Cosmology Newslink - No 45

Magazine Overview

COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK

Issue: No.45
Date: Est. June 1972
Publisher: CNK
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Cosmology Newslink, established in 1972, presents a diverse range of articles focusing on UFO sightings, extraterrestrial life, witchcraft, and the profound topic of life after death. The magazine operates as a non-profit journal for information exchange, relying on donations and the contributions of its readers.

Extraterrestrials and UFO Sightings

The cover prominently features the headline "Extraterrestrials IS THERE LIFE BEYOND EARTH?". The issue details several UFO incidents, including a close encounter near Gatwick, England, where a holiday jetliner nearly collided with a mysterious black, lozenge-shaped object moving at 120 mph. The Civil Aviation Authority report, disclosed in April 1992, noted the object passed 30 feet above the aircraft's left wing. A CAA spokesman dismissed speculation of extraterrestrial contact, suggesting it might have been a weather balloon, though London controllers had warned another aircraft to avoid a collision.

Another incident involved a cargo plane that had its bodywork 'thumped through' by a UFO over Suffolk in August 1985, while en route from Stansted to Amsterdam. The magazine also reports on a large, lozenge-shaped UFO seen over Eupen, Belgium, in 1989, described as a platform either moving or hovering. A mass sighting is reported from the USS Nimitz in the Western Pacific Ocean on August 12, 1991, where a UFO allegedly landed on deck, with claims of top-secret pictures showing alien life-forms. A UFO sighting in Sichuan, China, on May 23, 1991, involved thousands of witnesses observing a UFO spinning and moving in spirals.

A miniature UFO riddle describes a pint-sized object, nine inches long, seen twice near Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire, described as a 'shining honeycomb' with aerials.

The magazine suggests a potential cover-up of UFO reports by authorities, noting that the Gatwick incident was aired on British TV over a year after it occurred. Jenny Randles of the British UFO Research Association investigated the Gatwick incident and ruled out conventional explanations, calling it a 'classic close encounter'. The article highlights a worrying trend of UFOs encountering aircraft and calls for a freedom of information act in England.

Witchcraft

The article "WITCHCRAFT" by Elaine Ibiricu, introduced by E. Harris, explores witchcraft as an ancient religion. It notes that while many associate witchcraft with negative imagery, it can be based on solid metaphysics. The casting of spells requires strong belief and a clear thought process; doubt can lead to failure. The article emphasizes that witchcraft should be kept secret and advises that not all witchcraft is malevolent, with some practitioners using their powers for healing and problem-solving. It questions whether the effects of good spells are coincidence or due to a 'non-seen stronger element'. The article mentions various offshoots of witchcraft and how science has influenced it.

It further details the Saxon tradition of witchcraft, Seax-wicca, which involves a rite of self-dedication. Key figures in Saxon witchcraft include Woden and Freya. Seax-wicca followers believe in reincarnation, with spirits resting in a 'summerland' before planning future lives, usually seven incarnations. They also believe in retribution in this life, where actions have a magnified impact. The hierarchy includes Theows, Ceorls (neophytes), and Gesiths (initiated members). The Seax-wicca tradition focuses on white magick, as 'Black Witch' is considered a contradiction due to the belief in retribution.

Shamanism

An extract from "The Quest for Merlin" by Nikolai Tolstoy discusses Shamanism, a term used to describe religious practices identified in Siberia. It is described not as a religion but as an archaic technique of ecstasy, similar to trance states used for prophetic insight. Shamans act as specialists who establish contact with the otherworld, serving as intermediaries. The article notes that Shamanism is ancient, possibly practiced by Palaeolithic man, but cautions against assuming modern Siberian practices represent a direct survival of ancient European ones.

The selection and function of a Shaman are outlined: a neophyte may exhibit aberrant behavior, retreat to the wilderness, and upon return, be recognized as a Shaman. This process can involve ritual dismemberment and symbolic rebirth. Shamans acquire special clothing, engage in dancing and drumming to enter an ecstatic state, and ascend a 'World-Tree' connecting this world and the otherworld, often assisted by spirits.

Psychic Breakthrough!

This section reports on research by the Metascience Foundation, led by George W. Meek, which announced the combination of electronic instrumentation with psychic energies to achieve sustained contact with the 'dead' using a machine called SPIRICOM. This system uses frequency modulation and audio tones. Meek stated that this provides 'electronic proof that the mind, memory banks and personality survive death'. The goal is to develop a communication system using 'electromagnetic and etheric energies' for conversations with those in higher consciousness, potentially leading to a television-like device. The research faced challenges, including temporary loss of contact, highlighting the essential role of the SPIRICOM operator's psychic abilities. The team released details, including wiring diagrams, to allow other researchers to duplicate their findings. Taped conversations between SPIRICOM operator William J. O'Neil and the deceased physicist Dr. George Jeffries Mueller (who died in 1967) are cited as evidence, with Mueller providing details known only to a few living people. The article also mentions a taped excerpt from someone claiming to have died in rural Maryland in 1830.

Life After Death

Stephanie Wales presents a thesis on "LIFE AFTER DEATH", referencing "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" (Bardo Thodol). The essay explores the human fear of death, contrasting it with the lack of fear regarding birth, despite not remembering it. It posits that death, like birth, is a unique, individual experience. The article suggests that mortal beings are in 'physical prisons' confining their spirits. It discusses various theories of death, including religious beliefs, out-of-body experiences, and encounters with tunnels of light and loved ones. The author shares personal experience witnessing deaths as 'wonderful, peaceful and joyous occasions', concluding that 'LIFE IS ETERNAL'. A quote from Buddha Amitabha is included: "THINE OWN CONCIOUSNESS SHINING, VOID AND INSEPERABLE FROM THE GREAT BODY OF RADIANCE, HATH NO BIRTH, NOR DEATH AND IS THE IMMUTABLE LIGHT."

Stay cool and you'll live longer

A brief report from The Mail on Sunday (August 20, 1989) mentions research by Dr. Angelo Turturro suggesting that lowering body heat by ten degrees at night can double the lifespan of mice, with potential application for humans. This process is believed to slow the body's biochemical meltdown, thus controlling aging. Dr. Turturro is developing a sleeping helmet to maintain the illusion of warmth while the body stays cool.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial expresses hope for improved production of Cosmology Newslink following financial setbacks and the need for donations to continue publication. It touches upon the issue of UFO sightings being covered up by authorities and praises Jenny Randles's quest for truth. The editor also muses about the possibility of grass circles appearing in autumn. The magazine actively seeks reader input on desired topics, encouraging engagement and feedback. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal, scientific, and spiritual phenomena, with a particular interest in UFOs and the nature of consciousness and existence beyond physical death. The publication emphasizes its role as a platform for information exchange and a non-profit endeavor.

This issue of the "DUNMOW BROADCAST & RECORDER" from November 1, 1989, titled "Is Anyone Out There?", delves into the profound questions surrounding extraterrestrial life, the scientific search for it, and the theoretical concept of time travel. The cover features a striking image of a radio telescope, hinting at the central themes of cosmic exploration and the search for signals from beyond Earth.

The Age-Old Question of Extraterrestrial Life

The article "Is Anyone Out There?" traces the historical roots of the belief in extraterrestrial life, dating back to ancient Greek philosophers like Metrodorus and Lucretius. It notes that this idea, known as the "plurality of worlds," was suppressed for centuries but gained traction from around 1700 onwards, with many scientists and educated people believing in life on other worlds. The piece highlights instances of public fascination, such as an 1835 newspaper report about discoveries on the moon, which, though a fraud, significantly boosted newspaper circulation. It also mentions astronomer Percival Lowell's conviction about Martian canals and France's Academy of Sciences offering a reward for communication with extraterrestrials.

Proposed outlandish schemes to communicate with beings on other worlds are detailed, including lighting fires in the Sahara and planting forests in Siberia. An American inventor's 1899 attempt to signal Martians with electric pulses is also recounted.

The article emphasizes that despite technological advancements, scientists remain optimistic about the existence of life beyond Earth. Astronomer Otto Wöhrbach is quoted stating that "hardly a natural scientist" would deny the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Gene Bylinsky, author of "Life in Darwin's Universe," suggests that a signal from the stars could end humanity's cosmic loneliness. The optimism stems from the sheer number of stars, leading to the assumption that many must host planets, and consequently, life.

The SETI Project: Listening for a Signal

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is a significant focus. The article describes a man in Massachusetts who regularly checks a radio telescope for messages. It mentions astronomer Frank Drake, who in 1960 initiated the first systematic radio telescope search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The global nature of SETI is highlighted, with searches conducted in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, the Soviet Union, Argentina, the United States, and Canada. The project is described as becoming "international as space itself."

A major upcoming SETI project, planned for launch in 1992 by NASA, aims to use a powerful new device to scan millions of radio frequencies simultaneously over ten years, at a cost of $90 million. This ambitious endeavor is projected to be ten thousand million times more extensive than all previous searches combined.

The Fermi Paradox and Scientific Doubts

Despite the optimism, the "Fermi paradox," posed by physicist Enrico Fermi, raises a critical question: if intelligent life is common and many civilizations should exist, having developed interstellar travel long ago, "where are they?" Some SETI scientists are unsettled by this paradox. The article discusses the immense distances between stars, making interstellar travel incredibly challenging, even at the speed of light. It notes that the idea of fast interstellar travel, as depicted in science fiction, is not scientifically plausible.

Physicist Freeman J. Dyson suggests that finding evidence of advanced civilizations should be as easy as finding signs of technological civilization on Manhattan Island, yet "searched, found nothing" has become a common refrain for SETI astronomers.

Some scientists are beginning to question the optimistic assumptions, proposing that there might be very few, or even just one (us), advanced civilization. They highlight the difficulty in proving the existence of planets outside our solar system and the stringent conditions required for life to arise and be sustained on such planets.

The Question of Life's Origin and Evolution

A fundamental challenge to the belief in extraterrestrial life lies in explaining how life itself originates. The article points out that evolutionists cannot explain how life began on Earth. Scientists Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe estimate the odds against vital enzymes forming by chance at one in 10^40,000, while Feinberg and Shapiro put the odds against the initial steps of life forming from organic soup at one in 10^1,000,000. The article suggests that the word "impossible" is an accurate descriptor for these odds.

Despite these challenges, SETI astronomers often assume life originated by chance. The article critiques this, suggesting that some scientists may be driven by belief rather than pure objectivity, creating a "religion of their own" where "Nature" replaces "God."

The Bible's Perspective on Life Beyond Earth

The article contrasts the scientific search with a religious perspective, questioning whether the universe is teeming with populated worlds. It examines the Bible's stance, suggesting it indicates that God likely created intelligent physical creatures only on Earth. However, it refutes the idea that the countless stars and planets were created without purpose. The Bible is presented not as a science textbook, but as a source that is never inaccurate on scientific matters. It is suggested that the Bible itself is a message from an "extraterrestrial Intelligence."

The historical context of the "plurality of worlds" doctrine being declared heresy by the church is mentioned, referencing the fate of Giordano Bruno in 1600.

Time Travel: A Theoretical Possibility?

The issue also explores the concept of time travel, referencing a BBC2 program featuring physicist Dr. David Deutsch. Deutsch explains that while previously considered impossible due to paradoxes, modern ideas of relativity and quantum mechanics suggest that time travel might not be fundamentally forbidden by physics. He notes that most objections to time travel are not insurmountable, and building a time machine, while perhaps not imminent, is no longer considered impossible in scientific circles.

Deutsch explains that time is considered the fourth dimension, linked with space in "Space Time." In this model, the past, present, and future are all real and interconnected. The theory of relativity, as applied to clocks, suggests that moving at speeds faster than light could theoretically allow travel into the past, though reaching the speed of light requires infinite energy. The concept of time dilation, where time passes slower for a traveler at high speeds, is also discussed as a means of traveling into the future.

Examples include the experiment with atomic clocks on a stationary and a moving airplane, demonstrating time dilation. The article also touches on the idea of a "TIME IS A CIRCLE" hypothesis, suggesting that events may repeat, and that UFOs could potentially be future humans returning to the past.

UFO Sightings and Other News

The magazine includes reports of UFO sightings. The "Family baffled by 'strange UFO'" section details an account from Mrs. Sandra Thackray and her family in Dunmow, UK, who witnessed unusual green and orange lights in the sky. Another report from the Daily Mail describes two ambulance men claiming a close encounter with aliens, with police also observing unexplained lights.

Other news items include a report on strange fish appearing in British waters as potential evidence of global warming and an advertisement for a psychic counselor, astrologer, and tarot reader.

Scientific Breakthroughs: The Universe's Riddle Solved?

A significant article reports on a discovery by US scientists using a NASA satellite, the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE). Astrophysicist George Smoot announced that the satellite had found "huge ripples of matter" near the edge of the cosmos, which are seen as evidence for the birth of the universe and explain how stars and galaxies evolved from the "big bang." These ripples, described as "extremely wispy clouds of matter," are the largest and most ancient structures found, dating to almost 15 billion years ago, just 300,000 years after the big bang. The discovery supports the theory that up to 90 percent of the universe is made of invisible "dark matter."

Space Shuttle Rescue Mission

A separate article details a £100 million space shuttle crew rescue mission to retrieve a defunct satellite. Astronauts Pierre Thuot, Tom Akers, and Rick Hieb successfully plucked the 4.5-ton satellite out of orbit. The mission highlighted the need for more training for such emergencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science, belief, and the unknown. It presents scientific inquiry into extraterrestrial life and the universe's origins alongside more speculative topics like time travel and UFO phenomena. There's a clear engagement with both the scientific community's findings and the public's fascination with these subjects. The inclusion of the Bible's perspective suggests an editorial stance that considers religious interpretations alongside scientific ones, particularly in addressing the question of life's uniqueness. The overall tone is one of inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and recent developments in astronomy and theoretical physics, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery and public interest in these profound questions.

Title: Cosmology Newslink International
Issue: 19
Volume: C
Date: 1991

This issue of Cosmology Newslink International delves into the intriguing realms of theoretical physics, the paranormal, and unexplained phenomena. It features discussions on time travel, quantum mechanics, and celebrity encounters with the supernatural, alongside a review of a book on the subject.

Time Travel and Quantum Mechanics

The magazine explores the concept of space-time, suggesting it encompasses the entire history of the past, present, and future. It posits that our perception of time might be consciousness moving into the future, which is already present. The article addresses the paradoxes associated with time travel, particularly the Grandfather Paradox, and discusses how quantum theory might offer solutions.

According to the text, quantum mechanics deals with probabilities, and the 'many worlds' interpretation suggests that all possibilities occur in separate parallel universes. This interpretation, it is argued, could resolve time travel paradoxes by allowing information to travel back in time without creating contradictions. The article quotes Deutsch, who states that if information can travel back in time, there's no theoretical reason why humans couldn't as well, provided parallel universes exist.

Steven Hawkins' early calculations regarding the universe shrinking and time running backward are also mentioned, though later proven wrong. The editor's 'crazy guess' suggests building a time machine by altering universal vibrations to a specific past frequency.

Paranormal Encounters and Celebrity Experiences

The issue features an article by John Barklam titled "Changes The World Has Seen," which reflects on incredible changes over the last ten years, including the cracking of conspiracies and reports of a '1000 year drug' and anti-gravity research, with little public information available.

It highlights the ongoing mystery of crop circles and the verification of the Philadelphia Experiment and teleportation. The article also touches upon alien landings, the Roswell incident (1943), the Eisenhower incident (1954), and the Rendlesham Forest incident (1980), suggesting more information is emerging about these events and the imparting of extraterrestrial knowledge.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Jenny Randles' book, "Phantoms of the Soap Operas." The book chronicles paranormal experiences, including psychic phenomena, ghostly encounters, warnings, and UFO sightings, experienced by famous personalities from television shows like "Dallas," "Eastenders," "Emmerdale Farm," "Dynasty," "Coronation Street," and "Brookside." The review notes Randles' expertise as a leading ufologist and paranormal investigator, mentioning specific cases like a curse on Joan Collins' house and shared UFO interests of David Bowie and Bruce Willis.

Publisher Information and Advertisements

The magazine includes advertisements for "PHAEDRA ENTERPRISES," offering an "ALMANAC OF UFO ORGANISATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS," and for "FORESIGHT" magazine, which covers paranormal, UFO, and philosophical subjects. Contact details for both are provided.

Editorial Notes and Future Issues

The "FOREWORD BY THE EDITOR" acknowledges that book reviews might be out of date due to publication cutbacks but thanks Jenny Randles for her book. A footnote indicates uncertainty about the release date of the next issue (1993-4) and invites publishers to send review copies.

Cover Image

The cover features a striking image of Neptune's moon, Triton, with the caption "Voyager's parting shot NEPTUNE'S MOON, TRITON,".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of scientific theories that challenge conventional understanding, such as time travel and quantum mechanics, and the investigation of paranormal phenomena and unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging the serious consideration of new theories, even if they seem outrageous, and presenting information on a wide range of topics from scientific speculation to anecdotal accounts of the supernatural. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena and historical unexplained incidents.