Ancient Skies - Vol 19 No 3 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 19, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1992
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society

Article 1: QUIRIGUÁ

Author: GENE M. PHILLIPS, Founder of the Society

This article explores the mysterious Mayan site of Quiriguá, located in southern Guatemala. Unlike other Mayan sites, Quiriguá has undergone very little structural restoration, with its enigmatic stone objects displayed in an outdoor museum-like setting. The site is noted for its exceptionally tall stelae, some exceeding 33 feet, intricately carved with figures that often have oriental features and elaborate headdresses.

Quiriguá is particularly unique for its collection of zoomorphic objects. These stone carvings depict a large monster of unknown animal origin, often shown with a human figure in its mouth, appearing to guide or steer the creature. These objects are adorned with panels of picture glyphs, the meaning of which remains undecipherable.

The article highlights Monument 15 (Zoomorph O), described by archaeologist William R. Coe as one of the most complicated sculptures in the Mayan world. It depicts a personage seemingly being strapped into a confined space, with straps around the ankles and thighs, and a contorted face. The glyphs on this monument are also unreadable.

Figures 5 and 6 show elaborate picture glyphs on a stela, resembling comic strips that depict a progression of activity. One panel shows a person in apparent pain being examined by a sophisticated apparatus with a TV or computer screen and sensors, suggesting a medical diagnosis or treatment. Another panel depicts an old person with a grotesque face who appears to be shackled.

Monument 16 (Zoomorph P), dubbed the "Great Turtle Altar," is also discussed. This large boulder is carved in a "florescent baroque manner" and is considered one of the most magnificent carvings in the Americas. While it features a person on its front face, other aspects suggest animal features, such as a mask at the rear and a carving evoking frog legs.

References: The article cites John Lloyd Stevens's "Incidents of Travel in Central America," National Geographic Magazine, and C. Bruce Hunter's "A Guide to Ancient Maya Ruins."

Article 2: THE AIUD OBJECT

Author: FLORIN GHEORGHITA
Translated by: George T. Sassoon

This article details the discovery of a mysterious metal object in a sand quarry near Aiud, Rumania, in early 1974. The object, found embedded in sand about 10 meters deep, was identified as being made of metal, measuring 20.2 centimeters in length. It had two holes bored at right angles and showed traces of repeated blows. Initially, two other finds from the same location were identified as mastodon bones, dating back millions of years.

Metallurgical tests conducted by Dr. I. Niederkorn revealed that the object was made from a complex metal alloy of twelve different elements, with 89% aluminum. Other elements present included copper, silicon, zinc, lead, tin, zirconium, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, bismuth, silver, and gallium.

The article emphasizes the unusual nature of the object, particularly the presence of a thick film of aluminum oxide (over a millimeter), which is far thicker than normally observed and suggests an age of several hundred thousand years. The metallurgists involved found the object's structure to be altered, as if the alloy's elements had returned to their own crystalline form.

Despite investigations by archaeologists, palaeontologists, and engineers, no one could identify the object or its similarity to modern machines. An aircraft engineer proposed a hypothesis that it resembled a landing plate for a small, remote-controlled aircraft or probe, citing the shape, attachment points for legs, and the use of lightweight aluminum.

The author expresses uncertainty about the object's origin and current whereabouts, suggesting it was likely not made on Earth and possibly predates human civilization by a million or more years. The article calls for further international analysis of the remaining pieces.

Member Expedition to Visit QUIRIGUÁ IN 1993

This section announces an upcoming expedition organized by the Ancient Astronaut Society to Guatemala and Honduras, scheduled to depart on May 6, 1993, and return on May 19. The two-week tour includes visits to numerous archaeological sites, cities, and natural attractions in Guatemala, such as Kaminaljuyu, Monte Alto, Tikal, and Quiriguá, as well as Copan in Honduras and a relaxation period on Roatan Island.

The price for the tour is US$1,964 per person, which includes hotels, ground transportation, admissions, and some meals, along with specific air travel arrangements. The article provides contact information for reservations and detailed itineraries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, ancient history, and the ancient astronaut theory. It presents evidence and artifacts that challenge conventional historical and scientific explanations, suggesting extraterrestrial influence or advanced ancient technologies. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into these unconventional theories, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream interpretations of history and archaeology. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing society activities, such as expeditions, and for disseminating research and findings related to its core themes.