ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, Volume 16, Number 5
Date: November-December, 1989
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into the complex and often speculative field of searching for extraterrestrial artifacts (ETAs). The main article, "The Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts" by Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov, provides a theoretical framework for identifying such objects, while also examining specific cases that have captured the attention of researchers.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts by Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov

Dr. Rubtsov, a Doctor of Philosophy of Science and senior research fellow at the Department of Philosophy, Ukrainian Extramural Polytechnic Institute, presents a rigorous approach to the search for ETAs. He defines an ETA not just as a manufactured object, but as one imbued with meaning and involved in a socio-cultural system for its creators. He categorizes potential ETAs into several types, including 'time capsules' or 'message bags' for active or passive contact, functioning artifacts like ecological monitors, non-functioning artifacts such as deserted space rovers, decaying ETAs, and even fragments of wrecked devices or objects that have reverted to a pseudo-natural state.

Rubtsov emphasizes that a serious search requires a theoretical model, but warns against overly specific models that might limit vision. Instead, he advocates for general criteria of 'artificiality' and 'alienness' to select potential candidates from empirical data. The challenge lies in developing criteria that are both definite enough to reduce the number of candidates and broad enough to intercept likely ETAs.

He discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between natural objects, terrestrial artificial objects (potentially from secret labs), and true extraterrestrial artifacts. When dealing with fragments, researchers must attempt to restore the original object and its function, a task dependent on the preservation of fragments and the researcher's ability to construct a theoretical model.

Rubtsov then presents three candidate cases:

1. The Wolfsegg Cube: Discovered in 1885 in Austria, this object, described as a small metal pillow, was found in lignite. Initially considered a meteorite by some, its composition (iron with traces of nickel, chromium, cobalt, manganese, and manganese-sulphurs) and specific gravity led to further investigation. Despite its Tertiary age, its composition was deemed too ordinary for an alien artifact, causing doubts about its age.
2. The Vashka Find: Discovered in 1976 near the Vashka River in the USSR, this object is a metallic cylinder or ring fragment. It is composed of a rare earth alloy (cerium, lanthanum, neodymium) with traces of iron, magnesium, uranium, and molybdenum. Researchers concluded it was artificial, noting its unusual composition and crystalline structure. The age was estimated to be no more than 30 years, but a connection to the Tunguska explosion site was noted due to increased lanthanum and cerium concentrations.
3. The 'Black Ball': Found in 1975 in Western Ukraine in a clay bed estimated to be 10 million years old. This ball-shaped object, when broken, revealed a black glass-like substance. Investigations revealed an inner core and a shell, but a scandalous result of 'negative mass' for the shell and core was obtained, making its artificiality and origin uncertain.

Rubtsov concludes that while these objects exhibit 'strangeness' and lack 'normal' explanations, none are definitively proven ETAs. The Wolfsegg Cube lacks sufficiently high technology, the Vashka find is too recent, and the black ball's artificiality is not fully proven. He stresses the need for experimental investigations, a general theory of artificiality, and a methodology for studying artifact remnants. He also calls for an efficient system to gather and evaluate information on potential ETAs.

New Archaeological Discoveries

Malta: Excavations at Brochtorff Circle on Gozo, Malta's sister island, have revealed a unique underground cemetery of the Temple Age, containing thirty skeletons and nineteen others of large body structure. Researchers believe it may strengthen the ancient astronaut theory.

Iraq: Archaeologists have discovered what is claimed to be the world's oldest statue, a four-feet-high plaster-covered human figure estimated to be 11,000 years old, found near Baghdad.

Other Articles and Notes

• Letter from Kerry P. Ganza: A member expresses profound enthusiasm for the 16th Anniversary World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, highlighting its educational value and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Exciting Yucatan Adventure Planned for Spring, 1990: An upcoming expedition to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is announced, featuring visits to over thirty archaeological sites and five museums.
• Erich von Daniken Lecture Tour: Mr. von Daniken is scheduled to present slide lectures in nine Australian cities from November 22 to December 5, 1989.
• Telephone Area Code Change: The Society's new telephone area code is 708.
• Ancient Skies Publication: The magazine is published bi-monthly by the Ancient Astronaut Society for its members.
• Ancient Astronaut Society: Founded in 1973, it is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation for scientific, literary, and educational purposes.
• Evolution a Theory, Not a Fact: A note discusses the California Board of Education's decision to describe evolution as a 'central organizing theory' rather than a 'scientific fact', suggesting a broader acknowledgment of theories for the origin of intelligent life, including divine creation and the ancient astronaut theory.
• Calvin Knows: A quote from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes humorously suggests that the lack of alien contact is a sign of intelligent life's existence elsewhere in the universe.
• Brad Steiger Book: His latest book, 'Mysteries of Time and Space', is available.
• Coming Events in 1991: A World Conference in West Berlin and a Member Expedition to Turkey are planned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries, the search for evidence of extraterrestrial visitation on Earth, and the scientific and theoretical challenges involved. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous investigation into anomalous phenomena while acknowledging the speculative nature of the field. There is a clear emphasis on the Ancient Astronaut Theory and its potential to explain historical enigmas, as evidenced by the promotion of related events, publications, and the positive reception of the Society's conference.