Ancient Skies - Vol 15 No 1 - 1988-89

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 15, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1988
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Price: $2.00

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, focuses on the controversial "Face on Mars" and challenges conventional explanations for ancient structures.

Real Evidence for the Face on Mars?

The lead article by Walter Hain presents his research and personal journey in investigating the "Marsface" anomaly. Hain first encountered the image in a 1986 NASA film and, as a member of the Ancient Astronaut Society, immediately suspected it was proof of ancient astronauts. He details his correspondence with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), initially receiving dismissive responses from JPL representative Don Bane, who stated that "Marsface" was not an official designation. However, Bane later provided a clearer picture and coordinates (40.89 North, 9.55 West) placing the feature in the "Cydonia" region.

Hain recounts his efforts to obtain higher-resolution or shadow-less images, which JPL stated were unavailable. He notes that in 1978, most people considered the "face" a trick of light and shadow. Hain sent his own drawing and the photo to the Ancient Astronaut Society headquarters, but it was returned with a letter from Mr. Phillips stating insufficient substantiation for an article.

Undeterred, Hain concluded that the shadow on the left side of the face might conceal the other half. He created a model and a drawing, noting the symmetry of the "eye," "nose," "mouth," and "hair." He simulated sunlight from a 20-degree angle to reveal details on the shadow side, concluding that the other half of the face was indeed present. Hain published his findings in his 1979 book, "Wir vom Mars," which he claims was the first to discuss the "Marsface" and the possibility of ancient Martian civilization. The book, though no longer in print, was published by Ellenberg Verlag in West Germany, with Hain covering the printing costs.

The article mentions other "strange objects" near the "face" on Mars, including pyramidal structures and "ruins" resembling an Inca city. Hain's report was published by Erich von Daniken in the German edition of Ancient Skies and presented at a society meeting in Fulda.

Hain highlights the work of US computer scientists Vincent DiPietro and Gregory Molenaar, who, in 1980, performed computer enhancements of the "Marsface" and concluded it was not a trick of light and shadow, publishing their findings in a report titled "Unusual Martian Surface Features."

In 1984, Richard C. Hoagland founded an "Independent Mars Investigation Team" at the University of California in Berkeley. In 1986, this team met with former Apollo Astronaut Dr. Brian O'Leary and Presidential Space Commissioner Dr. David Webb, concluding that Martian features convey a message for continued research. Dr. Mark Carlotto of the Analytical Science Corporation also performed computer enhancements, discovering details like an "eyeball" and "teeth" in the "face."

Hain expresses pride that his earlier suggestions have been proven correct, stating that current computer results indicate the "face" and other Martian structures are artificial, not natural formations. The article includes an editorial note mentioning Baron Johannes von Buttlar's lecture on the "Marsface" at a 1987 World Conference, which presented convincing evidence.

New Dating Technique

This section reports on a new dating technique called thermoluminescence, developed by scientists from the French Institute of Low-Level Radiation, which has determined the age of human skeletons found in Qafzeh Cave, Israel, to be almost 100,000 years old. This finding challenges the commonly-held view that modern man evolved from Neanderthal man and suggests a much older timeline for human existence, possibly involving extraterrestrial influence.

Soviet Cosmonauts and Space Travel

The article briefly mentions that Soviet cosmonauts Yuri Romanenko and Alexander Alexandrov grew taller during a record 326-day space mission. Data attributed to Cosmonaut Georgy M. Grechko explains that prolonged flights in the absence of normal gravity cause human height to increase. Grechko had previously addressed the Society's World Conference.

Coming Events for 1989

Two upcoming events are announced: a member expedition to China and Tibet in April 1989, and the World Conference of the Society in Chicago during August 1989.

Members Irrate Over New TV Special on Pyramids

This section, written by Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Society, expresses disgust with a television special titled "Mysteries of the Pyramids...LIVE." The program, hosted by Omar Sharif and featuring Egyptologist Mark Lehner, claimed that the pyramids were built by ancient Egyptians 5,000 years ago. Phillips criticizes the program for dismissing ancient astronaut theories and for presenting Mark Lehner's assertion about the "Khufu" cartouche as definitive proof of Cheops's construction.

Phillips refutes this by citing the work of Zecharia Sitchin, who published in "The Stairway to Heaven" (1980) that the "Khufu" cartouche found by Col. Richard Howard Vyse in 1837 was a forgery. Sitchin's research, based on old documents and records, indicated a clumsy misspelling in the hieroglyph. The article notes that Walter M. Allen, the great-grandson of a witness, confirmed that Humphries Brewer, an assistant to Howard Vyse, had disputes about painted marks in the pyramid and was discharged from the project.

Several members are quoted expressing their dismay and anger over the program's alleged misrepresentations and attacks on the ancient astronaut theory and Zecharia Sitchin. Mr. Michael A. Priest called the program "misinformation," while Mr. Vaughn M. Greene described it as "pure BS and totally unscientific." Mr. James A. Miller wrote to CBS Television accusing the telecast of "actual and continued fraud."

Nazca Markings of a Different Kind

This article by June Choate describes an experience during an Ancient Astronaut Society expedition to Peru in September 1983. While flying over the Nazca plain, visibility was poor due to high noon sun and haze. Choate noticed a peculiar marking on a small hill near the Pan American highway, which was not clearly visible in previous publications. The accompanying photo shows this mystery marking, and the author requests any information about its representation, origin, or date.

O. M. Weiss comments on Choate's photo, noting a similarity between the symbol and those translated from ancient clay tablets by Col. James Churchward, which are attributed to Atlantis and are at least 12,000 years old. Weiss suggests the Nazca site was a project under construction that was interrupted for unknown reasons. He also references an article by Gene M. Phillips in a previous issue of Ancient Skies regarding Nazca.

Erich von Daniken also comments, congratulating Phillips on his article and criticizing those who speak "scientifically" about Nazca without understanding it. He states that Nazca is a "world-wide phenomenon" with ground markings found in various countries. Von Daniken mentions his books, which discuss Nazca and other ancient mysteries, and is seeking a US publisher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the re-examination of evidence for ancient astronaut theories, particularly concerning the "Face on Mars" and the Great Pyramids, and the critique of mainstream scientific and media presentations that dismiss these theories. The editorial stance of Ancient Skies is clearly in favor of exploring alternative explanations for ancient mysteries, supporting researchers like Walter Hain and Zecharia Sitchin, and challenging conventional archaeological and historical narratives. The magazine actively promotes member involvement in expeditions and conferences, fostering a community dedicated to uncovering evidence of ancient extraterrestrial influence.