects of the birth system, and greater awareness could lead to a better and more enlightened world. The article notes that Tibetans do not report ghosts wandering, suggesting their theory works, and that remembering the rules of the death process can allow a soul to pass into spirit without fear.

When a spirit is released from the body, it is commonly believed that it is met by loved ones from the spirit realm who act as guides. For the deeply religious, this may manifest as an encounter with Christ. The spirit remains near the physical body until it is disposed of. The Bardo Thodol advises against crying or mourning, as it can cause the spirit distraction and sadness. The Buddha is said to aid the passing spirit, guiding it through the stages of Bardo. Once the body is removed, the spirit is encouraged to follow, often with music and chanting. The article posits that seeing the physical body disposed of helps the spirit accept its fate.

The concept of "heaven" is explored, with spirits indicating that there are no literal heavens or hells, but rather many "STATES OF SANGSARA." According to Tibetan thinking, there are 42 such states. Near-death experiences often describe traveling through a tunnel, sometimes with stars, towards a distant light. The Bardo Thodol suggests entering a brilliant white light, ignoring a secondary cream light. Upon arrival at one's level or sangsara, individuals are said to read their "book of judgment," reviewing their life and judging their actions. The first state of sangsara involves seeing mirages of one's life pass before them.

Fairies and Jinn

The article "Faeries" by Elaine Ibiricu discusses the origin of faeries, referencing Icelandic mythology where Eve hid some children from God, who then declared they would be hidden from man, becoming elves and faeries. In other lands, faeries are seen as fallen angels or the heathen dead. The article draws a parallel between the concept of a fallen angel in the Quran (Iblis, also known as Satan) and the notion of a "jinn." The Quran is cited as stating that God created man from dried clay and the "faerie kingdom" for both to worship Him. Jinn are described as being made of fire and air, making them invisible to humans, while humans are of Earth and water. Jinn possess the power to change shape into various animals and even human form, and are often found in deserts and places of impurity.

The article also touches upon the idea that jinn might be connected to the worlds explored by Carlos Castaneda, suggesting they could serve as a bridge of "unseen fire and air" to experience other dimensions. The author wonders if the kingdom of faeries and the kingdom of the jinni are the same.

Another piece, "MORE ABOUT FAIRIES" by The Editor, addresses the existence of fairies. It suggests that fairies exist on a different vibrational level, rendering them invisible to the human eye but sometimes visible to cameras. The editor speculates that this might be due to the chemical makeup of film. Fairies are described as elementals that can take on any shape and are reputed to be pure energy, tasked with looking after plant life. They are said to appear briefly to unsuspecting persons.

The article "THE REAL REASON WHY MANKIND NO LONGER SEES THEM!" posits that fairies have evolved to a higher frequency, making them spiritually invisible. It also suggests that disbelief and negative thoughts create vibrations contrary to natural laws, acting as a barrier to seeing fairies. The camera, however, is not subject to this disbelief and can capture images. To see fairies, one must cultivate an awareness that is caring, loving, and in harmony with nature, avoiding urban environments.

The "FORBIDDEN UNIVERSE" by Leo Talamonti is mentioned, discussing how psychic phenomena, such as the Yorkshire fairies or the "Mole" of Kluski's childhood, can be creations of the unconscious mind. The concept of "thought forms" creating reality is explored, with the example of a painter creating a tulpa (a spirit entity) through concentrated thought.

Unborn Child's Awareness

An article titled "What an Unborn Child Knows" reports on research confirming that unborn fetuses are affected by more than just their mother's diet or drug use. The fetus can hear what its mother listens to and is evidently affected. An anecdote is shared about a music director who found cello parts of musical works strangely familiar, which his mother revealed she had been rehearsing while pregnant with him. The article also mentions "fetal soap addiction," where unborn babies become addicted to TV soap operas their mothers watch.

Other News Items

Several brief news items are included:

• UNDERSEA MYSTERY OBJECT: A report from Steve Gerrard's UFO Group Newsletter about an unknown mystery object detected by fishing boats and in Swedish Fjords. A new vessel, possibly a stealth ship called SEA SHALCON, is described as being the world's first invisible ship, designed with radar-absorbing paint and advanced technology.
• Magazine Exchange: A list of magazines received for exchange, including DELVE, ENIGMAS, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, and SKYLINK.
• Magazine Closure: An announcement that COSMOLOGY NEWS will cease publication after a few more issues. It will be rebranded as INTERPLANETARY NEWS, focusing on astronomical and space research, with a new psychic-only journal to be launched.
• "FIRE IN THE SKY" Advertisement: An advertisement for the film "Fire in the Sky," based on the true story of Travis Walton's alleged UFO abduction in November 1975 in White Mountains, Arizona. The ad highlights the controversy surrounding the event and the film's stars and production team.
• WORLD UFO JOURNAL: A mention of the WORLD UFO JOURNAL, which first published the Travis Walton story in 1992 and is reviewing abduction films.

Dinosaurs

The final section of the magazine is dedicated to dinosaurs, posing questions about their nature, existence, and disappearance. It mentions recent discoveries of DNA genetic material in prehistoric resin containing a mosquito, raising the possibility of bringing dinosaurs back to existence through gene technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Cosmology News are the exploration of the afterlife and consciousness (Bardo Thodol, fairies, jinn, tulpa), the impact of prenatal experiences on development, and the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and unexplained phenomena, presenting information from various sources and encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to reporting on advancements in technology, such as stealth capabilities, and scientific endeavors, like the potential for dinosaur de-extinction.

Title: COSMOLOGY NEWS
Issue Date: February 8, 1990
Publisher: COSMOLOGY NEWS
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Cosmology News explores the fascinating world of dinosaurs, focusing on their existence, extinction, and the scientific and religious interpretations surrounding them. The magazine presents a range of theories and findings, from the discovery of ancient dinosaur eggs to the controversial asteroid impact hypothesis for their demise.

Shellshocked at Dino Egg

The lead story reports on the discovery of a nearly complete dinosaur egg in the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in east-central Utah. This egg is estimated to be over 100 million years old, dating back to the Upper Jurassic age. Before this find, dinosaur eggs had only been documented from the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Jurassic periods. Scientists Karl Hirsch and colleagues from the University of Colorado Museum found the egg in a quarry that has yielded over 12,000 dinosaur bones. The quarry's environment, possibly a shallow lake or marsh, may have trapped dinosaurs. The discovery adds to the ongoing debate about whether dinosaurs were cold-blooded reptiles or warm-blooded birds, with some researchers suggesting that nest formations and egg structures point towards warm-bloodedness.

Discovering Dinosaurs

This section provides a historical overview of dinosaur discovery, noting that dinosaurs were unknown to man until 1824 when fossilized reptile bones were unearthed in England. British paleontologist Richard Owen coined the term 'Dinosauria,' meaning 'terrible lizard.' Since then, dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent, indicating their widespread presence during the Age of Dinosaurs. The article describes various dinosaur habitats, from land to swamps and possibly water, and mentions the abundance and variety of dinosaur types.

When Did They Live?

The text discusses the timeline of dinosaurs in relation to humans, noting that human fossils consistently appear in rock layers above dinosaur fossils. This geological evidence leads most scientists to conclude that humans appeared on Earth long after the dinosaurs disappeared. The book 'Palaeontology' by James Scott is cited, stating that Homo sapiens lived long after the dinosaurs. The Red Deer River valley in Canada is mentioned as an area with distinct geological layers containing dinosaur bones, subtropical fern fossils, and coal, but no dinosaur bones in higher layers. The book 'A Vanished World: The Dinosaurs of Western Canada' suggests that major dinosaur types ceased to exist simultaneously. While some suggest dinosaurs and humans did not coexist because they lived in different habitats, the fossil record's complexity means definitive answers remain elusive.

Characteristics

Scientists have inferred that a large shallow sea once covered much of eastern North America, creating lush, marshy forests where dinosaurs like the edmontosaurus (a duck-billed dinosaur) thrived. Evidence from footprints and stomach contents supports this. The article also suggests that some dinosaurs exhibited social behavior, herding together and returning to the same nesting sites. The discovery of infant dinosaur skeletons near nests implies sibling social behavior and parental care.

What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

This section delves into the various theories about dinosaur extinction. Princeton scientist G. L. Jepson is quoted listing numerous speculative causes, including climate deterioration, disease, parasites, atmospheric changes, volcanic dust, gene pool drainage, cosmic radiation, continental drift, and sunspots. The article highlights the uncertainty among scientists in answering this question.

Sudden Extinction Theory

A prominent recent theory, proposed by Luis and Walter Alvarez, suggests a massive asteroid impact caused the extinction. This theory is supported by the discovery of a thin, red clay layer rich in iridium (an element rare on Earth's surface but common in meteorites) found in Gubbio, Italy, between two limestone layers. The lower layer was fossil-rich, while the upper layer was largely devoid of fossils, indicating a sudden disappearance of life. The iridium is believed to have been deposited by a large asteroid that struck Earth. This hypothesis has gained traction, though some scientists remain skeptical. The discovery of similar iridium-enriched clay deposits worldwide has bolstered the theory.

David Jablonski concludes that mass extinctions are often abrupt and special, not just cumulative effects of gradual decline. The relatively sudden appearance and disappearance of dinosaurs contradicts the slow evolution model.

The Dating of Dinosaurs

The article discusses the methods used to date dinosaur fossils, primarily radiocarbon dating. It explains that this method measures the decay rate of radioactive carbon from the time of an organism's death. However, significant problems are noted: radioactivity levels become too low to measure accurately for older specimens, and scientists cannot determine past carbon concentrations. The text also mentions other dating methods like radioactive potassium and uranium, but points out that scientists are unable to establish original element levels through time, making age results speculative. The Flood of Noah's day is also mentioned as a factor that could have altered atmospheric conditions and thus affected radioactivity levels.

The Genesis Account and Dinosaurs

This section presents a perspective aligned with the Jehovah's Witnesses' interpretation, contrasting scientific speculation with the Bible's account of creation. It suggests that the earth's formation and preparation for life occurred over millions of years in six creative eras. Dinosaurs and pterosaurs may have been created in the fifth era ('flying creatures' and 'great sea monsters') or the sixth epoch. The article posits that dinosaurs were created by Jehovah for a purpose and were not a product of evolution, citing their sudden appearance in the fossil record without ancestral links as evidence against evolutionary theory.

IN BRIEF

Tiny Diamonds Bolster Meteorite Disaster Theory

This news brief from The LA Times (August 24, 1991) reports on new evidence supporting the meteorite impact theory for dinosaur extinction. Canadian researchers found tiny diamonds, smaller than viruses, in sediment formed at the time of the suspected impact 65 million years ago. These diamonds are often found in meteorites recovered on Earth. The absence of these diamonds in sediment layers before or after the impact further supports the theory. The impact is thought to have caused global warming by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as limestone melted.

MASSIVE PREHISTORIC CROCODILE FOUND

A Toronto Star report (August 16, 1992) details the discovery of a massive prehistoric crocodile fossil in Saskatchewan, Canada. The crocodile, dating back 90 million years, was over 8 meters long and stood about 2 meters high. Saskatchewan at that time was a swampy environment teeming with life.

Mex crater site of dino doomsday?

This article from The Toronto Sun (August 21, 1992) revisits the asteroid collision theory for dinosaur extinction. Researchers reported that a massive asteroid impact 65 million years ago could have caused global warming. New evidence points to a 177-km-wide crater, dubbed Chicxulub, located underground in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Geochemists Joel Blum and Page Chamberlain's study suggests that the impact melted limestone, releasing carbon dioxide and causing the planet to warm. While this theory is supported by many, some scientists still favor volcanic eruptions as the cause of extinction.

SUDDEN EXTINCTIONS!

This editorial section poses questions about sudden extinctions, referencing the Alvarez asteroid theory and the discovery of a mammoth encased in ice, found with vegetation in its mouth, suggesting a sudden death. The editor asks for alternative explanations for both the dinosaur and mammoth deaths, questioning how the asteroid collision could explain the immediate deep freeze of the mammoth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the extinction of dinosaurs, exploring scientific theories such as asteroid impacts and volcanic activity, alongside the challenges of fossil dating. The magazine also presents a creationist perspective, contrasting scientific findings with the biblical account of creation. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints and encouraging critical thinking, as evidenced by the editor's questions and the inclusion of differing scientific opinions. The overall tone is informative, aiming to educate readers on complex scientific and philosophical questions surrounding prehistoric life and extinction.