Ancient Skies - Vol 23 No 2 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 23, NUMBER 2
Date: MAY-JUNE, 1996
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, subtitled "Come Search With Us!", presents several articles exploring potential evidence of ancient extraterrestrial visitation and advanced technology.

Pre-Astronautic Artifacts in Egyptian Museum, Cairo

By Klaus-Ulrich Groth, translated by George T. Sassoon.

Groth argues that proof of extraterrestrial origin for archaeological objects may already exist, even if not widely recognized. He highlights several artifacts in the Egyptian National Museum in Cairo that defy conventional explanations.

1. Tut-Ankh-Amun's Stainless-Steel Dagger: This rustless dagger, displayed prominently, lacks a catalog number and is not listed in official catalogs. Its composition, particularly its stainless steel nature, contradicts the theory that ancient Egyptians could not process iron ore, let alone make stainless steel. The author questions why it is displayed if it doesn't fit the established narrative, suggesting it might be an oversight or a necessity to display all items from Tut-Ankh-Amun's tomb.

2. Circular Saw Marks on an Egyptian Sarcophagus: In 1992, a research group led by Erich von Daniken visited Abuzir, Egypt, and found evidence of core drilling dating back to the 3rd to 5th Dynasties (approx. 4,500 years ago). In May 1993, Guido Meys discovered a stone sarcophagus in the Egyptian Museum that showed unmistakable marks of a circular saw. Expert Michael Ebert confirmed these were not natural formations. Like the dagger, this sarcophagus is not in any official catalog and was found tucked away, suggesting the museum might not wish to draw attention to it.

3. Tut-Ankh-Amun's Fanfare-Trumpet: Two trumpets from Tut-Ankh-Amun's tomb are discussed. One is cataloged as a "Trumpet and Mute." The other, made of silver and copper, is superior in quality but uncatalogued. A story from museum staff recounts that when this trumpet was blown in 1954, it caused an electricity failure in Upper Egypt. A similar incident occurred in 1974 in Greater Cairo. While the connection was not officially established, chart recorders at power stations reportedly fell to zero. This event is compared to the biblical story of Joshua at the siege of Jericho.

The First Report of the Stone Disks of China

By Jorg Dendl.

Dendl addresses skepticism regarding the Bayan-Kara-Ula Mountains discoveries, referencing an Associated Press report about a tribe of 120 people with unusual stature (around 3'9" tall) discovered in the Szechuan Province. He connects this to the Dropa tribe, theorized to be of extraterrestrial origin.

The article delves into the history of research on these findings, citing Soviet researcher Vyacheslav Zaitsev and his article "Science or Fantasy?" in Sputnik magazine. Zaitsev mentioned stone objects found in China as proof of ancient extraterrestrial visitors. Erich von Daniken further popularized this in his book "Gods From Outer Space," interviewing Aleksander Kazantsev, who confirmed Zaitsev's report.

Dendl's research led him to the original source: an article titled "UFO's in Ancient Times?" published in "Das Vegetarische Universum" in July 1962. This article describes remarkable finds in the Bayan-Kara-Ula caves: 716 stone platters, similar to phonograph records, made of granite and worked with unknown technology thousands of years ago. These platters have a central hole and a double-groove script running to the rim.

Archaeologists and scientists, including Professor Tsum Um-Nui, deciphered the writing, revealing accounts of "aerial vehicles" and the arrival of the "Dropa" from the clouds in "air-gliders" about 12,000 years ago. The text describes the Dropa as small, thin, yellow men with large heads, who were initially shunned and killed by the "men with the fast horses" (Mongols?). Graves containing skeletons with frail bodies and enormous skulls, dating back 12,000 years, have been found in the caves.

The stone disks were found to be rich in cobalt and other metals, exhibiting an "astonishing oscillation rhythm" when tested, suggesting they were once "charged" or served as electrical conductors.

The article also mentions archaeologist Chi Pu-Tei, who theorized the skeletons were apes but the disks were left by "later cultures." Tsum Um-Nui died in Japan in 1965, and the original report might have originated from a Japanese source.

Did Spacemen Visit Russia 360 Million Years Ago?

By Robin Collyns.

Collyns explores the hypothesis that life on Earth might have been intentionally seeded by advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. He references Sir Frederick Hoyle's probability of life appearing spontaneously and Louis Pasteur's proof of its impossibility.

He suggests that ancient space civilizations might prepare new planets for colonists. The introduction of key life-forms, such as a primitive fossilized bacterium (possibly thermophile, theorized by Professor Nikolai Yeruzalimsky of Moscow to have originated on a hot alien planet), could be a first step in terraforming.

Cyanophyta algae appeared 3.2 billion years ago, converting carbon into organic matter and oxygenating the seas. The appearance of primitive worms about 700 million years ago is also considered potentially intentional for conditioning the crust.

The Cambrian Period (approx. 570 million years ago) saw a sudden appearance of complex marine creatures and flora, including Trilobites. The article quotes Scientific American regarding the inexplicable suddenness of this event.

Collyns posits that early life forms might have been carried to Earth in robot spacecraft. He draws a parallel to current scientific endeavors to send robotic exploratory spaceships.

A significant discovery in Russia is detailed: in 1925, geologist Dr. N. Grigorovich found a yellow-brown fossilized object resembling a human brain in lower Carboniferous limestone sediment (285-360 million years ago) near Odintsovo, Moscow. This find remains unexplained by orthodox reasoning and is intriguing to ancient astronaut researchers.

The article also touches upon Slavic legends about humans being created elsewhere and brought to Earth. It mentions Dr. E.S.E. Hafez's theory that humans might one day be sent to other planets in embryonic form via robot spacecraft.

Professor Francis Crick's theory about Molybdenum's role in life's origin and Dr. Vladimir Shcherbak's idea that DNA/RNA patterns might contain extraterrestrial messages are also discussed.

Thumbs Down on "Fingerprints of the Gods"

By James A. Miller.

Miller, a retired radiation health physicist, strongly criticizes Graham Hancock's book "Fingerprints of the Gods." He accuses Hancock of literary snobbery, deceit, and deliberately ignoring the work of other researchers in the ancient astronaut field. Miller claims Hancock dismisses or fails to acknowledge key figures like Zecharia Sitchin, Dolph Hooker, Robert Temple, Erich von Daniken, and the Ancient Astronaut Society itself.

A Space Vehicle 3,000 Years Old?

By Igor Likar.

Likar reports on an article from Slovene News Magazine (November 29, 1995) about an object found in Toprakale, Turkey. Archaeologists discovered a clay object resembling a space capsule, measuring 9 inches high, 3 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep, with a figure of a "spaceman" on the seat. It is estimated to be at least 3,000 years old.

The find has upset archaeologists worldwide. The object is kept in the Istanbul Museum of Archaeology but is not exhibited, residing in a safe box. The Museum Director reportedly called it a falsification because it doesn't fit the time of its origin, though Likar questions why it would be kept if it were a forgery.

Additional Notes and Reports

Dr. Vladimir Rubtsov is mentioned for his research on accidental falls of alien interstellar debris and a meteorite impact near Kharkov on May 15, 1994. His work on "multicolored bolides" and alien artifact falls was published in "Spaceflight" and will appear in "The Astronomical Journal."

Alexey V. Arkhipov from the Institute of Radio Astronomy in Kharkov is credited with collecting reports and information on the Kharkov bolide phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the search for tangible evidence of ancient extraterrestrial visitation and advanced technology, challenging conventional archaeological and historical narratives. The articles present artifacts, ancient texts, and scientific theories that suggest a non-human influence on Earth's past. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication of these articles and the critical review of Hancock's work, is one of open inquiry into the ancient astronaut hypothesis, encouraging members to "Come Search With Us!" and critically examine evidence that deviates from mainstream scientific consensus.