COSMOS EXPRESS

Magazine Overview

Title: COSMOS EXPRESS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: July 1971
Publisher: The Citizens of Cosmos
Country: Canada
Language: English

This inaugural issue of Cosmos Express delves into the controversial topic of ufology, questioning its legitimacy as a science. The magazine aims to provide a platform for investigating UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on reports from Quebec, Canada.

UFOLOGY: IS IT A SCIENCE ?

The lead article critically examines ufology, defining science as an 'exact and sound cognizance of certain determined things.' It posits that the UFO investigation field is a 'worst jungle ever created around a subject of study.' The article notes the rise of numerous organizations in the 1940s dedicated to studying UFOs, but criticizes them for being 'dumping-grounds for the disappointed drop-outs of orthodox science,' attracting 'neurotics and the illuminared.'

Two main reasons are given for the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs:
1. Lack of Coordination: Diverse research teams operate independently, leading to duplicated efforts and an inability to gain a global view of the phenomena.
2. Sensuous Attitude: A sentimental approach, scorned by stringent scientists, has infiltrated ufology. The article argues that for concrete scientific conclusions, this sentimental approach must be 'mercilessly annihilated.'

The author suggests that official authorities maintain a 'politique of silence' not out of malice, but because the public requires objective controllers, and sensationalist UFO reports could lead to 'mass confusion and probable social cataclysms.' Despite acknowledging individuals attempting scientific research, the article concludes that ufology, in its current state, is not a science due to the surrounding mystery.

PERMANENT UFO FLAP OVER LA TUQUE

This section details a series of unusual aerial phenomena reported in the region of La Tuque, Quebec, a popular tourist destination. The area, surrounded by the Laurentian Mountains, has seen numerous reports of strange sightings, including 'slimy water creatures,' 'flying monsters,' and 'flying objects' exhibiting bizarre flights and lights. These objects are described as 'hat shaped' or 'cigar shaped,' capable of 'rapid flying speed,' and have been observed plunging into lakes and reappearing at high speed.

The Oblong Cloud Incident:

A specific case from June is recounted, where four men at a rural gasoline station near La Tuque observed a 'weird moving cloud' that was 'huge black, oblong.' This object descended between mountains and disappeared behind one. Mr. R., a musician among the observers, drove to Lac Clair to investigate, finding no trace of a cloud. He suspected the object was a 'flying saucer hidden behind an artificially created cloud' to deceive onlookers, possibly dipping into Lac Clair or disappearing into mountain caverns. The men noted the object descended vertically, contrary to typical cloud behavior.

An Expedition to Lac Clair:

The U.F.O. Investigation Committee of Les Citoyens du Cosmos, along with the author, conducted a two-week expedition to Lac Clair in July 1971 to investigate 'plunging' reports. Despite the proprietorship of Canadian International Paper Mills of Canada Ltd. requiring special permits, their results were negative regarding the plunging phenomena. They did, however, visit numerous caverns.

Other Sightings and Reports

ST-LIN-DES-LAURENTIDES: In the summer of 1971, a group observed luminous objects performing aerial maneuvers defying gravity.

RIMOUSKI: On July 21st, 1971, stationary luminous objects, described as red with green and blue rays, were seen by residents. Reports from Grandes-Bergeronnes corroborated these sightings, causing witnesses to doubt their skepticism.

Baie-Comeau: A few days after the Rimouski flap, about 15 people from Baie-Comeau reported similar phenomena.

HIGHWAY 54: In late November 1971, a couple driving near Chicoutimi saw a 'little metal-like disk' emerge from a principal luminous object, which passed at low altitude with a 'bizarre whistling sound.'

Early January 1972 Flap:

• Ste-Foy: On January 6th, a lawyer and his family observed a mysterious round object, resembling a 'ball of fire' with antennas, that moved erratically and split into two.
• St. Foy: On January 7th, a civil-servant and his wife saw a luminous object hover above their car before ascending rapidly.
• Laval Hospital Area: Two witnesses described an object shaped like a bell with luminous streaks. Seven people in a nearby grocery store witnessed the same event.

JANUARY 1972 - Mr. Jules Gobeil:

On a Wednesday morning in January 1972, Mr. Gobeil observed a large, red, hovering object about 200 feet above the ground, estimated at 100 feet long. It flew towards Bagotville Air Force Base at an estimated speed of 85-100 mph. Mr. Gobeil, who was familiar with aircraft, insisted it was neither an airplane nor a helicopter. His dog hid during the sighting, and he admitted to previously disbelieving such tales.

Historical Cases

Charles Fort's 'LO': The article references Charles Fort's book, recounting a 1910 incident off the coast of Normandy where a French fishing smack crew observed a large, black, bird-like object fall into the sea, bound back, and disappear without a trace.

Barmouth, Wales (1922): Another Fort story describes John Morris and William James seeing what they thought was an airplane falling into the ocean, but no wreckage was found.

The author ponders if French observers have a tendency to report similar phenomena, referencing both the Normandy and La Tuque cases.

Theoretical Speculation: The article speculates that if humans cannot yet create devices capable of operating in both air and sea, the 'plunging' reports gain plausibility. It further theorizes that extraterrestrial beings might have used Earth as a base in the past, with their records and bases now submerged, and current 'plunging saucers' could be searching for them.

NOTICE

A notice announces the Ninth Annual Convention of the Congress of Scientific UFO-logists in Logansport, Indiana, USA, from June 23-25, 1972.

EDITORIAL

The editorial discusses the long-standing controversy surrounding the UFO phenomenon, noting the existence of over 250 organizations in the USA and a handful in Canada dedicated to its research. It highlights the psychological burden experienced by Canadians who have had sightings or contact experiences without adequate support. The editorial introduces 'The Citizens of Cosmos' as a non-profit organization dedicated to 'Mankind's higher being of consciousness' and 'realization of common aims,' emphasizing friendship and spiritual union.

From this union, a U.F.O. Investigation Committee for Quebec was formed, providing a voice and responsible intentions for people to share their experiences. The committee believes that recording observations brings light to the prevailing truth, potentially leading to an understanding of extraterrestrials' purpose for visiting Earth and comprehending humankind.

James A. Richards, quoted in the editorial, states, "Man must have a purpose," and leaves the thought for the reader.

The editorial concludes by reiterating that the identified flying saucer phenomenon remains a 'practically virgin field for investigation,' with few valid answers. It acknowledges the possibility of mass hallucination but suggests it's not the sole explanation. The subjectivity of UFO investigators is noted as a 'noxious element,' yet the existence of such sentiment is seen as proof of 'some unforeseen truth under the veil.' The article is identified as a translation and extension of 'L'OVNIOLOGIE EST-ELLE UNE SCIENCE?', originally published in French.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific validity of ufology, the nature of UFO sightings, and the need for organized, rational investigation. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a scientific approach while acknowledging the persistent mystery and the potential significance of the phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of collective investigation and the psychological support for witnesses. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these complex issues, encouraging readers to ponder the 'purpose' behind these events and the potential for extraterrestrial contact.