Cosmology Newslink - No 20

Magazine Overview

Cosmology Newslink, Issue 20, dated January 1979, is presented as an "INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE OF THE COSMOS" with a subtitle in English, German, and French, focusing on "Cosmology and unidentified Flying Objects."

Editorial and Publication Status

The editorial section reveals that the magazine is transitioning to a monthly publication schedule, albeit with fewer pages, to increase its speed of release and reduce postal costs. This new format is intended to run until December 1979, at which point the magazine plans to cease publication. The editor, Edward Harris, explains this decision is to allow for a reassessment of the entire situation, including printing equipment, the UFO enigma, and other factors. He expresses hope that the magazine might reappear in 1981. The editor also apologizes for unanswered mail and delayed advertisements due to his participation in a government course and a potential move of address.

Key Articles and Content

The Situation in UFOLOGY (October 1978): This article reflects on the perceived inability to "do anything about flying saucers," which leads to many UFO magazines folding. It notes the abundance of elusive data but the lack of the actual UFOs themselves. The author suggests this situation necessitates the magazine's closure and reassessment.

House of Lords Debate on UFOs (January 18th, 1979): The issue extensively covers a debate in the House of Lords concerning Unidentified Flying Objects and extraterrestrial beings. Lord Clancarty (Brinsley le Poer Trench) spearheaded the motion to draw attention to the increasing number of sightings and landings globally and called for an intra-government study. The debate, announced on London Independent Television, also involved a petition to pressure the government into releasing UFO information. The article quotes various Lords, including Lord Trifgan (skeptical), Lord Kimberley (believer), Lord Oxford (suggesting a new organization), Lord Davis of Leek (comparing UFO belief to belief in angels), the Bishop of Norwich (cautioning against 'irksand spirituality'), Lord Gladwin (not contesting existence but lack of proof of beings), and Lord Kingsnorten (referencing Ezekiel).

UFO Sightings and Reports: The magazine compiles numerous recent UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• UK Sightings: Reports include a mysterious triangular light over London Heathrow Airport (Sunday Mirror, November 26, 1978), and observations of bright stars being mistaken for UFOs, with a debate on whether an object seen over Heathrow was a star or a UFO.
• New Zealand Sightings: Reports of "great balls of fire" and dazzling objects on New Year's Eve are mentioned, with the Ministry of Defence suggesting space debris. The magazine also discusses a potential explanation for some fireballs as hydrogen gas clouds igniting.
• Australian Sightings: Radar and visual sightings of UFOs are reported, with police observing bright blue objects.
• Other Incidents: A report from northern Italy describes a village plunged into darkness after a UFO hovered over a power station. A 7ft tall man in a silver space suit was reportedly seen in the UK.

International UFO Publications and Contacts: The issue includes a section listing various UFO-related magazines, books, and research groups from around the world, encouraging exchange and contact. This includes publications from Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Canada, and the USA. It also mentions the "NEW ATLANTEAN JOURNAL" and the "MUNDO UFO REPORT."

Lectures and Events: Information is provided about upcoming lectures on UFOs and related topics at the Kensington Central Library in London during 1979, organized by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA).

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting data and reports with a critical yet engaged perspective. There's a strong emphasis on the "mystical, yet scientific" aspects of the subject. The editor expresses a personal desire to compile and disseminate information gathered since 1957, viewing the magazine's closure as a "grand finale." A recurring theme is the frustration with governments and authorities for not taking UFOs seriously or for allegedly covering up information. The editor also touches upon the philosophical implications of extraterrestrial contact and the need for humanity to advance its own technology and peaceful exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Cosmology Newslink revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the perceived inadequacy of official responses, and the ongoing efforts of independent researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance is one of earnest investigation, acknowledging the scientific and mystical dimensions of the subject. There's a sense of urgency regarding the need for public information and a potential shift in human understanding, as highlighted by the House of Lords debate. The magazine also champions the idea of proactive engagement with the phenomenon, suggesting humanity should develop its own capabilities to explore space and potentially make contact, rather than passively waiting. The impending closure of the magazine adds a layer of reflection and a desire to consolidate past findings, while also looking towards future possibilities, including the hope for genuine extraterrestrial contact.