Cosmology Newslink - No 41

Magazine Overview

Title: New COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK
Issue Date: Summer 1988
Issue Number: 41
Publisher: CNK

This issue of New Cosmology Newslink, subtitled "International Magazine of the Cosmos," presents a diverse range of articles focusing on unexplained phenomena, marine mysteries, and the paranormal.

Editorial

The editorial by Edward Harris welcomes readers to a "smarter-looking magazine," attributing the improvement to new production methods and the help of a friend. He notes that producing the magazine takes about three months and acknowledges reader delays are sometimes due to lack of funds. The editorial also briefly touches upon the mystery of dinosaur extinction and thanks contributors, mentioning Andrea Schmülling from Germany.

Denizens of the Deep

This extensive section explores various accounts of mysterious marine creatures and legends.

The 'Zuiyo Maru' Incident

The issue details the capture of a large, decomposed marine creature by the Japanese fishing trawler 'Zuiyo Maru' on April 25, 1977, off the coast of New Zealand. The creature, resembling a plesiosaur, was photographed but jettisoned due to its putrid smell. Despite the loss of the carcass, five clear photographs were taken. Experts from the Tokyo National Science Museum and Tokyo University of Fisheries were unable to identify the creature, with Dr. F. Yasuda noting its unusually elongated trunk and suggesting it might be an unknown species of shark.

Sea Monster Legends

The article delves into the history of sea monster lore, referencing Viking tales, the biblical Leviathan, and accounts from ancient Chinese, American Indians, and Australians. It highlights the work of Olaus Magnus, who in 1555 described a sea serpent up to 200ft long. The report also mentions a sighting off the Greenland Coast in 1734 by missionary Hans Egede, and a 1741 account by Captain Lorenz von Ferry of a sea monster with a horse-like head and a long white mane.

The Loch Ness Monster

A significant portion is dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster. It discusses the difficulty in distinguishing myth from reality and mentions the cultural impact of fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes. The article traces the modern fascination with Loch Ness to the 1933 road construction that altered the landscape. Key sightings and evidence are presented, including:

• The 'Surgeon's Photograph' (1934): Taken by Robert Kenneth Wilson, this iconic photo shows a serpent-like head. NASA analysis in 1972 suggested the presence of whiskers.
• David Slorach's 1954 Sighting: Described as a rounded body on stilts, later appearing as a tree trunk with a neck and head.
• Dr. Robert Rines's Photographs (1972, 1975): These images, analyzed by NASA, provided further evidence, leading to the creature being named 'Nessiteras Rhombopteryx' by Sir Peter Scott.
• Tim Dinsdale's Film (1959): A cine film shown on BBC television, which, while lacking detail, demonstrated an animate object in the Loch.

The article also mentions other lake monsters like CADDY, OGOPOGO, MANIPOGO, and ISSIE, and briefly touches on the possibility of multiple creatures.

Other Marine Sightings

Other reported sightings include the HMS Daedalus incident in August 1848, where a serpent-like creature was observed. The article notes the proliferation of books and magazines on such subjects, comparing the quality to the 'FLYING SAUCER REVIEW'.

UFOs in Perspective

This section, Chapter Three, argues for the reality of UFOs despite their inherent intangibility.

Historical Context

The article challenges the notion that Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting was the first, citing 'LITS' reports dating back to 1902. It discusses the 'Foo Fighter' phenomenon during World War II, with sightings by B-29 bomber crews in 1944. These were followed by metallic cigar-shaped objects emitting blueish exhaust, dubbed 'Ghost Rockets,' reported over Finland, Sweden, and Norway in 1946. The origin of these objects remains a mystery, with investigations by the Swedes yielding no published results.

Notable UFO Reports

• 1943 Spanish Volunteers: A disc-like object was seen hovering over a battle between German and Russian aircraft in Russia.
• 1944-1946: Sightings of 'Foo Fighters' and 'Ghost Rockets' are discussed, with speed estimates up to 500mph and silent explosions reported.
• 1948-07-24: A glowing cylindrical object was sighted over Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, USA.
• 1948-07-24: A pilot flying over Blakestone, Virginia, reported an unusual object emitting red fire from its tail, described as much bigger than anything previously seen.

The author suggests that UFO reports are taken seriously by authorities and that the slow release of information might be a deliberate strategy to acclimate the public, possibly influenced by films like 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND.' The concept of 'disinformation' is explored as a means to mislead.

Psychic: Investigation into Paranormal Phenomena (Team)

This section introduces the I.P.P. (Investigation into Paranormal Phenomena) team, consisting of Stephanie Wales and Brian Smith.

Belief in Ghosts

Stephanie Wales discusses the common perception of ghosts as figures that 'bump in the night and wear white sheets.' She posits that ghosts are essentially people who have not fulfilled their earthly lives and wish to communicate, often sensing individuals who are sympathetic. She emphasizes respecting the wishes of the dying.

The I.P.P. Approach

Brian Smith, a retired musician, and Stephanie Wales form the I.P.P. Their aim is not to prove or disprove paranormal phenomena but to acknowledge their existence and understand the reasons behind them. Brian provides technical support with sound equipment and cameras, while Stephanie uses her ability to travel out of body and sense spiritual atmospheres. They investigate cases, such as the one at "Henry's House," seeking to understand the presence of spirits and, if possible, assist them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from the depths of the oceans to the skies above. There's a clear interest in cryptozoology (sea monsters, lake monsters) and ufology, presented with a tone that suggests these phenomena are real and worthy of serious investigation, despite official skepticism. The paranormal, specifically ghosts and spirits, is also covered, with a focus on understanding rather than mere debunking. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging reader participation and acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding in these fields. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in mysteries and the fringes of accepted science.

This issue of CNK I.P.P. INVESTIGATIONS, dated June/July 1988, focuses on paranormal phenomena, including ghost investigations and UFO sightings, alongside scientific endeavors in space exploration and the controversial topic of the Turin Shroud.

I.P.P. Investigations: The Nature of Ghosts

Stephanie Wales of I.P.P. (Invisible Phenomena Project) outlines the organization's approach to investigating ghosts. She questions the conventional understanding of ghosts and proposes a method of direct inquiry, suggesting that the 'real' reason for a ghost's existence can only be found by going to the source. The I.P.P. aims to confirm the truth behind supposed ghost phenomena through out-of-body contact, ensuring that the information gathered is unadulterated. Wales emphasizes that while individuals are entitled to their beliefs, the pursuit of truth is paramount. The section concludes with an invitation for readers to share their personal experiences or ghost encounters.

UFOs in Perspective

This extensive section presents a series of UFO sightings and encounters from various locations and time periods:

Chiles and Whitted Sighting

Two crew members, Chiles and Whitted, reported a cigar-shaped object with rows of square windows that radiated a bright blue glow. The object was estimated to be 100 feet long and travelled at approximately 700 miles per hour, disappearing into the clouds without making any noise or causing turbulence. Air Force investigations deemed the object unidentified.

Maritime UFO Sighting

A captain reported an ovular, cylindrical object travelling at over 25 mph, about 50-100 feet above the water. The object made no noise and appeared to pick up considerable speed as it moved away, described as having a churning or rotary motion and a shiny aluminum color.

French Encounter at Nouatre

In 1954, George Gatay and his team witnessed a strange being and a large, shiny dome-shaped object with rotating wings. The being vanished, and the object ascended vertically, disappearing in a blue haze. The witnesses, including Gatay, experienced a collective paralysis.

Brazilian UFO Photograph

In 1958, Almiro Barauna photographed an alleged UFO from the Brazilian Navy ship 'Almirante Saldana'. The object was described as bright, elliptical, and travelling at high speed. The photographs were later judged 100% authentic after exhaustive tests.

Swedish Encounter

In 1958, Hans Gustafsson and Sig Rydberg encountered a disc-like object resting on legs, emitting shimmering light. They described 'blobs' that attempted to envelop them with a strong suction. The object then shot upwards, emitting a bright beam of light and a high-pitched whistling sound.

US Air Force C-118 Crash

In 1959, a four-engined C-118 transport plane crashed near Tacoma, Washington, killing all four crew members. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft was chased by three silver discs before its destruction.

Canadian Encounter at Falcon Lake

In 1967, Steven Michalik encountered two oval-shaped UFOs. One landed nearby, and a beam of light emanated from it. Michalik was incapacitated, experiencing burns and subsequent health issues. The object was described as approximately 35 feet in diameter and 12 feet high.

Saudi Arabian Sighting

In 1972, Captain Raymond Old and his wife observed a bright white light that rapidly approached, described as cylindrical with a vapour trail and an intense blue-white front.

Pennsylvania CE2 Report

In 1977, eleven witnesses in Gatchellville, Pennsylvania, observed a UFO resembling a red ball of fire drifting against prevailing winds. The object left a burned patch of grass with three distinct holes.

Chinese UFO Activity

In 1982, Chinese Air Force pilots reported a yellow-green UFO that caused electrical and navigational malfunctions in their aircraft. The object was described as growing larger and increasing in speed.

Shrouded in Mystery: The Turin Shroud

This section discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the Turin Shroud, focusing on the implications of radio-carbon dating. The relic, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus, underwent carbon dating using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) method. The article highlights the scientific tests conducted and the anticipation surrounding the results, which could either confirm its authenticity from the time of Christ or classify it as medieval. It also touches upon the 'infalsificabile' (unfakeable) nature of the image and the potential for the shroud to become a second Mecca if vindicated.

Space News Worldwide

Countdown to Phobos Encounter

This article details the Soviet Union's ambitious mission to Phobos, Mars' largest moon. Two unmanned spacecraft were launched to refine their trajectories, hover over Phobos, and deploy probes. The mission also aimed to map Mars and observe the solar wind. The article discusses the challenges of Phobos' low gravity and the scientific objectives, including analyzing soil composition and the planet's climate history.

Galileo to Encounter Venus

The beleaguered Galileo mission, delayed due to the Challenger tragedy, is set to encounter Venus in 1990. The spacecraft carries advanced optical instruments that could provide new insights into Venus' atmosphere and cloud deck, including details about its rapid winds and the distribution of sulfur dioxide. The mission also aims to study the planet's magnetic field and near-infrared emissions from its surface.

Flying to Mars: Soviet Plans

Professor Valery Barsukov discusses the Soviet Union's long-term projects for Mars exploration. He highlights the possibility of past life forms on Mars due to evidence of rivers and water. The plans include launching Martian satellites, employing balloons for atmospheric studies, and developing a 'Martian car' for sample collection. The ultimate goal is a manned flight to Mars by the end of the century, emphasizing international cooperation.

Mysteries and Comments

Is Anybody There? And the Cat Saw It Too

Vivien Payne recounts a personal experience of seeing a white shadow of a woman in her grandmother's garden, which her cat also reacted to. Despite no one else seeing it, she felt a strong impression that the shadow was searching for something.

Seance Girls in 'Demon' Terror

A brief report about trainee hairdressers who experienced terrifying phenomena, including an ouija board spelling 'death', after holding secret seances.

Freezing

A short report about a room becoming freezing cold during a seance.

Comment

Researcher Brian Smith and Stephanie Wales of I.P.P. comment on the use of ouija boards, stating they are harmless if used properly and that misinterpretations are common with unskilled users of spirit communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and ghosts, and the exploration of space. The magazine presents witness testimonies, scientific analysis, and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the paranormal and scientific advancements, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. There is a clear emphasis on seeking truth and presenting evidence, even when dealing with controversial subjects like the Turin Shroud and alleged paranormal events.

Cosmology Newslink International, issue 22/89, published in July 1988, is a non-profit magazine focused on information exchange regarding paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and survival after death. The cover prominently features Michael Roll with the headline "TOP SCIENTISTS NOW CONFIRM THE TRUTH OF SURVIVAL."

Survival After Death and Materialisation

The issue delves into the concept of survival after death, presenting Michael Roll's perspective. Roll emphasizes that the proof for survival must come from leading physicists, not just through videos of materialisation phenomena. He notes that while he has written to free thinkers and sought cooperation from physicists like Archie Roy, many are hesitant to engage, possibly due to establishment pressure. Roll mentions the difficulty in getting mediums to cooperate, citing historical examples like Florrie Cook and D.D. Home. However, he has located another materialisation medium in the West Country and is seeking a physicist, such as Professor Abdus Salam, who is not afraid of the establishment.

Michael Roll has a regular column in The Spiritualist Gazette, but he aims to shift spiritualists' focus from religion to physics and philosophy, believing that people are starting to understand how they have been misled by figures like Ian Wilson, who control education and mass communication.

The article recounts the story of Russell Byrne, a boy who died of cancer and materialised, reuniting with his parents. This led to a mother who lost her son making contact with Gwen Byrne, Russell's mother. The author expresses disbelief at how those in authority fight to suppress such truths, acknowledging their efficiency in controlling mass communication and education.

Despite past efforts to suppress inconvenient facts, the author believes that in 1988, the truth is harder to suppress due to numerous communication outlets and personal printing capabilities. Local independent radio stations are now broadcasting the case for survival after death, with many listeners requesting Roll's thesis.

The article highlights how scientists studying survival after death have been labeled as 'nutters' dabbling in the supernatural. However, this tactic has backfired, especially after Prince Charles's interview with Sir Alastair Burnett, where he clarified his interest in the work of physicist Arthur Koestler and the natural, not the supernatural.

Recent discoveries in nuclear physics are seen as exciting because they help locate the 'next world' in other dimensions vibrating at faster speeds. These discoveries, when combined with materialisation phenomena and the work of figures like Sir William Crookes, provide the sought-after scientific proof of survival.

Roll offers his thesis, 'The Physicists' and Rationalists' case for Survival after the Death of our Physical Bodies,' free of charge to anyone sending a stamped addressed envelope to his Bristol address. The offer is valid for the UK only.

UFOs and Flying Saucers

Jenny Randles, in an article titled "Flying saucers are not a mug's game," discusses the discrepancy in belief in flying saucers between Britain (16-23%) and the US (57%). She attributes this partly to the Whitley Strieber affair and the media's focus on trivial cases, noting that the significance of a sighting is inversely related to publicity. The best evidence, she states, comes from witnesses who fear repercussions.

Randles explains that for many, UFOs serve as a replacement for science and religion, offering the appealing idea of wise alien visitors rescuing Earth. However, she notes that nine out of ten UFO sightings have mundane explanations, while others suggest interesting scientific possibilities. Bufora's research with the Tornado and Storm Research Bureau indicates that circular crop damage is related to wind and weather, not UFOs. A four-year study of close encounter witnesses suggests they tend to be unusually visually creative.

Despite these findings, the extraterrestrial interpretation of UFOs persists because it is what people want to believe. Randles recounts a case where a teenage receptionist's sighting was leaked to the press, leading to a nightmare of isolation. She also mentions a piece of daylight movie film of an orange ball of light that scientists could not explain.

Randles concludes that UFOs will continue to be promoted as extraterrestrial phenomena because that is how people perceive them. She estimates that 10,000 people in Britain see a UFO each year.

Bob McKelvey reviews Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods." Hopkins, a UFOlogist, author, artist, and sculptor, investigates alleged alien abductions, focusing on cases like Kathie Davis, who describes genetic experiments by aliens. Hopkins' work is supported by similar testimonies from other witnesses, including police officers, lawyers, and a psychiatrist. He recounts his own initial skepticism and a pivotal sighting in 1964 that led him to investigate.

Hopkins' research has led to books like "Missing Time" and "Intruders," with a follow-up "Aftermath" planned. Despite many subjects preferring anonymity, their backgrounds lend credibility to their accounts. The article quotes Michael Shea describing alien appearances. While scientists remain unconvinced, public acceptance of UFOs is growing, as indicated by a recent Gallup Poll.

UFO Spot Wins Praise

This section reports on The Observer newspaper being praised for its help in publicizing a 24-hour UFO hotline set up by investigators in West and South Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. Philip Mantle, the hotline co-ordinator, highlights the success of the service, which received calls from people reporting sightings.

One notable call came from a young couple who witnessed a large circular object descend very low over the M1 motorway between Junctions 22 and 25. The object lit up before moving away and appearing to land in a nearby field, leaving the couple frightened and puzzled.

Flying Oranges and Teabag UFOs

Under the headline "FLYING JAFFAS ET oranges pip experts," Martyn Sharpe reports on UFO hunters urging people to look out for "flying ORANGES as big as houses." Dozens of witnesses have reported giant 'Jaffas' that hum and glow bright orange. Attempts to photograph them have been fruitless. A school dinner lady described them as the size of semi-detached houses, while another witness mentioned mild sunburn after seeing them. Sightings have occurred in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire. Dennis Harriman of the UFO Investigation Society stated that police officers have privately admitted seeing them but are afraid to report their superiors.

In a separate report, "Teabag UFO zaps Pauline," a schoolgirl named Pauline Emerson reported a teabag-shaped UFO with a disgusting smell that zoomed within yards of her. The incident caused her to miss school and take tranquillisers. Her mother confirmed the house shook and felt like oxygen was being sucked out. An education welfare officer vouched for Pauline's truthfulness.

Mars and Other Phenomena

Dan Goring's report "MARS IS NOT A UFO" advises observers that Mars will approach Earth closely in late September, appearing as a bright orange 'star'. He warns that while it is of great interest to astronomers, it could be mistaken for a UFO, noting increased activity in cycles of 10-11 years. He suggests sky-watches should be conducted during this period.

A brief item titled "Evidence on Yeti is seized" mentions that evidence confirming the existence of the Yeti has been seized by government officials, including a sheep's fleece, due to fears of disease. This material, gathered in the Himalayas by Chris Bonington, faces destruction.

Next Issue

The next issue will feature articles on "Why did the Dinosaurs die out?", "The Church -v- Psychic information," and other space and UFO news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that scientific evidence is increasingly supporting paranormal phenomena, particularly survival after death and the existence of UFOs. There is a clear stance against religious dogma, advocating for a physics and philosophy-based understanding of reality. The publication aims to disseminate information that challenges the establishment's control over public knowledge and encourages open investigation into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief in the growing accessibility of truth through alternative channels.