ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 8, Number 5
Date: November-December, 1981
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Theme: The issue explores the mystery of ancient artifacts and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.

The Crystal Skull of Lubaantun

The lead article, "The Crystal Skull of Lubaantun," by Enrico Mercurio and Gene M. Phillips, delves into the hypothetical scenario of discovering an undeniable piece of extraterrestrial evidence. The authors discuss the challenges of presenting such an object to the scientific community and the public, emphasizing the need to maintain control of the object and its analysis.

They recount a "brain-storm" session where participants debated how to handle such a discovery. The consensus was that a university, museum, or NASA would likely discredit or confiscate the object. Therefore, the Ancient Astronaut Society or the finder would need to conduct independent, scientifically verifiable analyses.

The article then presents a case study: the crystal skull found in Belize (formerly British Honduras) in 1927. The skull, carved from a single piece of clear quartz with a detachable lower jawbone, was discovered by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, adopted daughter of British explorer Frederick A. Mitchell-Hedges, in the ruins of Lubaantun. The expedition, which included archaeologists and scientists, was searching for Maya ruins.

Mitchell-Hedges contended that the skull, along with other artifacts found at Lubaantun, were products of the technologically advanced civilization of Atlantis. This claim, however, led to him being labeled a "crackpot" by the archaeological establishment. The opposition argued that the Mayas lacked the technology to create such an object and that perfect rock crystal of that size was not found in Central America, suggesting Mitchell-Hedges himself planted it.

The article draws a parallel between the Lubaantun skull and another crystal skull in the British Museum, found in Mexico in 1889. While the British Museum skull is similar in size and configuration, it lacks the clarity, detail, and detachable jawbone of the Lubaantun specimen.

Further analysis of the Lubaantun skull by art restorer Frank Dorland, who studied it from 1964 to 1970, revealed astonishing details. Using special lenses and microscopes, Dorland determined that the skull and its lower jawbone were originally one piece of crystal. This finding was particularly baffling because rock crystal cannot be split without splintering, implying it was somehow sawed into two parts. Microscopic examinations revealed no tool marks. Hewlett-Packard Company, a leading manufacturer of quartz crystal oscillators, confirmed through x-y axis and polarized light tests that the skull was worked against the crystal's natural axis, a feat requiring advanced knowledge.

Dorland's measurements indicated the skull was about 6 inches high, 8 inches long, and 6 inches wide, weighing 11 pounds, 7 ounces. The Hewlett-Packard report estimated that its exquisite workmanship, achieved through sand and water polishing, would have required over 300 man-years of labor.

The article notes that both the Lubaantun and British Museum skulls have been largely ignored by mainstream archaeologists, who are unable to explain their origins.

Paloma - Oldest Settlement in the Americas

Another article, "Paloma - Oldest Settlement in the Americas," by Dr. Joseph Benfer of the United States, reports on the determination that the site of Paloma in coastal Peru is the oldest permanent village in North and South America.

Discovered over ten years prior by French archaeologist Dr. Frederick A. Engel, Paloma's antiquity was recently fixed by Dr. Benfer's team. The oldest human skeletons found at Paloma date back 7,700 years. The team discovered more than 220 human remains and 56 dwellings. The human remains include those of babies and fetuses, indicating continuous habitation over at least three periods: 4,500 years ago, 5,500 years ago, and 7,700 years ago.

Due to the arid climate, artifacts, food, and human remains are exceptionally well-preserved. Some bodies retain their hair, skin, and stomach contents. Artifacts found include fish hooks, nets, textiles, and food, but no ceramic artifacts were discovered.

Prior to the Paloma discovery, the oldest known South American settlements were Huaca Prieta (5,000 years old), El Paraiso (3,000 years old), and Las Aldeas (3,000 years old). Dr. Benfer noted the presence of hundreds of wells or pits for storing provisions, containing remains of fish and other foods. The accumulation of refuse indicates a permanent settlement rather than a nomadic one.

Dr. Benfer estimates that 6 to 7 families lived at Paloma 7,700 years ago, increasing to 20 families 5,000 years ago. The diet of the inhabitants changed from grains and vegetables in the earlier period to fish and animals in the later period.

The article acknowledges that Peruvian archaeology extends much further back, citing the Lauricocha man (10,000 years ago) and fishing nets from Paracas (9,000 years ago). Some archaeologists attribute antiquity of 20,000 years to certain groups in Ayacucho and 14,000 years to paleolithic works on the Chillon River. However, Paloma's significance lies in its character as a long-duration permanent settlement.

Defining the Problem: Paleocontacts and Paleovisits

In "Defining the Problem," by Tinko A. Eftimov, the author addresses the hypothesis of paleocontacts and paleovisits, examining the physical, biological, and technological considerations of extraterrestrial visits to Earth.

Based on data from a 1971 symposium on Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligences (CETI), Eftimov estimates that within a 20-light-year radius, there are approximately 30 stars with life-sustaining conditions, with an average distance of 18 light-years between them.

Considering technological capabilities, Eftimov discusses two types of spaceship velocities: one-tenth the speed of light and just below the speed of light.

• One-tenth the speed of light: A journey of 18 light-years would take 180 terrestrial years. This necessitates cryogenic equipment for the crew or sending unmanned probes. Contact with such a craft would take about 600 terrestrial years.
• Just below the speed of light: This involves relativistic craft where time dilation occurs. A journey of 3,000 to 10,000 light-years could take 30-35 terrestrial years for the crew, but 3,000 to 10,000 years for those on Earth.

Eftimov references statistical data presented at the Byurakan Symposium regarding three types of civilizations: Earth-like, technologically more advanced, and much more advanced and actively seeking contact. He assumes that the density of civilizations decreases with technological advancement. The average distance to a civilization more advanced than ours is estimated at 800 light-years, and to an active civilization at 1,000 light-years. Within a 1,000-light-year sphere, there could be about 8 active civilizations and 10 more advanced ones.

For civilizations traveling at near light speed, a round trip of 2,000 light-years could be completed in 50 terrestrial years for the crew. This suggests that Earth could have been visited by intelligent beings from nearby planets every 2,000 years, or more frequently within shorter periods.

Eftimov contrasts two trends in CETI research: Radioresearch and Paleocontact.

• Radioresearch: While technically feasible for detecting non-anthropoid civilizations using radio signals, it faces challenges such as unknown signal frequencies, directions, criteria for distinguishing artificial from natural signals, and the high cost and time delay (1,000-2,000 years for a signal to return).
• Paleocontact: This approach relies on the possibility of space travel by technologically advanced civilizations and the existence of evidence of past visits. The results of direct contact are considered more significant than receiving a radio signal, as it confirms extraterrestrial origin.

Eftimov concludes that if at least one civilization can overcome the challenges of space travel, it is only a matter of time before humanity achieves this level. He advocates for focusing efforts on this goal for the betterment of mankind.

Upcoming Events

The magazine lists several upcoming events for the Ancient Astronaut Society:

• March 1982: Member Expedition to Lake Miramar, Mexico.
• November 1982: World Conference in Vienna, Austria.
• November 1982: Member Expedition to Petra, Jordan, Jerusalem, and Kenya.
• 1983: Tenth Anniversary World Conference in Chicago.
• 1983: Member Expedition to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Easter Island.

Additionally, it notes that Erich von Däniken's book, "Signs of the Gods?", is available in paperback from Berkley Books, New York.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ancient Skies are the examination of anomalous ancient artifacts, particularly the crystal skulls, and the scientific and statistical analysis of the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation to Earth in the past. The editorial stance, as implied by the content and the publication of the Ancient Astronaut Society, is one that entertains and investigates the ancient astronaut hypothesis, presenting evidence and theories that support the idea of advanced ancient civilizations and potential extraterrestrial involvement in human history. The magazine encourages readers to consider these possibilities and to "Come Search With Us!".