Ancient Skies - Vol 14 No 5 - 1987-88

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 14, Number 5
Date: November-December, 1987
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Theme: Exploration of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial contact, and human origins.

The Structure of a Paleovisitological Investigation

This article by Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov addresses the scientific problem of paleovisits, defined as extraterrestrial expeditions to Earth in ancient times. The core question is whether Earth was visited by extraterrestrials in the past and, if so, what these visits were like. The author proposes reconstructing these events as empirical facts of history by analyzing remaining paleovisit traces.

These traces are categorized into direct (e.g., remains of devices, alien skeletons) and indirect (e.g., radioactivity traces, genetic alterations, images, descriptions in texts). Rubtsov emphasizes the need to reveal the whole system of traces for a more complete understanding. He notes that traces can change over time, distorting their original information.

Rubtsov outlines a five-stage process for historical investigation, adapted for paleovisits:
1. Preliminary selection of historical sources.
2. Processing of sources to remove distortions and restore original information.
3. Reconstruction of the event reflected by the sources.
4. Explanation of the event using a theoretical model (e.g., the paleovisit hypothesis).
5. Competition with alternative reconstructions and explanations.

He highlights a psychological difficulty for historians in accepting external intervention in human history. The investigation is described as ambivalent, being both historical and a search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The author suggests that successful paleovisit research might lead to predictions of unknown terrestrial knowledge, such as the discovery of a second satellite of Sirius, as known to the Dogon people of Africa.

A Perspective of Earth Colonization

Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood explores the hypothetical scenario of Homo sapiens colonizing Earth around 100,000 years ago. He suggests that preferred landing sites would be in warmer equatorial regions due to reduced energy dissipation during landing and easier spreading into surrounding territories.

• Key indications considered include:
• The likelihood of finding landing and launch sites in equatorial and tropical regions.
• The pattern of early colonizers spreading from equatorial and tropical regions.
• The concentration of more recent colonizers in similar regions.

Factors relevant to this perspective include the lack of convincing evidence for landing or launch sites to date. However, Jeffrey Goodman's research suggests Homo erectus appeared simultaneously in Africa and Indonesia nearly two million years ago, surviving until about 10,000 years ago. Neanderthals appeared about 40,000 years ago, with modern Homo sapiens originating at least 40,000 years ago, possibly 100,000 years ago. The pattern of modern man's appearance across different continents is noted as potentially significant or coincidental.

Greenwood poses several research questions, including the origins of Homo erectus and Neanderthals, and the implications of their coexistence with Homo sapiens. He also suggests considering extraterrestrial influences on the physical characteristics of different human races.

Ancient Portable Radios

Rene Andrew Boulay discusses the concept of ancient communication devices, referred to as 'portable radios' or 'teraphim'. These were used by ancient Mesopotamian kings and priests to communicate with home bases and receive instructions from deities or 'space men'.

Boulay references the 'Ark of the Covenant' and its 'Tent of Meeting' as more powerful mobile stations. The 'teraphim' are described as 'animated idols' or statues believed to be the residence of gods, which delivered instructions. Abraham and his father are mentioned as idol makers and priests in Ur who operated such workshops.

The article cites the 'Apocalypse of Abraham' and 'Antiquities of Josephus' for details on Abraham's activities. It also mentions archaeological finds at Tepe Gawra of 'cult' statues with eye sockets for 'power packs' or 'stones'.

These 'teraphim' were used for divination and communication. The article draws parallels with the Book of Mormon, where illuminated stones were used for light in ships during a long sea voyage, and mentions similar light-emitting crystals used by Noah in the Ark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, mythology, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and investigative approach to these topics, as evidenced by the detailed methodologies proposed by Rubtsov and the research questions posed by Greenwood. The articles suggest a belief in the potential for ancient texts, artifacts, and oral traditions to hold clues about past extraterrestrial contact and the origins of human civilization. The overall tone is one of inquiry and a call for further research into these complex subjects.