Ancient Skies - Vol 11 No 1 - 1984-85

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 11, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1984
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Ancient Skies, published by the Ancient Astronaut Society, focuses on a critical examination of the "Nova Program's" television special, "The Case of the Ancient Astronauts," specifically its segment on the Nazca lines and the ancient astronaut theory. The article, authored by Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Society, aims to counter what it perceives as a deliberate attempt by the Nova Program to discredit Erich von Daniken's theories and promote a "scientific attitude" that dismisses alternative interpretations.

The Plain of Nazca and the Nova Program

The article begins by recounting the 1978 Nova Program's television special, which it states was designed to turn public opinion against Erich von Daniken and the ancient astronaut theory. A news release and teacher's guide issued in advance of the program were noted for warning against theories that could "impede rational scientific investigation" and for urging viewers to maintain a "scientific attitude." Von Daniken was criticized for "distorting" facts and lacking "precise facts."

The author then provides background on the Nazca Plain in Peru, a desert region where the Nazca culture flourished from approximately 100 BC to 700 AD. This culture is known for its exquisite pottery and textiles. The Nazca markings, or "Nazca lines," consist of gigantic "drawing boards" on the desert floor, including perfectly straight lines, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, geometric designs, and spirals, as well as figures of insects, animals, birds, and marine life. These were discovered in their true nature with the advent of air travel in the late 1920s.

Dr. Paul Kosok, an investigator from Long Island University, became interested in the Nazca lines in 1939 and concluded they formed a giant astronomical calendar, oriented to stars, the sun, the moon, and solstices. In 1946, he persuaded mathematician Maria Reiche to concentrate her research on the Nazca lines. Reiche, who had been in Peru previously, spent over 40 years investigating these markings. Her 1968 book, "Mystery on the Desert," supported Kosok's calendar theory and explained how the lines were made: by removing dark, oxidized stones from the desert surface to reveal the lighter, sandy soil underneath. The arid, windless conditions of the Nazca region preserved these markings for centuries.

However, the article notes a shift in Reiche's perspective in the Second Edition of her book, where she complained about "entertaining space-phantasies" attracting visitors who caused damage. The author attributes this damage partly to the Pan American Highway, which bisects the plain and brings vehicular traffic.

Critique of the Nova Program's Presentation

The article then delves into the Nova Program's specific arguments and its critique of von Daniken. The program ridicules von Daniken's idea that the lines resemble an "airfield," calling it a "strange pattern for a spaceport." The author points out that the Nova Program failed to mention that Maria Reiche herself, in her 1968 book, had described the markings as appearing "similar to airfields" when viewed from the air.

Carl Sagan is quoted in the Nova Program stating it's "most remarkable" that space travelers would need an airfield, dismissing it as "temporal chauvinism." The Nova Program then presents Maria Reiche explaining how the straight lines could have been made by ancient people using a "furrow tracer" with exceptional eyesight, capable of drawing perfectly straight lines over long distances.

However, the author highlights inconsistencies. Maria Reiche's "furrow tracer" explanation is not found in her book, and her book instead suggests that ancient Peruvians possessed unknown instruments and knowledge. The National Geographic article from May 1975 is cited, stating that while some lines point to solstice positions, attributing the lines to the Nazcas is a theory, not a fact.

The Nova Program then promotes the astronomical calendar theory, suggesting that animal figures like the giant bird, fish, and monkey are linked to seasons. A particularly elaborate account from the transcript is quoted, linking a monkey symbol to the coming of rain, the sun's heat to drought and cats eating humans, and finally the monkey's arrival signaling a change and the return of water. The author dismisses this as fantasy and notes that the God of Maize, mentioned in relation to harvest, is typically associated with Mayan culture, not Nazca.

Scientific Scrutiny and Alternative Explanations

The article presents a strong counter-argument by detailing the work of Dr. Gerald S. Hawkins, an astronomer who analyzed the Nazca markings using a computer, similar to his work on Stonehenge. Hawkins' findings, published in his book "Beyond Stonehenge," indicated that only about 20% of the Nazca lines had any sun-moon orientation, which he considered no more than chance. His computer tests with 45 stars also showed no significant alignment. Hawkins concluded that the "star-sun-moon theory had been killed by the computer" and rejected the astronomical calendar theory.

The author criticizes the Nova Program for failing to mention these scientific studies, which directly contradicted the theories presented by the program. Instead, Nova resurrected the "disproved" astronomical calendar theory as the "rational view."

The article also addresses criticisms leveled by the Nova Program against Erich von Daniken for not correcting an error in his book "Chariots of the Gods?" The author questions why Maria Reiche did not correct errors in her own book's second edition, especially after being aware of the National Geographic and Hawkins studies.

Additional Information and Society Notes

The issue includes footnotes providing details on the Nova Program's broadcast, publications, and sources. It also lists Erich von Daniken's latest book, "The Gods and Their Grand Design," and offers information for obtaining catalogs of UFO and ancient astronaut books from Arcturus Book Service and the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE.

Notes from the Ancient Astronaut Society include an announcement of the eleventh year of publication for "Ancient Skies," with complete sets of the first ten volumes available. Information is provided for subscribing to the German edition of "Ancient Skies." Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood's lecture to the UFO Study Group of the British House of Lords is mentioned. Upcoming events include the World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society in Zurich in September 1985, and planned member expeditions to Greece and Turkey in September 1985, and possibly Tibet in 1986 or 1987.

Peter Krassa's latest book, "Und Kamen Auf Feurigen Drachen," discussing UFOs and ancient astronauts in ancient China, is also noted. The publication details for "Ancient Skies" are provided, along with contact information for the Ancient Astronaut Society, which is described as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1973 for scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination and defense of ancient astronaut theories against what the Ancient Astronaut Society perceives as biased or unscientific presentations by mainstream media, exemplified by the Nova Program. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring and validating alternative historical and archaeological interpretations, particularly those associated with Erich von Daniken, and is skeptical of established scientific circles that dismiss such theories without thorough consideration of all evidence. The society actively promotes research, discussion, and expeditions related to ancient astronauts and UFO phenomena.