Cosmology Newslink - No 44

Magazine Overview

Title: COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK
Issue: No. 44
Date: Spring 1991
Publisher: THE TRIANGLE

This issue of Cosmology Newslink, an international magazine of the cosmos, delves into several significant scientific topics, including the extinction of dinosaurs, the formation of Earth's oceans, the exploration of Mars, and the implications of space travel on time.

How Dinosaurs Died

The lead article, "DEATH OF THE DINOSAURS" by Martin Dawson of the York Astronomical Society, explores the mystery of dinosaur extinction. Dawson recounts a talk by Dr. Keith Hindley that introduced the theory that a comet or 'death star' impact caused the mass extinction event approximately 65 million years ago. The theory is supported by the discovery of unusually high concentrations of iridium in sedimentary rocks from that period, an element rare on Earth but common in outer space. The impact would have thrown vast amounts of dust into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing a drastic drop in temperature. The article also mentions the discovery of ancient impact craters, such as the one forming Lake Manicouagan in Quebec, as potential evidence. Further studies suggest a rhythm of mass extinctions occurring every 26 million years, possibly linked to the solar system's orbit through galactic dust clouds or disturbances in the Oort Cloud, which dislodges comets. A speculative hypothesis involves a 'Dark Star' or 'Nemesis' companion to the sun, orbiting every 27 million years, which could disturb the Oort Cloud and send comets towards the inner solar system. The article notes that if the last extinction occurred 11 million years ago, the next major event might be due in about 10 million years. A related news clipping from 'The Sun' (May 19, 1990) reports on an undersea crater in the Caribbean possibly caused by an asteroid impact 65 million years ago, which scientists believe could be the 'big bang' that wiped out the dinosaurs.

How Oceans Were Formed

Another major theme, explored in articles like "Scientist Thinks Comets Created Oceans" (Los Angeles Times, April 2, 1988) and "Others Say Theory Is All Wet," discusses the controversial theory that Earth's oceans were formed by trillions of small, water-bearing comets. Clayne Yeates, a scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, presented evidence from hundreds of images showing small comets entering Earth's atmosphere at a rate of about one per minute, supporting the idea that they are vaporizing by the millions annually. This theory, first advanced by physicist Louis A. Frank and his team from the University of Iowa in 1986, suggests that these comets, covered in black hydrocarbons, delivered vast amounts of water to Earth over billions of years. Skepticism from other astronomers, such as Don Yeomans, is noted, particularly regarding the lack of similar evidence of constant bombardment on the Moon. The theory implies that oceans developed much more slowly than previously believed and are still growing.

Space Exploration and Mars

Several articles focus on space exploration, particularly concerning Mars. "Soviet Space Exploration Plans Fuel Scientific Interest in Life on Mars" (Los Angeles Times, March 26, 1988) highlights the growing scientific interest spurred by Soviet plans for ambitious Mars missions, including sample returns. Scientists believe Mars' early history was similar to Earth's, making its frozen soils potential sites for clues to the origin of life. The possibility of 'microbial mats' preserved in Martian rocks is discussed. The article also mentions a U.S.-Soviet agreement signed in December 1987 that could lead to experiments on each other's spacecraft and a joint Mars mission, with the U.S. participating in the Soviet Phobos mission and the Soviets potentially involved in NASA's 1992 Mars Observer probe. A future issue of Cosmology Newslink is announced to focus on the Mars program and an Arizona desert project simulating Earth's environment on Mars.

Other Scientific Topics

"Loss of Antarctic Ozone May Peril Earth's Food Supply" (Washington, November 27, 1987) reports on findings by Prof. Sayed El-Sayed, indicating that ozone depletion could threaten the Antarctic food web, starting with microscopic marine plants and krill, which are primary food sources for larger marine life. Scientists have also managed to duplicate the cold conditions believed to cause the annual ozone hole in the Arctic.

"DO SPACEMEN REALLY LIVE FOR CENTURIES?" by Gene Duplantier, explores the concept of time dilation based on Einstein's theory of relativity. It suggests that astronauts traveling at speeds close to the speed of light would experience time passing much more slowly than on Earth, potentially allowing them to age only one year for every fifteen years that pass on Earth. This could explain claims by some 'space people' of being hundreds of years old. Experiments with atomic particles called 'mesons' have provided proof of time dilation.

Editorial and Publication Information

The editorial section discusses the nature of small press magazines, acknowledging that Cosmology Newslink is a 'hobby' and may not appear regularly. Editor Edward Harris expresses hope for a new arrangement to improve regularity. An assistant editor, Dave Prockter, suggested renaming the magazine simply 'Cosmology,' but opposition has arisen, and readers are invited to voice their opinions. The magazine is described as a non-profit journal for information exchange, relying on donations. A subscription form and letter are included, noting that CNK (Cosmology Newslink) may be published only once per year due to production constraints.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cosmic events and their impact on Earth, including extinction-level events (dinosaurs), planetary formation (oceans), and the potential for life beyond Earth (Mars). There's a strong emphasis on scientific theories, both established and controversial, and a willingness to explore speculative hypotheses, such as the 'Dark Star' theory or the cometary origin of oceans. The magazine also touches upon current scientific endeavors like space exploration and environmental concerns like ozone depletion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and acknowledging the challenges of small-press publication. The publication positions itself as a platform for discussing a wide range of topics within cosmology and related fields, embracing the 'strange, weird, and wonderful'.

Title: CNK
Issue: June 1991
Date: June 1991
Publisher: CNK
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of CNK, published after a significant delay due to recession and printer issues, presents a collection of articles on strange events, space exploration, and historical oddities. The cover story, "MISSION OF THE DECADE!", highlights the groundbreaking Voyager space missions.

Showcase Strange

This section offers a series of intriguing, albeit brief, accounts:

• John Hawley's Will: A perplexing story about a 90-year-old man who, believing he had no living relatives, changed his will to leave his fortune to his business partner. However, his nephew, who was alive and well in Paris, later arrived, and the will was inexplicably altered to leave the fortune to him. The question of how the will was changed after Hawley fell into a coma remains unanswered.
• Hsieh Hsuan: A historical figure from China (born 1389) reputed to have transparent flesh, allowing his internal organs and bones to be visible. He lived a religious life, attained a high government position, and died at 75, with a monument erected in his honor.
• Tycho Brahe: The renowned astronomer (1546-1601) who lost his nose in a duel and had an artificial gold one made. He would reportedly remove it during debates to distract his opponents.

These stories were compiled by Zara Jensen and David Prockter with help from Nina Fernbrook in 1989-90.

News for June 1991: Editorial Notes

The editor apologizes for the extended delay in publication, attributing it to the recession and the relocation of their regular printer. This issue, and likely the next, are being produced using a less ideal method. The editor hopes that having a magazine, even under these circumstances, is better than none at all.

Deadly Algae Poses a Marine Threat

The heatwave of 1989 produced a poisonous, green plankton, identified as *chryso cromulina*, which glows in the dark. This algae has been poisoning fish, shrimp, and crabs, impacting the marine food chain. First observed off the Norwegian coast in 1987, it has spread to the northeast coast of England and may reach the Thames and the Forth of Scotland. An environmental scientist expressed concern, stating, "We have been dreading this. There is little we can do about it."

July 5, 1988: Mother Finds Monster in Her Bath

A 18-year-old found a five-foot lizard walking down the street and wanted to keep it as a pet in her bath. The lizard might eventually be sent to Miami's Zoo.

Mission of the Decade!

This feature article, with reports from Martin Dawson of the York Astronomical Society and Edward Harris (Editor), details the Voyager space missions.

The Genesis of Voyager

Launched more than 12 years prior, the unmanned American spacecraft Voyager 2 is now venturing into interstellar space beyond Neptune. Voyagers 1 and 2 were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the late summer of 1977 with the mission to explore the outer planets.

The concept of a "Grand Tour" arose from the alignment of outer planets in the late 1970s and 1980s, an event that occurs only once every 179 years. This alignment allowed a spacecraft to use the gravitational pull of each planet to propel itself to the next, a maneuver proposed by G.A. Flandro in 1966. This "Fast Reconnaissance Missions to the Outer Solar System" concept, utilizing gravitational assists, aimed to build and launch relatively cheap spacecraft.

Two spacecraft, each weighing 1,800 pounds, were dispatched. Voyager 1 was launched in August 1977, taking 8.5 years to fly by Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. Voyager 2, launched in November 1979, took 9 years to visit Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. The initial funding for these missions faced challenges due to public apathy and the rise of inflation, exacerbated by the Vietnam War.

Jupiter and Beyond

Voyager 1 and 2 were equipped with radios, TV cameras, infra-red, and ultra-violet sensors. Their primary target was Jupiter, where they discovered active volcanoes on its moon Io, erupting up to 190 miles above the surface. Volcanic matter was ejected at speeds of 2,300 mph, significantly higher than Earth's volcanic speeds. Jupiter's Great Red Spot was identified as a high-pressure atmospheric region with winds up to 335 mph at the equator. A ring system was also discovered around Jupiter, the first found by a spacecraft.

Voyager 1 visited Saturn next, followed by Voyager 2. The planet's ring system, with its varied shapes and particle sizes, was revealed to be spectacular. Saturn's winds at the equator reach speeds of 1,060 mph. Its moon Titan was slated for future investigation.

Voyager 2 then proceeded to Uranus, reaching it in January 1986. The planet appeared as a large green-blue gas ball, with its moons, particularly Miranda, showing diverse geology. The final destination was Neptune, reached in August 1989. The probe skimmed the planet's northern hemisphere at an altitude of 3,000 miles, capturing images of a turbulent atmosphere and a "Great Dark Spot." Neptune's moon Triton displayed a rocky surface with signs of icy activity, noted as the coldest place in the solar system.

The photographs sent back by Voyager were computer-enhanced images, taking 3-4 hours to receive due to the speed of light. Voyager 2 traveled 41 billion miles, passing within three thousand miles of Neptune. Scientists hope the twin spacecraft will remain trackable for another 25 years as they travel into interstellar space.

Europa: Smallest Moon of Jupiter

This section briefly mentions the "T.O.P.s." (To Outer Planets) spacecraft concept, powered by nuclear generators and advanced electronics. Lessons learned from the Pioneer probes led to the development of two Mariner-class spacecraft, later renamed Voyager 1 and 2, which were initially planned to visit Jupiter and Saturn, with the option of visiting Uranus and Neptune. Problems arose with Voyager 2 before its launch, but it was eventually sent on its historic voyage.

Uranus (1986) Shows Discrete Cloud

This brief note accompanies an image of Uranus, stating it showed discrete clouds in 1986. It also lists references related to the Grand Tour and space exploration, including "The War of the Worlds" as an inspiration.

Newsflash! Bermuda Triangle

Amazing Find on the Ocean Bed. May 17.1991

This article reports on the potential solution to the mystery of Flight 19, which vanished in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945. Divers hunting for treasure on the ocean floor in Florida discovered four of the aircraft almost intact, with the lead aircraft broken in half. The wrecks are now being examined by investigators.

The Bermuda Triangle has been responsible for numerous sea and air disasters over the past 100 years, claiming over 1,000 lives. One of the latest victims mentioned is the Brigantine Marques, which foundered in 1984.

Experts are examining the Avenger bombers to understand why they ditched. The article notes strange phenomena in the area, such as glowing streaks of water, patches of light, instrument malfunctions, and sudden weather deterioration. Pilots in the area can be endangered if unaware of these conditions.

A Navy Board of Enquiry in 1945 sought answers to the disappearance. One member reportedly said the aircraft "vanished completely as if they had flown to Mars." A radio amateur operator claimed to have picked up transmissions from the pilots saying, "Don't come after me. They look like they are from outer space." The article speculates that this could explain the loss of the aircraft, suggesting their power source may have been involved.

The article proposes a hypothesis for the spinning compasses observed in the Bermuda Triangle: that iron particles in the atmosphere, possibly from rusty areas on Earth or Mars, could be agitated by high winds and upset compasses. The submerged aircraft were found only a few miles from the Florida coast.

Eclipse 1990

By Dennis Hayzer, this section details the author's experience photographing a lunar eclipse in 1990. Using a Konica camera with a Tamron 2x Teleconverter, the author captured four photos between 17:35 and 21:00 hours on February 9, 1990. The equipment was set up on a tripod in a backyard, though the weather was cold and cloudy. The article notes that the printing method and cloud cover have diminished the quality of the photos in the magazine. Technical details of the camera setup, including aperture and time settings for each photo, are provided.

Corn Circle Fakes

Compiled by the Editor, this article discusses the phenomenon of corn circles, suggesting that many, if not all, found in Southern England might be man-made. It references a Sunday People article from July 29, 1990, which revealed how a man named Fred Day created corn circles over 47 years ago using simple tools like a ball of string and a hammer. Fred Day demonstrated his technique, which involved using tall wooden stilts to avoid leaving tracks.

The article contrasts this with the belief held by some, like "circle expert" Pat Delgado, that these formations are created by a "superior intelligence" as a warning. It raises the question of whether circles will continue to appear now that the hoax has been confirmed and poses the possibility of two types of corn circles: one made by humans and another by landed UFOs.

It then recounts the experience of Wilfred Gomez and Simon Millington in March 1990, who reported seeing a "spiralling vortex of flashing lights" that made a strange noise and appeared to be an "upturned TV satellite dish." Upon investigation, they found a corn circle at the landing spot. The article also mentions other instances of corn circles, including one in Essex blamed on underground fungi and others found near pubs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, extraterrestrial phenomena, and mysteries of the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories, from scientific endeavors like the Voyager missions to more speculative topics like UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle. There is an acknowledgment of the limitations imposed by current technology and understanding, while also encouraging further investigation and speculation. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to its readership, apologizing for delays and seeking to continue publication despite financial difficulties.

This issue of the East Anglian Daily Times, dated Tuesday, March 8, 1988, focuses on the paranormal, particularly in Suffolk, with a prominent feature on Brenda Butler, a writer-researcher.

The Spooky Side of Suffolk: Brenda Butler's Investigations

The main article, "The spooky side of Suffolk," by Andrew Clarke, delves into the extensive research of Brenda Butler, who has dedicated 25 years to investigating paranormal phenomena. Butler, of Mafeking Place, Leiston, has spent countless nights in reportedly haunted locations across East Anglia. She notes that many people would be surprised by the number of reported haunted houses, black magic rites, and UFO sightings in Suffolk.

Butler was an official investigator for the British Phenomenon Research Society and has contributed to American and Japanese television programmes, as well as writing for international magazines. She claims that UFO sightings are on the increase, particularly in the areas between Woodbridge, Rendlesham, and Orford, with a cyclical pattern of dramatic increases every seven years.

Key UFO and Paranormal Incidents

• Aldringham Alien Spacecraft: In the mid-1970s, Elm Tree Farm at Aldringham was allegedly visited by an alien spacecraft that landed in a field, creating two large holes. Eyewitnesses also reported the spacecraft hovering over Sizewell A nuclear power station. Butler possesses a blurred photograph of one of the holes, noting the absence of tyre marks or footprints and that the tops of nearby trees were burnt off. The EADT reported several sightings over Aldeburgh and Sizewell at the time.
• Rendlesham Forest Incident: In December 1980, an alleged landing of an alien spacecraft in Rendlesham Forest was detailed in the book "Sky Crash," co-authored by Brenda Butler, Dot Strcer, and Jenny Randles.
• Orford Sightings: Recent reports include a travelling salesman witnessing strange happenings in Rendlesham Forest just before Christmas. An elderly woman in Orford reported a similar sighting in October, describing bright lights hovering outside her bedroom window, a phenomenon confirmed by other Orford residents.
• Leiston UFO Sighting: In December, two individuals near Leiston reported UFO sightings to the police, describing two large spherical objects hovering over isolated houses between Leiston and Snape, and Leiston and Saxmundham. The U.S. airbases at Bentwaters and Woodbridge confirmed they had no aircraft in the area at the time.
• Cambridge Encounter: In 1973, Brenda Butler had a face-to-face encounter with ten strange objects hovering around a hill in Cambridgeshire. A BBC film crew accompanied her and captured the event on film, showing a large orange ball hovering and moving around the hill. Villagers of Harston linked these lights to a monolith on the hill, suggesting connections to black magic rites.
• Leiston Ghost: Butler is currently focusing more on the supernatural, including the case of an elderly man in Leiston who claims a ghost, appearing as an elderly nun, has been following him since he was 14, and has allegedly saved him from several car accidents.
• Black Horse Public House Haunting: Butler has investigated the spirits at the Black Horse public house in Leiston. A previous landlord, Mr. Fred Hammond, was unable to use the cellar due to a spirit's interference. Reports include a terrible smell from the cellar when forced open, and mysterious occurrences such as lights being turned on and taps opening by themselves.
• Ghostly Coachman: A disturbing experience occurred at Bradfield Combust, near Bury St. Edmunds, where Butler saw a coach and horses being pulled through the graveyard, with a white shape standing beneath a tree. The pub landlady explained that the lounge bar had to be closed due to nightly visits by a ghostly coachman.

Butler expresses a preference for studying ghosts and poltergeists, as they are tangible, unlike UFOs which usually disappear.

Psychic Healing in Danbury, Essex

This section details an investigation by CNK into psychic healing by Stephen Turoff of Danbury, Essex. Turoff, a former carpenter, uses a letter-opener pen knife and claims to be assisted by a spirit guide named Dr. Kahn, a German doctor, and sometimes Mr. Jones. He reportedly performs near-miraculous healings.

• Renford Stephen's Case: Mr. Renford Stephen, 58, complained of stomach pains. Turoff, in a trance, diagnosed sinus trouble and performed a procedure with a letter opener inserted into Stephen's nostrils, after which the sinus problem reportedly vanished.
• News of the World Reporter's Experience: An investigative reporter from the News of the World, diagnosed with bone cancer but only telling Turoff about back pains, experienced intense heat from Turoff's hands on his back for four minutes. The reporter felt instant relief and significant improvement after three sessions, stating chemotherapy was a slow process and he felt at least 60% better.
• Turoff's Charges and Philosophy: Turoff charges £15 per session, explaining that the fee allows him to dedicate himself to healing full-time. He stated that if people cannot pay, he treats them for free. His work has reportedly caused the telephone exchange to melt its switchboard due to the volume of inquiries.
• Editor's Personal Experience: The CNK editor also visited Turoff for a long-standing back problem. Turoff used a scalpel in a trance, which did not fully cure the problem but significantly reduced the pain. The editor notes that Turoff's charges are business-like.
• Recovery and Spirit Surgeon: Turoff's wife mentioned that sometimes blood is seen due to the physical level of work performed by the spirit surgeon, but full recovery is always achieved. Turoff does not work bank holidays or weekends.

Mystery Spook on TV Show: Australian

This segment, sent in by Zara-Loiuse Robinson, describes an investigation into a ghost story by the Australian current affairs programme 'TWT' (Terry Willisee Tonight) at a hotel in Queensland. During an interview, a shadow appeared, described as being in mid-air, between the camera and the wall, and it did not move when the camera shifted. The ghost was identified as a former owner from 1879, who wore period dress and had a tiny waist. A medium sketched the figure, which perfectly matched descriptions, and indicated the ghost was friendly and watchful of her establishment.

EWFLASH: Venus Probe

A brief report mentions a probe sent to Venus to map its surface by radar. This mission aims to study Venus's 'greenhouse' effect and compare its carbon dioxide atmosphere with Earth's to understand atmospheric issues.

Your Health

This section advertises a privately produced 19-page booklet titled 'HEALTH TIPS' offering advice on minor health problems, including chapters on the ageing process, arthritis, ACNE, asthma, baldness treatments, back problems, cramps, cancer, diet recipes, and more. It costs £2.30 including post and packing and is available from E. Harris, C/O CNK PRESS.

Rattler's Tale

A short review of 'Rattler's Tale', a magazine described as a voyage of imagination and a good mystery story, available from ANTHONY NORTH ENTERPRISES for £5 for 6 issues.

Exchange Adverts

Several exchange advertisements are listed for paranormal and mystery-related publications:

• ENIGMAS: A Journal of Strange Phenomena, Scotland.
• EARTH Magazine: Focusing on Myths & Mysteries of the Earth, West Yorkshire.
• FORESIGHT: Magazine on Spiritual awareness and UFOs, Birmingham.
• SAF BULLETIN: A Swedish publication with English content.
• Astronomical News & Space: From SOLNA ASTRONOMISKA FORENING, Sweden.

The U.F.O. DEBATE

This section promotes 'The U.F.O. DEBATE', a bi-monthly magazine edited by David Barclay, who has over 40 years of UFological experience. It is described as a well-printed A3 size magazine covering all aspects of UFOs. The price for CNK readers is £8.50 for 6 issues, available from David Barclay in Shipley, West Yorkshire.

Back from Space: Helen Sharman

A brief report on Helen Sharman, the first experienced U.K. astronaut, who landed safely back on Earth after spending several days in orbit with Russian cosmonauts. She was chosen from thousands of applicants and her journey is described as a terrific adventure and a dream come true.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features content related to UFOs, ghosts, psychic phenomena, and alternative health. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting on these subjects, providing a platform for researchers like Brenda Butler and promoting related publications and services. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena and personal accounts of extraordinary experiences.