Ancient Skies - Vol 12 No 3 - 1985-86

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 12, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1985
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Theme: This issue explores the scientific and speculative aspects of searching for extraterrestrial life and understanding humanity's origins, blending astronomical research with ancient astronaut theories and historical interpretations.

Planets Beyond Our Solar System

This article by Dr. Philip A. Ianna provides a historical and scientific overview of the search for extraterrestrial life and planets. It begins by referencing ancient philosophers like Lucretius who contemplated other worlds, and the controversial views of Giordano Bruno. The author highlights the modern scientific efforts, including the establishment of the IAU Commission 51 dedicated to SETI, and NASA's funding for research. The article discusses the challenges and approaches to detecting exoplanets, such as using the Hubble Space Telescope and advanced radio frequency analysis. It touches upon the formation of planetary systems from interstellar dust and gas, and the factors influencing the potential for life, referencing the Drake formula for estimating the number of technological civilizations. The article also explores various perspectives on the value of 'N' (the number of civilizations), from Thomas Kuiper's large estimates to Michael Hart's more restrictive views.

The Search for Evidence

Dr. Ianna outlines three key areas for establishing evidence of extraterrestrial presence: past visitations, current ETI on Earth, and the detection of other planets with technological societies. He discusses the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis, citing Erich von Daniken, and notes that while current evidence like stone monuments and legends is interesting, it is not yet conclusive. The article addresses the Fermi paradox – if advanced civilizations are numerous, why haven't we encountered them? Possible explanations include the rarity of habitable planets, the narrowness of life-supporting zones around stars, and the vastness of interstellar distances making travel prohibitive.

Detecting Exoplanets and Companions

The article details the difficulties in directly observing exoplanets due to the overwhelming brightness of their parent stars. It explains how indirect methods, like measuring a star's 'wobble' caused by the gravitational pull of companions, are employed. Astrometric measurements, such as those conducted at the Sproul and McCormick Observatories, aim to detect these subtle movements. The challenges of interpreting these measurements, including the need for precise data and the potential for instrumental errors, are discussed. Infrared speckle interferometry is presented as a promising direct imaging technique that can overcome atmospheric turbulence to achieve near-theoretical resolution, potentially revealing close binary stars and even planetary companions.

Recent Discoveries and Future Prospects

Exciting results from infrared speckle observations are highlighted, particularly the work by D. McCarthy at Steward Observatory, which has led to the detection of companions to nearby stars. The most significant announcement mentioned is the tentative detection of a companion, possibly a planet, for van Biesbroeck 8 (VB8). This object, VB8B, is estimated to have a mass of 30-80 Jupiter masses and a surface temperature of 1360 degrees K, leading to its classification as a potential 'brown dwarf'.

The article also discusses the crucial role of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) in detecting cool dust around stars. IRAS provided the first direct evidence of solid objects around stars other than our sun, observing material around Vega and Fomalhaut. While this material is likely dust grains, it suggests the presence of protoplanetary disks. Recent observations of Beta Pictoris, also by IRAS, provided a more detailed view of such a disk, strengthening the possibility that planets are forming elsewhere in the universe. The article concludes on an optimistic note, suggesting that the discovery of extrasolar planetary systems may be imminent.

An Invitation to Explore

Andrew Tomas's contribution explores the mystery of human origins and the birth of civilization. He questions how man appeared on Earth and became dominant, noting the scarcity of prehistoric evidence. Tomas references the Alexandrian Library's destruction as a loss of historical records and emphasizes the continuous human quest for knowledge. He points to the Cro-Magnon people as early innovators, citing their lunar calendars and cave paintings. The article highlights the sudden appearance of civilization in the Nile Valley around 3,000-2,800 BC, as noted by historian Kenneth Clark, suggesting a rapid leap in human awareness. Tomas also defends the value of mythology as a source of history, quoting Rene Sedillot, and discusses ancient myths of 'god-like beings' descending from the sky and teaching mankind.

The Case for Clever-Crazy Ideas

Paul Ney's piece addresses the need for scientific validation of the Ancient Astronaut Theory. He argues for a methodology that allows for the serious consideration of 'clever-crazy' ideas, acknowledging the role of science fiction in developing fantasy and the valuable contributions of amateur scientists. Ney suggests that science needs to develop an adequate framework for evaluating new ideas from various sources and proposes the formation of special interest groups to investigate these concepts, utilizing computers for data analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the exploration of ancient mysteries and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on human history and development. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of unconventional theories alongside rigorous scientific research. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for future discoveries in astronomy that could confirm the existence of other civilizations and planetary systems, while also valuing the interpretation of ancient myths and artifacts as potential clues to our past.