ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 15, Number 4
Date: September-October, 1988
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Cover Headline: OUR MAYAN ANCESTORS

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, features a deep dive into the astronomical and chronological knowledge of the ancient Mayans, positing that this knowledge was likely gifted by extraterrestrial visitors. The magazine explores theories about ancient civilizations possessing advanced scientific understanding, potentially through insemination and mutation by beings from outer space, and the idea that these advanced cultures originated from common centers in the Atlantic or Pacific before disappearing in cosmic cataclysms.

Our Mayan Ancestors by Maurice Chatelain

Maurice Chatelain, a former aerospace engineer with 11 U.S. patents, presents three theories: 1) ancient ancestors had advanced scientific knowledge (astronomy, mathematics) tens of thousands of years ago, contradicting conventional views; 2) this knowledge was given by extraterrestrial voyagers who created modern humans; and 3) this knowledge came from a common source, possibly in the Atlantic or Pacific, which vanished. Chatelain argues that recent space exploration makes these theories more plausible.

He focuses on the Mayan civilization's sophisticated astronomical and chronological knowledge, which he claims was far superior to that of astronomers just 300 years ago. The Mayans had complex calendars, including cycles of 5125 and 5164 years, based on planetary conjunctions (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). Their calendars were based on weeks of thirteen days and months of twenty days, and they accurately calculated the solar year (365.242 days) along with other cycles like the 260-day sacred year, twenty-year Katuns, and 5200-year cycles. These cycles, such as those representing 13 Baktuns, had durations like 1,867,320 days. The 260-day year is linked to the Sun's zenith in southern Mexico and the synodic cycle of Mars (780 days).

Chatelain details the Mayan 5125-year calendar, which started on September 6, -3113 (Julian day 584,283), and is set to end on December 21, 2012 (Julian day 2,456,283). This date is supported by inscriptions in the Temple of the Sun at Palenque, Mexico, referencing Jupiter conjunctions. He also discusses the 5164-year calendar, which began on August 16, -3164 (Julian day 565,635) and will end on May 10, 2000. This calendar is linked to Nostradamus's prophecies.

The article highlights the coincidence of these two great calendars every 2,901,600 days. Chatelain explains how Mayan astronomers adjusted their calculations for planetary cycles, such as Jupiter (398.915 days) and Saturn (378.076 days), to align with their calendar systems. He notes their observation of the synodic cycle of Venus (584 or 585 days) and its transits across the Sun, mentioning the famous transits of 1761 and 1769 observed by Captain Cook.

Further complexities in Mayan chronology are explored, including the Grolier Codex, which represents a massive calendar of 963,766,440 days (2,640,456 years). The disk of Chinkultic, with its six numbers, is interpreted as potentially indicating a date of 17,983,011 days after a significant starting point. Inscriptions at Copan and Quirigua are also mentioned, suggesting vast time periods, possibly related to the appearance of man on Earth.

Chatelain also touches upon the measuring systems used by the Mayans, noting similarities to units used by other ancient civilizations and suggesting a common origin. He discusses the Mayan square foot (0.1296 m²) and cubic foot (0.046656 m³), drawing parallels with measurements found in Egyptian pyramids.

Neolithic Mathematics by Carl P. Munck

Carl P. Munck, an archaeometrologist, addresses the geometric and mathematical displays left by ancient civilizations, such as the Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, and the Nazca lines, which often defy explanation. He argues that understanding these requires focusing on the mathematics and logic behind their construction and placement, rather than solely on primitive artifacts.

Munck demonstrates how mathematical equations, derived from geographical coordinates, can reveal the ancients' knowledge. He uses examples like the longitude difference between Mississippi's Nanih Waiya temple mound and Egypt's Great Pyramid (120.0666667 degrees) and the north latitude of Woodhenge at Cahokia (38.66 degrees) to show how these numbers relate to the Great Pyramid. He suggests that the Nazca double-circle cross could be solved if precise coordinates were available.

He posits that ancient peoples understood the geodetical aspects of our planet, using the Great Pyramid as a Prime Meridian. Munck implies that these mathematical and astronomical understandings were widespread among ancient cultures, suggesting a common, advanced knowledge base.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the advanced scientific and astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations, particularly the Mayans, and the persistent theory that this knowledge was imparted by extraterrestrial visitors. The magazine promotes the idea that conventional scientific views are too limited to explain the achievements of ancient peoples. There is a strong emphasis on deciphering ancient calendars, mathematical systems, and astronomical observations as evidence for advanced, possibly non-human, intelligence influencing early human development. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring and validating the ancient astronaut hypothesis, encouraging readers to question established historical and scientific paradigms.