ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 20, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1993
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into the provocative question of whether humanity's innate mathematical ability is a sign of extraterrestrial origins. The magazine presents a blend of scientific discoveries, biblical exegesis, and speculative analysis to support the ancient astronaut hypothesis.

Is Mathematical Ability Extraterrestrial?

This lead article, by Max H. Flindt with Vella Munn, explores recent astronomical breakthroughs that are bringing the possibility of extraterrestrial contact closer to reality. On June 8, 1993, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, announced that their SERENDIP III unit had recorded 30 trillion radio signals from outer space, with 164 deemed interesting enough for further investigation. Simultaneously, The Planetary Report announced the imminent discovery of the first planet outside our solar system. While these events do not directly prove humanity's extraterrestrial connection, they open the door to such possibilities.

The core argument presented is that man's inherent mathematical ability, unique among Earth's animals, lacks a clear ecological imperative for its development. This mystery, combined with the critical role of mathematics in modern spaceflight, particularly in the precise calculations required for spacecraft re-entry, suggests a possible extraterrestrial influence. The authors propose that if this mathematical prowess originated from outer space, it provides proof that humanity is partly from another planet. This, they argue, could lead to greater optimism about humanity's future if contact with these presumed ancestors is made.

Ezekiel's Spaceships

Authored by Walter Joerg Langbein, this section examines the biblical text of the prophet Ezekiel through the lens of ancient astronaut theory, building upon the work of Erich von Daniken and Josef Blumrich. Langbein discusses how von Daniken's interpretation of Ezekiel's descriptions in "Chariots of the Gods?" sparked interest in the possibility of ancient alien visitations.

Josef Blumrich, a former NASA space engineer, initially approached von Daniken's ideas with skepticism but became convinced after analyzing Ezekiel's text. Blumrich's 1973 book, "Da tat sich der Himmel auf" (The Spaceships of Ezekiel), is presented as a foundational work in this field. Langbein emphasizes that a technical interpretation of biblical texts is not only permissible but necessary, using scientific knowledge to understand ancient accounts.

Langbein argues that Ezekiel's descriptions are factual reports, not mere visions or dreams, citing the original Hebrew text and the use of doubled verbs to emphasize reality. He details Ezekiel's encounter with a flying vehicle, describing it as a shuttle craft with helicopter-like units and wheels, designed for commuting between a mothership in orbit and Earth. The aerodynamic shape, resembling a humming top, is explained as crucial for reducing re-entry speed.

Furthermore, Langbein analyzes Ezekiel's account of being taken to a 'temple,' which he argues was not in Jerusalem as commonly translated. Based on his theological studies and translation of original Hebrew texts, Langbein suggests the 'temple' was a facility in the Andes Mountains of northern Peru, possibly Chavin de Huantar. He references the work of German engineer Hans-Herbert Beier, who modeled the 'temple' and concluded it was a technical construction for spaceship maintenance, including the repair of nuclear impulse and fuel elements.

The article concludes that Ezekiel's spaceships likely left Earth millennia ago, but the maintenance facility might still exist. It also mentions upcoming events related to UFO research and books on ancient astronauts and forbidden archaeology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of ancient astronaut theories, positing that extraterrestrial intelligences have influenced human history and development. The magazine strongly advocates for the interpretation of ancient texts, particularly the Bible, as containing literal accounts of encounters with advanced technology and alien beings. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these possibilities, encouraging readers to question conventional historical and scientific narratives and to consider the evidence for extraterrestrial involvement in human origins and capabilities. The issue emphasizes that inherent human abilities, such as mathematical prowess, may be the most compelling evidence of our extraterrestrial heritage.