Ancient Skies - Vol 15 No 2 - 1988-89

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 15, Number 2
Date: May-June, 1988
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Theme: Exploration of ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial theories, and archaeological enigmas.

More on the Mars Face

This section, authored by Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Society, addresses the Mars FACE and clarifies the contributions of various researchers. It highlights a letter from Vincent DiPietro, who, along with Gregory Molenaar, performed computer enhancements of the Mars FACE photo. They concluded it was not a trick of light and shadow, a finding initially reported by Walter Hain. Dr. Mark Carlotto also enhanced the data, discovering an "eyeball" and "teeth" in the FACE.

DiPietro emphasizes that the "discovery" of the FACE was made by Dr. Tobias Owen in 1976 and confirmed by Dr. Gerald Soffen. DiPietro and Molenaar discovered a second picture of the FACE and subsequently four more, all detailed in the Fourth Edition of their book, "Unusual Martian Surface Features." Their "eyeball" discovery was made using their copyrighted computer enhancement techniques.

DiPietro clarifies that while their computer results suggest artificial structures, proof will only come from a manned landing. He expresses interest in comparing their enhancement techniques with Mr. Hain's. The article notes the recent media attention given to the FACE, mentioning Richard Hoagland, Dr. Brian O'Leary, and Dr. Mark Carlotto, but lamenting the lack of credit to Dr. Tobias Owen and DiPietro and Molenaar's extensive work.

DiPietro's letter strongly refutes misconceptions, stating that they do not endorse the work of those who mix their own inventions with excerpts of their work, nor do they endorse claims of a city in the Cydonia Region, advanced civilizations on Mars, or alignments between features. They welcome scientific study and await new data from future spacecraft, and they support the Manned Mission to Mars.

An article by Raymond P. Boisvert, "Still More on the Mars Face," discusses the detailed photo of the Cydonia Region. Boisvert points out three-sided and five-sided "pyramids" (TRIAmids and PENTAmids) and a structure resembling a half-buried human skull. He also identifies a second, simianic-looking Mars Face, previously unmentioned in literature, which is larger than the well-publicized one.

Boisvert also comments on an article in "Ancient Skies 15:1" regarding the Great Pyramid, correcting an estimate of block placement rate from one every five seconds to one every five minutes, still deeming it remarkable.

1989 World Conference

This section announces the 1989 World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, scheduled for August 24-26, 1989, at the Schaumburg Marriott Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. The conference will feature lectures from approximately 18-19 speakers worldwide, including Erich von Daniken, and potentially a speaker from the Soviet Union. This event marks the 16th Anniversary of the Society's founding.

Member Expedition to China and Tibet

Details are provided for a member expedition to China and Tibet, departing April 19, 1989. The 15-day China portion includes visits to Shanghai, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi'an, and Hong Kong, with a price of US$2,995 per person. An optional Tibet Extension is also offered for those physically able to endure rugged terrain and high altitudes, with highlights including the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

More on the Nazca Markings of a Different Kind

This article by Raymond P. Boisvert discusses the stimulating response from members regarding the unusual markings near the Plain of Nazca in Peru. Several members offer their interpretations:

1. John L. Mohn suggests the concentric circles and rectangles are precision range or altitude markers for starships, and the Nazca lines are reference marks to correct Earth's axis and prevent catastrophes.
2. Denis St-Laurent relates the figures to the Seven Races of People on Earth, with each geometric figure representing a race, and the overall figure being the signature of a new race from the stars.
3. Ted Powell suggests that exact north-south-east-west orientation and precise dimensions are needed for analysis. He proposes that if the rectangles relate to the Earth's spin axis, it proves advanced technology. He also notes the center radial pattern as a universal sun symbol, linking it to MU-South America colonization.
4. Dorothy J. Rickhoff finds the published picture too small and dark but identifies a bird symbol on the outer circle (orbit) and possibly Earth with four quarters symbolism in the inner circle. She also notes a face in another circle.
5. I. Harry Summer reports that a similar marking was presented by an AT&T representative as a transistor wafer design for instantaneous transmission of information.

The article notes that the Society has no better photos of this particular Nazca marking than the one published.

On Inca Building Techniques

This section discusses the precise masonry of the Incas, noting that their stones were not perfectly plane but meshed so precisely that a blade could not be inserted between them. This technique was highly resistant to earthquakes, and modern technology cannot replicate it. A theory by zoologists suggests that the "Lit Lik" bird, which excavates nests in rock faces, uses a special herb to soften stone. It is theorized that the Incas knew of this herb and used it to soften the surfaces of stones before joining them, with the herb eventually rotting and washing away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient civilizations, unexplained phenomena, and potential extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific investigation and data-driven analysis, as evidenced by DiPietro's letter emphasizing the need for proof from manned missions and refuting unsubstantiated claims. The Society actively promotes research, conferences, and expeditions to further understanding of these subjects.