ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 1, Number 4
Date: September-October, 1974
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, presents a collection of articles exploring controversial theories about ancient civilizations and potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine advocates for an open-minded, scientific approach to interpreting archaeological evidence and historical mysteries.

Ancient Astronauts in Mexico?

This feature article by Gerardo Levet, a mechanical engineer and member of the Ancient Astronaut Society, offers a "shocking, scientific explanation" for the statues found at Tula, Mexico. Levet challenges traditional archaeological interpretations, posing several questions about the ruins: Why do Carbon-14 tests date some pieces at 10,000 years old? Why do the statues exhibit advanced stone-cutting techniques and traces of melted rock? Why is the main pyramid not oriented north-south? And why do the colossi and associated figures possess features and apparel alien to known human types, bearing similarities to those found in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia? Levet suggests that these "Atlanteans" were extraterrestrials who arrived about 10,000 years ago to replenish materials and that their technology was far advanced. He interprets the sculptures as representations of giants, four meters tall, equipped with advanced technology, including helmets with photoelectric cells for solar energy conversion, intercommunication earphones, and electronic proximity sensors. The article contrasts the "traditional archaeological interpretation" (TAI) with the "scientific viewpoint of open mind" (SVPOM).

Ancient Mysteries in New England

Authored by Lori Dallessandro, this article addresses reader inquiries about physical evidence of ancient astronauts in the United States. It highlights several locations: Dinosaur Valley (Connecticut to Vermont), Dighton Rock (Massachusetts) with its mysterious geometrical carvings, Westford (Massachusetts) with a rock carving of a helmeted figure, Mystery Hill (New Hampshire) with man-made rock structures and carvings, and megalithic ruins on mountain tops near Greenfield, Massachusetts, which are compared to Stonehenge. The article also mentions the "Old Man of the Mountain" in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire, and similar figures in Vermont's Smuggler's Notch, suggesting these sites hold clues to ancient mysteries.

Book Review: Mankind-Child of the Stars

This section reviews the book "Mankind-Child of the Stars" by Max H. Flindt and Otto O. Binder, with a foreword by Erich von Daniken. The review, written by Gene M. Phillips, describes the book as presenting a new theory that proposes mankind is a hybrid between early humans and extraterrestrials, suggesting that life on Earth may be an intentional colony nurtured by beings from outer space. The review praises the book for offering "fresh, new thinking" and a "serious, scientific analytical approach," calling it a must-read for students of the ancient astronaut theory. It notes that Erich von Daniken's foreword critiques the "scientific community" for lacking objectivity.

Current Books on Ancient Mysteries

A comprehensive list of books available on the topic of ancient mysteries and ancient astronauts is provided, featuring numerous titles by authors such as Erich von Daniken, Charles Berlitz, Andrew Tomas, and others. The list includes books like "Chariots of the Gods?", "Gods From Outer Space," and "The Gold of the Gods."

Society Membership Growing Rapidly

This brief note indicates a significant increase in interest in the ancient astronaut theory, with the Ancient Astronaut Society receiving inquiries from across the United States and having members in 39 states and 10 foreign countries.

Official Bookstore Offers Discounts to Members

This section announces a discount program for Society members through their official bookstore, offering 10% off on book orders of $10.00 or more.

Second World Conference on Ancient Astronauts

This announcement details the upcoming Second World Conference on Ancient Astronauts, scheduled for May 29-31, 1975, in Zurich, Switzerland. The conference will be held at the Hotel Movenpick-Holiday Inn and will feature presentations by over twenty-five international authors and speakers. English and German will be the official languages, with electronic headsets provided for translation. The announcement lists several confirmed speakers, including Jacques Bergier, Josef F. Blumrich, Baron Johannes von Buttlar, Robert Charroux, Erich von Daniken, Fritz Egger, Peter Kolosimo, Peter Krassa, Gerardo Levet, Frede Melhedegaard, Luis E. Navia, Louis Pauwels, P.S. Schevella, and Jean Sendy. A group flight from Chicago via SWISSAIR is being arranged, with an optional nine-day escorted bus tour through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Information is provided on the cost of the trip and a deadline for hotel reservations.

Erich von Daniken to Lecture for Society December 8

This announcement details an upcoming lecture by Erich von Daniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods?", to be held on Sunday, December 8, 1974, at the North Central College Fieldhouse in Naperville, Illinois. The admission price is $4.00 in advance and $5.00 at the door, with discounted tickets available for Society members. Information is provided on where to purchase tickets.

Erich von Daniken Biography

A brief biography of Erich von Daniken is included, noting his birth in Zofingen, Switzerland, on April 14, 1935. It highlights his early interest in ancient hieroglyphics, his fluency in five languages, and his expertise in various scientific disciplines. The biography mentions his five books, which have sold over 28,000,000 copies and been translated into 34 languages, with "Chariots of the Gods?" being his most famous work. It also states that his theories inspired the founding of the Ancient Astronaut Society and that he travels extensively as a lecturer and author.

Publication Information

ANCIENT SKIES is published bi-monthly by the Ancient Astronaut Society, with its address and telephone number provided. The Society's founding in 1973 as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation for scientific, literary, and educational purposes is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut theory, challenging conventional historical and archaeological narratives. The magazine consistently promotes the idea that ancient civilizations were influenced by, or were direct descendants of, extraterrestrial visitors. The editorial stance is one of advocating for an "open mind" and a "scientific viewpoint" when examining evidence, encouraging readers to question established theories and consider alternative explanations for ancient mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on the technological capabilities of these supposed ancient visitors and the possibility of a non-terrestrial origin for humanity or its advanced knowledge.