ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 21, NUMBER 6
Date: JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1995
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Theme: Ancient Astronauts, UFOs, Paleocontact

This issue of Ancient Skies delves into various aspects of the ancient astronaut theory, exploring potential evidence from geology, biblical accounts, and architectural mysteries.

Experimental Proof of the Paleocontact Hypothesis

Dr. M. Agrest, a physicist and mathematician, presents two main lines of evidence supporting the paleocontact hypothesis, which posits that Earth has been visited by intelligent beings from outer space in prehistoric times.

1. Tektites

Tektites are described as peculiar glassy objects containing radioactive isotopes of aluminum (Al-26) and beryllium (Be-10), with half-lives of one million and 2.6 million years, respectively. Agrest notes that tektites are not products of volcanic activity due to the high temperatures required for their formation. They are found in specific "strewn fields" geographically restricted to a narrow belt around the equator. While various hypotheses exist for their origin, including formation from terrestrial rocks or ejection from the Moon by meteorite impacts, Agrest suggests that common methods of dating tektites, such as the potassium-argon method, have yielded results that are not always consistent. He proposes using the thermoluminescent method, previously used for dating ancient pottery, as an independent method for determining the age of tektites. The key point for the paleocontact hypothesis is establishing the origin of these objects.

2. The Dead Sea Phenomenon

Agrest re-examines the biblical account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the blinding of the crowd. He hypothesizes that these events could be explained by atomic explosions of varying power. The biblical description of a "blast" producing a "column of smoke" and falling "fire, smoke and debris" is seen as consistent with such an event. The story of Lot's wife leaving a "pillar of salt" is also noted. A crucial element for experimental proof is the planned investigation of sediment at the bottom of the Dead Sea by Israeli and German scientists. Agrest suggests that if traces of the radioactive isotope plutonium-239 (with a half-life of 24,100 years), characteristic of nuclear fallout, are discovered, it would be a significant contribution to understanding world history and culture.

He also mentions that the date of such an event could be determined by measuring the radiation induced by cosmic rays in rocks. Rocks that fell into the Dead Sea would have their induced radiation decrease over time, allowing for a comparison with outside rocks to determine the time of impact.

Giants, Or Robots?

Sir Royston Devilion, an amateur historian, questions the conventional explanations for the massive stone blocks found in ancient ruins worldwide. He argues that the sheer size and weight of these blocks, often transported hundreds of miles, are beyond the capabilities of ancient humans without advanced technology. Devilion proposes that the "giants" mentioned in the Bible (Genesis VI, 4) were not flesh-and-blood beings but rather robots created by "gods" to perform these monumental tasks. He suggests that these robots, equipped with tools like lasers, could have excavated, transported, and precisely fitted the massive stones used in ancient structures. He speculates that when the robots were no longer needed or had finished their tasks, they were repacked and returned to their home planet, leaving behind only the structures they built.

Egyptian Cathedrals in France?

Maurice Chatelain, a retired space scientist, explores the enigmatic construction of French cathedrals, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. He notes that the financing, architects, and measurement units used remain a mystery, as the French monarchy and Church were reportedly poor and used different measurement standards (0.3248m foot, 1.9488m Toise) than those found in the cathedrals' dimensions. Chatelain suggests that the Knights Templars, who were wealthy and had spent time in Jerusalem, may have discovered and utilized ancient Egyptian measuring units, such as feet of 300-350mm, cubits of 450-525mm, or the Remen (370.370mm), which is an ancestor of the British Cow Yard and an exact fraction of the Earth's circumference.

He highlights that the cathedrals of Paris and Chartres, among others, exhibit geometric tables whose surface areas are related to the base area of the Great Pyramid. These tables, representing Christian virtues, have dimensions that align with Egyptian units. Chatelain also points out that the layout of several French cathedrals mirrors the Virgo constellation. He further proposes that the cathedrals were designed as sophisticated musical instruments, with oblique vertical lengths calculated to resonate with the sonar frequencies of Gregorian Chants. The resonant frequencies of cathedrals like Paris and Chartres are calculated, with Chartres's design being particularly suited for the low frequencies of Gregorian Chants. He notes that the musical scale used was likely derived from the Arabs and adopted by the Templars.

Chatelain speculates that the Church leaders, possibly aware of mind control techniques, might have used the resonant frequencies of the cathedrals to influence congregations. He also mentions that the cathedrals were built rapidly, with twenty-two constructed in a short period, suggesting a common purpose, possibly astrological rather than purely religious, especially given the medieval predictions of the End of the World.

Upcoming Events and Publications

The magazine also includes announcements for several UFO and alien-related conferences in 1995, including the Sixth UFO/ET Alien & Abduction Congress, the Ozark UFO Conference, and the MUFON International UFO Symposium. It also mentions the publication of books by Walter Joerg Langbein, including "Die grossen Raetsel der letzten 2500 Jahre" and "Das Sphinx-Syndrom/Die Ruckkehr der Astronautengötter," and notes Erich von Daniken's presentation at a new Kosmopoisk Daniken-Center in Moscow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries through the lens of the ancient astronaut theory, the search for empirical evidence of extraterrestrial contact in Earth's past, and the reinterpretation of historical events and structures (like tektites, biblical narratives, and cathedrals) as potential remnants of advanced ancient technologies or visitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations for phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and historical paradigms. The magazine actively promotes conferences and publications related to these themes, fostering a community of interest in ancient astronautics and ufology.