The Joseph Cottrell UFO Encounter: Telepathic Communication and Glass Cities (1973)
In September 1973, a routine evening turned extraordinary for Joseph Cottrell, a 42-year-old machinery inspector from New Hampshire. While studying for his private pilot examination, Cottrell experienced an inexplicable urge to step outside his home, where he encountered what initially appeared to be a large cluster of fireflies approximately 1,500 feet away. This luminous anomaly soon separated into seven distinct spheres of light, each measuring between six and nine feet in diameter, that approached him in formation.
The objects exhibited color changes from green to white to warm red as they hovered silently about 50 feet above the ground. During this encounter, Cottrell experienced telepathic communication with entities he sensed were inside the lights. The beings proceeded to examine him with a beam of light that seemed to analyze his entire body down to the cellular level, particularly focusing on areas of previous injuries. Throughout this interaction, which lasted about an hour, Cottrell received warnings about nuclear energy and visions of "glass-like cities" that would profoundly impact his life's direction afterward.
Key Takeaways
Joseph Cottrell's 1973 encounter involved seven luminous spheres that communicated telepathically and examined him with a specialized light beam.
Multiple UFO sightings were reported across New Hampshire and Vermont on the same evening as Cottrell's experience.
Following his encounter, Cottrell devoted his resources to researching UFOs, which eventually led to significant personal and financial consequences.
Initial Encounter with the Mysterious Orbs
On a mid-September evening in 1973, at approximately 9:30 PM, Joseph Cottrell had an extraordinary experience outside his New Hampshire home. The 42-year-old machinery inspector felt an inexplicable urge to step outside for fresh air while studying for his private pilot examination.
As Cottrell approached his rear door, he noticed what appeared to be a massive ball of light about 1,500 feet from his position. Curious, he descended to ground level and began walking up his driveway to investigate. The ball suddenly separated into seven smaller orbs, each measuring between six and nine feet in diameter, which rapidly converged toward him.
The spheres displayed shifting colors—green similar to firefly illumination, then transitioning to whitish hues and warm reds. They positioned themselves about 1,000 feet away at approximately 50 feet above ground level, arranging into two distinct formations: one group of three and another of four orbs.
Despite being unable to visually identify occupants, Cottrell somehow perceived intelligent beings inside the luminous spheres. When he wondered aloud "Why me?" he received an immediate telepathic response: "Why not you?" The silent objects remained hovering as Cottrell contemplated their composition and energy source.
After 10-15 minutes of this silent observation, Cottrell rushed to his front door to alert his family. His 19-year-old son Wayne grabbed a rifle while Cottrell retrieved his shotgun and camera. Strangely, his wife Alice remained watching television, showing complete disinterest in the phenomenon.
When father and son returned outside, the lights had repositioned themselves—the four-unit formation had moved 150-200 feet away at about 35 feet elevation, while the three-unit group had shifted northward. Standing back-to-back for protection, they continued observing the objects when Cottrell received another telepathic message: "Are you going to shoot us?"
Though armed with both camera and gun, Cottrell used neither. A beam of light then appeared at his feet, and he understood they wanted to examine him. The examination had already begun, with the beam methodically moving from his feet upward through his body, lingering on areas of previous injuries before focusing on his brain.
Cottrell sensed they were creating a detailed analysis of his cellular structure. When the beam's intensity increased to uncomfortable levels, he mentally communicated his discomfort, and the energy immediately decreased by approximately 40%.
During this interaction, Cottrell received mental images of glass-like cities and energy systems. The beings conveyed warnings about nuclear energy's dangers and implied humanity would not survive the next two millennia without some form of collaboration with them.
As the objects moved increasingly closer after about an hour, Cottrell became apprehensive. He raised his hand signaling them to stop, which they immediately respected by retreating to their previous positions. Shortly afterward, the orbs departed.
The incident was subsequently investigated by MUFON member Lorraine Duchesne and reported in the Lancaster New Hampshire Cruz County Democrat newspaper. Notably, multiple UFO sightings were reported across New Hampshire and Vermont that same evening.
Physical Description of the Strange Lights
Joseph Cottrell first observed what appeared to be a large ball of light approximately fifteen hundred feet away from his home. This initially resembled a cluster of fireflies glowing in the night. As he walked closer to investigate, the single light separated into seven smaller spherical units, each measuring between six to nine feet in diameter.
The lights moved with remarkable speed and silence, approaching to within a thousand feet of Cottrell at about 50 feet above the ground. They arranged themselves in two distinct formations: one group containing three lights and another with four. The color of these objects continuously shifted—starting with a green glow similar to fireflies, then changing to whitish hues and warm reds.
When Cottrell returned outside with his son Wayne, the lights had repositioned themselves. The four-unit formation hovered 150-200 feet away at approximately 35 feet above ground, while the three-unit group had moved northward about 40-50 feet away. During the examination phase, a beam of light extended from the objects to Cottrell's feet. This beam moved methodically up his body, seeming to linger longer on areas where he had previous injuries.
The beam's intensity varied throughout the examination, with Cottrell noting changes in:
Width
Speed
Energy level (which decreased when he mentioned discomfort)
After approximately an hour, the lights approached even closer before suddenly returning to their original positions. Moments later, they simply vanished. Despite having both a camera and firearms, neither Cottrell nor his son attempted to photograph or defend against these mysterious objects during the entire encounter.
Mental Communication
Cottrell's Experience and Exchange
In mid-September 1973, Joseph Cottrell, a 42-year-old machinery inspector, had an extraordinary encounter outside his New Hampshire home. After feeling a sudden urge to step outside around 9:30 PM, he observed what initially appeared to be a large ball of fireflies approximately 1,500 feet away. As he walked up his driveway to investigate, the light separated into seven smaller glowing spheres, each about six to nine feet in diameter.
The spheres, displaying shifting colors from green to white to red, rapidly approached and positioned themselves in two formations—one group of three and another of four—about 1,000 feet away at approximately 50 feet above ground. Cottrell somehow understood that intelligent entities occupied these luminous objects, though he couldn't physically see them. When he mentally questioned "Why me?" he received an immediate telepathic response: "Why not you?"
During this initial interaction, Cottrell contemplated the objects' composition and energy source, noting their complete silence. After 10-15 minutes, he ran to his house to alert his family, returning with his son Wayne, a camera, and firearms. Interestingly, his wife showed no interest in the phenomenon. The entities had repositioned themselves slightly farther away, with the four-unit formation 150-200 feet distant and 35 feet high, while the three-unit group moved northward.
Key communication exchanges:
"Are you going to shoot us?" the entities asked telepathically
Cottrell, feeling foolish holding unused weapons, responded "No, that is how we humans are"
When a light beam examination became uncomfortable, Cottrell objected, and the entities immediately reduced the intensity by about 40%
The Psychological Impact and Questions Raised
The encounter profoundly changed Cottrell's life. During the interaction, he received vivid images of glass-like cities and energy systems, along with warnings about the dangers of nuclear energy. He also understood that humanity wouldn't survive the next two millennia without some arrangement with these beings, though the specifics remained unclear.
When the objects moved even closer, Cottrell feared they intended to take him and his son. He signaled with his hand for them to stop, which they immediately obeyed before departing. The entire encounter lasted approximately one hour.
Following this experience, Cottrell's life took a dramatic turn. He became obsessed with UFOs, spending his life savings and pension income traveling across the United States to seek out similar phenomena and connect with other experiencers. This newfound fixation eventually led to the end of his 23-year marriage, as his wife had no interest in the subject.
The incident raises several intriguing questions:
Was Cottrell's initial "urge" to go outside actually the beginning of telepathic contact?
Did the entities deliberately distract him to reposition themselves?
Why did neither Cottrell nor his son use their camera or weapons?
What was the purpose of the detailed bodily examination?
UFO reports from multiple nearby towns that same night suggest a broader phenomenon was occurring throughout the region. While initially skeptical, the New England UFO Study Group later reconsidered Cottrell's account after hearing similar stories involving luminous objects and telepathic entities from other witnesses.
The Assessment and Scanning Method
This section explores the detailed scanning process experienced by Joseph Cottrell during his encounter with unexplained light phenomena in New Hampshire.
Comprehensive Analysis
When the unusual lights approached Cottrell and his son, a remarkable interaction began. The entities communicated telepathically, asking if they could examine him. Before Cottrell could fully process this request, the examination had already started. A beam of light appeared at his feet and methodically moved upward across his entire body.
The scanning process was thorough and deliberate. The beam showed particular interest in areas where Cottrell had previous injuries, lingering longer at these locations. It moved with precision, examining his entire physical structure from feet to head.
As the beam reached his brain, Cottrell could sense variations in its properties. The beam adjusted in intensity, width, and speed as it scanned different areas. This suggested a highly sophisticated analytical process was taking place.
Discomfort Management and Modifications
During the examination, Cottrell gained the impression that the entities were creating something akin to a complete cellular analysis or advanced biological scan of his body. This detailed assessment seemed to excite the entities, though the process became increasingly uncomfortable for Cottrell.
When the beam's energy intensified to painful levels, Cottrell voiced his discomfort: "Hey, you said it wouldn't hurt." The response was immediate—the beam's energy reduced by approximately 40%, while the examination continued uninterrupted.
This interaction demonstrated the entities' responsiveness to human discomfort and their ability to adjust their technology accordingly. Throughout this process, Cottrell maintained telepathic communication with the beings, an experience he found both remarkable and fascinating.
During this scanning period, Cottrell received mental images of unusual structures resembling glass-like cities and advanced energy systems. The entities conveyed serious concerns about human use of nuclear energy, warning of its dangers. They also implied that humanity's long-term survival would depend on some form of relationship with their civilization.
Insights and Forewarnings
Visions of Crystalline Metropolises and Power Sources
In September 1973, during a remarkable encounter with luminous spherical objects, Joseph Cottrell received extraordinary mental images of what appeared to be transparent, glass-like urban developments and advanced energy systems. These visions came during an unexpected interaction near his New Hampshire home when seven glowing orbs approached him and his son. The beings communicated telepathically, sharing detailed technical information about energy components and infrastructure unlike anything currently available on Earth.
The light entities transmitted these images directly to Cottrell's mind while conducting what he described as a comprehensive scanning procedure. This scan analyzed his entire physical makeup down to the cellular level, with particular attention given to previous injury sites. The technology demonstrated appeared to function through precisely controlled light beams of varying intensities and frequencies.
Caution Regarding Atomic Power Generation
The intelligent entities conveyed a clear and urgent message about the dangers of nuclear energy technologies. They emphasized that humanity's pursuit of atomic power sources represented a significant threat to our continued existence. This warning was transmitted directly into Cottrell's consciousness during their hour-long interaction.
Their message suggested humanity's current approach to nuclear energy was fundamentally flawed and potentially catastrophic. While specific details about alternative energy systems weren't fully disclosed, the entities appeared concerned about humanity's technological direction. This communication came during the height of nuclear power development in the United States, perhaps indicating their timing was deliberate.
Prediction of Humanity's Future
Perhaps most significant was the beings' assertion that humanity would not survive beyond the next two millennia without establishing some form of relationship or agreement with them. This sobering message suggested potential extinction awaited humans unless cooperation occurred.
The nature of this proposed "arrangement" remained unclear in Cottrell's account, but the implication pointed toward:
A need for technological assistance
Possible resource sharing
Some form of collaborative survival strategy
The entities didn't specify whether the extinction threat stemmed from environmental factors, technological missteps, or other causes. However, their emphasis on energy systems and nuclear power dangers suggests technological development paths may be central to their concerns about humanity's future prospects.
Shift in Viewing Patterns
The night of mid-September 1973 marked a significant encounter in New Hampshire when Joseph Cottrell, a 42-year-old machinery inspector, experienced an extraordinary event. While studying for his pilot examination, Cottrell felt compelled to step outside for fresh air, where he witnessed what initially appeared to be a large collection of lights approximately 1,500 feet away. This seemingly random evening occurrence would evolve into one of the more documented close encounters of the early 1970s.
Response to Immediate Proximity
When the lights approached and separated into seven distinct illuminated spheres ranging from six to nine feet in diameter, Cottrell realized these weren't ordinary phenomena. The objects displayed changing colors—shifting from green similar to firefly illumination to whitish tones and warm reds—as they arranged themselves into two groups of three and four, hovering about 50 feet above ground. Cottrell experienced a powerful intuitive understanding that intelligent beings inhabited these light spheres, despite not physically seeing entities within them.
A telepathic exchange initiated when Cottrell questioned "Why me?" and received an immediate response: "Why not you?" This communication established the interactive nature of the encounter. Despite his simultaneous amazement and fear, Cottrell maintained his observation, particularly noting:
Complete absence of sound from the objects
Continuous color transformations
Deliberate positioning of the light formations
The Entities' Strategic Withdrawal
After Cottrell ran inside to alert his family, returning outside with his son Wayne, both armed (Cottrell with a shotgun and Wayne with a .22 rifle), the light formations had repositioned themselves. The four-unit formation moved 150-200 feet away at about 35 feet elevation, while the three-unit group shifted northward. Despite carrying weapons, neither Cottrell nor his son used them, as the telepathic communication continued with the entities asking, "Are you going to shoot us?"
Following this exchange, the beings initiated an examination using a beam of light that:
Started at Cottrell's feet
Moved systematically up his body
Lingered on areas of previous injuries
Adjusted in intensity, width, and speed during the process
When the beam's energy became uncomfortable, Cottrell protested telepathically, and the beings immediately reduced the intensity by approximately 40%. As the objects began approaching again after about an hour of interaction, Cottrell became apprehensive about their intentions. When he raised his hand to signal them to stop, they immediately complied and returned to their previous positions before departing.
Multiple UFO sightings were reported that same night across several New Hampshire and Vermont communities, including Gorham, Colebrook, Stafford, and Littleton, suggesting a broader phenomenon in the region.
Investigation and Public Disclosure
MUFON's Examination
After Joseph Cottrell's remarkable encounter in mid-September 1973, his case attracted the attention of MUFON investigator Lorraine Duchesne. The organization took interest in the detailed account of the machinery inspector's interaction with the seven luminous objects outside his New Hampshire home. Duchesne conducted a thorough review of Cottrell's claims, particularly focusing on the telepathic communication and examination beam he described. MUFON's involvement lent credibility to what might otherwise have been dismissed as an implausible story.
Media Documentation
The Lancaster New Hampshire Cruz County Democrat newspaper published Cottrell's experience in November 1974, with reporter Kim Nilsson documenting the details of the encounter. Nilsson's article highlighted a significant corroborating factor - on the same night Cottrell reported his experience, UFO sightings were recorded in multiple neighboring communities:
Gorham
Colebrook
Stafford
Littleton
Miles Pond
Peachem
Sutton, Vermont
This cluster of regional sightings suggested a broader phenomenon rather than an isolated incident, potentially strengthening Cottrell's account.
UFO Research Group's Analysis
The New England UFO Study Group met with Cottrell in November 1973, just months after his encounter. Initially skeptical, the group noted inconsistencies between Cottrell's first report to them and later versions of his story. Specifically, details about "glass-like cities" and warnings about nuclear energy appeared in later tellings but were absent from his original account.
The research group observed significant life changes following Cottrell's experience:
He developed an intense obsession with UFOs
He spent his life savings pursuing UFO research
His 23-year marriage ended as his wife Alice showed no interest in his newfound passion
He abandoned his career as a steam generator inspector
While initially hesitant about the credibility of Cottrell's account, the New England UFO Study Group later reconsidered their assessment after encountering other witnesses who described remarkably similar interactions with luminous objects and telepathic entities.
Personal Aftermath
Changes in Life Direction
After his encounter with the UFO lights in September 1973, Joseph Cottrell experienced a significant shift in his life priorities. He developed an intense interest in UFOs that quickly became all-consuming. This newfound passion drove him to seek out similar experiences and connect with other witnesses across the country.
Despite having worked as a federal civil servant for 18 years before retiring on disability, followed by 8 years as a steam generator inspector, Cottrell abandoned his established career path. His encounter completely redirected his focus and energy.
Family and Financial Impact
Cottrell's obsession with UFOs created substantial strain in his personal relationships. His wife Alice, who had shown no interest in his encounter (even refusing to come outside during the event), could not understand or accept his dramatic change in behavior and priorities.
The financial consequences were equally severe. Cottrell spent his entire life savings and a significant portion of his pension income funding his travels across the United States to investigate UFO phenomena and meet other experiencers.
After 23 years of marriage, the couple ultimately separated, unable to reconcile their divergent perspectives and Cottrell's all-consuming new focus.
Reinforcement Through Similar Testimonies
Initially, organizations like the New England UFO Study Group approached Cottrell's account with skepticism. However, as time passed, they encountered other witnesses describing remarkably similar interactions with luminous objects and telepathic entities.
These parallel accounts led researchers to revisit Cottrell's testimony with greater interest. The consistency between his experience and others' reports—particularly regarding telepathic communication with entities inside light formations—provided validation for his claims.
The Lancaster New Hampshire newspaper also documented that on the same night as Cottrell's encounter, UFO sightings were reported across multiple locations including Gorham, Colebrook, Stafford, Littleton, Miles Pond, Peachem, and Sutton, Vermont, suggesting widespread activity in the region.
Reflections on the Motive and Prompting of the Encounter
The circumstances surrounding Joseph Cottrell's experience raise intriguing questions about the nature of his initial compulsion to step outside. The sudden urge he felt while studying for his pilot examination appears suspiciously timed, possibly indicating an external influence rather than random chance. This seemingly spontaneous decision served as the catalyst for the entire interaction that followed.
When examining the timeline, several noteworthy patterns emerge. First, Cottrell's wife showed an unusual lack of interest in the event, remaining focused on television despite her husband and son rushing outside armed with cameras and weapons. This selective influence suggests the entities may have deliberately chosen their audience.
The communication methods employed deserve particular attention. The visitors responded directly to Cottrell's unspoken thoughts with the simple yet profound question: "Why not you?" This exchange demonstrates:
Immediate response to his internal questioning
Demonstration of mind-reading capability
Establishment of two-way communication
The subsequent examination beam appeared carefully modulated, responding to Cottrell's discomfort by reducing intensity when requested. This responsive behavior indicates not merely observation but interactive study. The beam's particular focus on previous injury sites suggests a detailed biological mapping exercise rather than casual scanning.
When the objects began approaching too closely, Cottrell's outstretched hand immediately halted their advance. This simple gesture proved effective, reinforcing the impression of entities respecting certain boundaries despite their technological superiority. The timing of their departure also followed this pattern of responsive behavior.
The information shared during the encounter centered on practical concerns - warnings about nuclear energy dangers and glimpses of advanced technology. These elements point toward a potentially educational motive rather than merely scientific curiosity about human subjects.
Cottrell's profound life changes following the encounter - spending savings pursuing similar experiences and ultimately separating from his wife - speak to the psychological impact such communications had on him. His transformed priorities suggest he received information compelling enough to redirect his entire life focus.
Aftermath for Joseph Cottrell
Following his extraordinary encounter in September 1973, Joseph Cottrell's life changed dramatically. The machinery inspector, who had previously built a stable career as a federal civil servant for 18 years and later as a steam generator inspector for 8 years, found himself increasingly preoccupied with UFOs.
This newfound obsession consumed both his finances and attention. Cottrell spent his life savings and a significant portion of his disability pension traveling across the United States to research UFOs and connect with other experiencers. His dedication to understanding what had happened to him became his primary focus.
Unfortunately, this radical shift in priorities created significant strain in his personal relationships. His wife Alice, who had shown no interest in the strange lights on the night of the encounter, remained disconnected from his newfound passion. The couple separated after 23 years of marriage, unable to reconcile their divergent paths.
When Cottrell first shared his experience with the New England UFO Study Group in November 1973, the organization initially approached his account with skepticism. However, as similar reports emerged featuring comparable interactions with luminous objects and telepathic entities, they reconsidered his testimony.
Interestingly, reporter Kim Nilsson's 1974 article in the Lancaster New Hampshire Cruz County Democrat revealed that on the same night as Cottrell's encounter, UFO sightings were reported across multiple locations including Gorham, Colebrook, Stafford, Littleton, Miles Pond, Peachem, and Sutton, Vermont.
The New England UFO Study Group later noted discrepancies between Cottrell's initial account and subsequent tellings. His later versions included details about "glass-like cities" and warnings about nuclear energy that were absent from his original testimony. These additions raised questions about whether Cottrell had initially withheld information or perhaps embellished his story over time.
