Ancient Skies - Vol 01 No 5 - 1974-75

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5
Date: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1974
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY

This issue of "Ancient Skies" presents a collection of articles and announcements related to the field of astroarcheology and the exploration of ancient mysteries. The magazine aims to foster discussion and research into the possibility of ancient astronauts and extraterrestrial influences on human history.

Astroarcheology and Science by Dr. Luis E. Navia

Dr. Luis E. Navia, Professor of Philosophy at New York Institute of Technology, addresses the often negative reception of astroarcheology within the scientific community. He argues that the ancient astronaut theory, when approached as a hypothetical concept, is a perfectly meaningful and potentially probable hypothesis that does not violate scientific methodology. Navia emphasizes the need to divest the theory of religious overtones to prevent it from becoming a cult. He points out that scientific orthodoxy is not monolithic, and condemnation by some journals does not represent a universal scientific stance. Navia advocates for a climate of participation and cooperation, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Second Conference on Ancient Astronauts as a forum for free exchange of ideas and clarification of concepts. He believes that by focusing on these points, the negativism surrounding astroarcheology will diminish, allowing for genuine development and proving its scientific necessity.

A Clarification by George Teacherson

In an open letter, George Teacherson responds to criticisms that the space program is too introspective. He argues that while funding priorities may differ, the pursuit of space exploration and its technological advancements have intrinsic worth. Teacherson references Josef Blumrich's "The Spaceships of Ezekiel" as proof of the propriety of a space program and suggests that advancements in space technology could offer solutions to energy crises, such as fuel-efficient helicopters. He believes that demonstrating the practical benefits of space technology will stimulate further interest and investment in space exploration, thereby proving the scientific necessity of organizations like the Ancient Astronaut Society.

Second World Conference on Ancient Astronauts

This section announces the Second World Conference on Ancient Astronauts, scheduled to be held in Zurich, Switzerland, from May 29-31, 1975. The conference is limited to 350 people, and reservations are required by January 31. Information is provided for a SWISSAIR group flight and an optional bus tour.

Mars Hill College Symposium

Robert R. Kramer, Assistant Professor of German at Mars Hill College, announces a symposium on "Today, Tomorrow and Beyond" to be held from June 23 to July 3. The event will cover various phenomena including ESP, astral travel, and extraterrestrial life. Kramer also notes that he is conducting a course on the UFO Phenomenon and Extraterrestrial Life for academic credit.

Tax-Exempt Status for Ancient Astronaut Society

The Ancient Astronaut Society has received a tax-exempt ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service. This means that gifts and contributions to the Society are deductible for income tax purposes. The Society plans to use these funds to support scientific field research and publish books in its field.

Authors and Books

This section lists prominent authors and their relevant books, many of which are foundational texts in the ancient astronaut and UFO literature. It includes speakers scheduled for the Zurich Conference, such as Jacques Bergier and Robert Charroux. It also features Charles Berlitz, author of "The Bermuda Triangle," and Josef Blumrich, author of "The Spaceships of Ezekiel." The section also includes lists of hardcover and paperback books available in the field, encouraging readers to submit titles of foreign language books.

NASA Photo: Unusual Landmark Features

Society member James A. Gupton, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, provides an infrared photograph taken from NASA's Nimbus-5 satellite. The image reveals several unusual features: a long, narrow "straight" line running NNW to SSE, approximately 3.8 miles wide and 115.17 miles long; two craters or dry lake beds on the East coast, each about 20 miles wide; and black, rectangular "cold" areas. Mr. Gupton notes that the line appears to be aligned 11 degrees west of north, similar to some Mexican and Central American monuments. He also mentions the renewed interest in the "Bermuda Triangle" and underwater stone works off Bimini, suggesting a potential connection.

UFO's at Stonehenge? by William J. Tarplee

William J. Tarplee reports on a mysterious incident at Salisbury Plain, England, in August 1957. During a British Army exercise, a tank crew reported sighting a large, silvery, cigar-shaped object and stated the tank was about to open fire. No further communication was received from the tank, and it, along with its five-man crew, completely vanished without a trace. The Army conducted extensive searches but found no explanation for the disappearance, classifying it as another baffling incident that sometimes follows UFO sightings.

The Pyramid of Khufu by James A. Gupton, Jr.

James A. Gupton, Jr., examines the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) in Giza, Egypt, focusing on its extraordinary accuracy in dimensions and orientation. He cites Sir Flinders Petrie's 1880 study and subsequent surveys that confirmed the pyramid's precise measurements. Gupton highlights that the accuracy of compass orientation, angles, and stone dimensions seems to exceed the known instruments and tools of the Fourth Dynasty. He questions elaborate astral measurement theories, noting that the magnetic compass was likely unknown to Egyptians and polar star positions would have shifted. The article details the precise measurements of the pyramid's bases and height, noting minimal deviation. It also presents the angular accuracy of the corner angles, showing deviations of less than a minute of arc from 90 degrees. Gupton concludes by referencing John Taylor's 1859 theory that the pyramid was built by a divinely inspired race of non-Egyptian invaders, due to the advanced construction techniques implied by the measurements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Ancient Skies" revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, the potential influence of extraterrestrial visitors on human civilization, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Dr. Navia, is one of advocating for the legitimacy of astroarcheology as a field of study, encouraging open-mindedness and rigorous scientific inquiry, and promoting a collaborative approach to research. The magazine actively promotes conferences and publications within this niche, positioning itself as a central hub for enthusiasts and researchers in the ancient astronaut and UFO fields. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, challenging conventional historical and scientific narratives, and fostering a community dedicated to uncovering hidden truths about humanity's past and potential cosmic connections.