Ancient Skies - Vol 10 No 5 - 1983-84

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 10, Number 5
Date: November-December, 1983
Publisher: Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Theme: Exploration of the ancient astronaut hypothesis and related phenomena.

The Irrational Response of Scientists to the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis by Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella

Dr. Schievella, a proponent of science, criticizes the unscientific and often abusive reactions of the scientific community to the ancient astronaut hypothesis, particularly as popularized by Erich von Daniken. He argues that instead of rigorous scrutiny, critics resort to ridicule, fallacious reasoning, and appeals to authority, demonstrating a dogmatic stance rather than an objective evaluation of evidence. Schievella asserts that the ancient astronaut hypothesis, as a historical hypothesis, should be weighed against available evidence, and that its merits should be considered alongside the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligences visiting Earth in antiquity.

He contends that critics often ignore the broader spectrum of proof beyond empirical and experimental methods, such as theoretical, logical, statistical, and documentary evidence, which are also valid in disciplines like social sciences. Schievella points out that scientists themselves admit to speculation and that their own achievements are embryonic developments in a larger search for truth. He criticizes the conflation of technological achievements with scientific certainty, which misleads the public. The author calls for scientists to adopt a non-discriminating approach, attacking ideas rather than proponents, and to lend their support to investigating the ancient astronaut hypothesis with objectivity.

Schievella highlights that the ancient astronaut hypothesis is not necessarily contradicted by the possibility of evolution elsewhere in the universe or by the lack of absolute knowledge about human origins. He suggests that if scientific and religious institutions allowed, researchers could use computers to analyze comparative similarities in descriptions of 'Gods from space' and determine if these are products of imagination or evidence of extraterrestrial influence.

Venus – Our Home Planet? by Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood

Dr. Greenwood proposes a line of reasoning suggesting that the human species may not fit the standard evolutionary pattern and that ancient literature and traditions point to an extraterrestrial origin, possibly from Venus. He posits that Venus, often described as Earth's 'twin' with similar gravitational pull and proximity, could have been the original home planet. He acknowledges the current appalling atmospheric conditions on Venus (high pressure, extreme heat, carbon dioxide, sulfuric acid clouds) but suggests that these conditions may be a result of recent geological changes, including volcanic activity.

Greenwood theorizes that in the past, Venus had an atmosphere not too different from Earth's. However, volcanic outgassing created problems, forcing the development of space flight. Earth, being the only acceptable alternative habitat, became the destination for those who could escape, while others perished as Venus deteriorated. This scenario, he believes, could explain many current mysteries and is supported by the dynamic nature of Venus observed through space probe investigations. He encourages close observation of Venus exploration programs for evidence of major atmospheric changes in geologically recent times.

More Evidence of Nuclear Warfare in Ancient Times by Yong Check Yoon

Yong Check Yoon presents an interpretation of Greek mythology, specifically the story of a plague described by Aeacus to Cephalus, as evidence of ancient nuclear warfare. The symptoms detailed in the myth—hair loss, dehydration, rough and swollen tongue, dry mouth, extremely high fever, physical weakness, and death—are argued to be consistent with radioactive fallout rather than a divine plague. Yoon suggests that the prevailing wind clearing the atmosphere of fallout is also described in the myth. He concludes that the ancient Greek physicians, lacking knowledge of radiation sickness, could not attribute the disease to natural causes, and that the description aligns with the effects of nuclear radiation.

The Sky People by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

This section summarizes Brinsley Le Poer Trench's book, 'The Sky People,' which postulates two creations of man: Galactic Man by the Elohim and animal-chemical man by Jehovah. Trench suggests that Galactic Man has a physical form but a different chemical makeup, capable of adapting to Earth's environment by absorbing necessary chemicals. The author connects this idea to modern scientific challenges, such as calcium loss in astronauts during space travel. NASA data indicates significant calcium loss during long space missions, leading to weakened bone density. Trench's concept is presented as a potential reality if a human body could absorb chemicals from deep space to sustain itself on Earth, suggesting that beings from other planets might have such capabilities.

On Tiahuanaco and the Nazca Lines by Prof. Dr. Hans Schindler Bellamy

Prof. Dr. Hans Schindler Bellamy, an Austrian archaeologist, shares his observations from Tiahuanaco in Bolivia and Nazca in Peru. He describes Tiahuanaco as a former harbor city, evidenced by ancient strandlines indicating its proximity to a large gulf of the proto-Pacific Ocean, not Lake Titicaca as often postulated. The Gate of the Sun at Tiahuanaco is highlighted as a monument with a complex mathematical description of the world's oldest calendar. Bellamy also notes the chaotic state of the Tiahuanaco ruins until recent exploration, which uncovered the Temple of Kalasaya and the sunken 'Old Temple' with its peculiar stone heads.

Regarding the Nazca 'psammoglyphs' (figures scraped into the desert surface) and lines, Bellamy states that their origin, purpose, and method of creation remain unknown. He dismisses enlargement from small tracings as unlikely and notes that the figures could not have been seen by their makers. He advises that the best time to view and photograph the Nazca markings is during sunrise or sunset to utilize shadows, and that viewing from a low-flying aircraft (500-1,000 feet) is ideal. Bellamy expresses regret that his visits to Nazca were over 25 years prior to Erich von Daniken's books, suggesting that Daniken's ideas might offer new explanations for these mysteries.

About Books and Authors

This section provides brief mentions of recent publications and authors in the field. Orville L. Hope has published '6000 Years of Seafaring.' Andrew Tomas' latest book, 'Mirage of the Ages,' critiques Christianity and the Bible. Erich von Daniken's next book, 'The Day the Gods Arrived: August 13, 3314 BC,' is scheduled for early 1984. It is also noted that Lobsang Rampa, author of 'The Third Eve,' died in 1981. A source for out-of-print books and periodicals on ancient astronauts, UFOs, and the occult is provided: Robert Girard at Arcturus Book Service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging conventional scientific dogma, particularly concerning the ancient astronaut hypothesis. The magazine advocates for a more open-minded and evidence-based approach to unexplained phenomena, historical anomalies, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial influence on Earth's past. There is a strong emphasis on re-examining ancient texts and artifacts through a modern scientific lens, even if it means questioning established paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for alternative interpretations and a critique of what is perceived as closed-mindedness within mainstream science and academia. The issue also touches upon the potential for extraterrestrial life and past visitation, as well as the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations possessing technologies akin to modern warfare.