ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4
Date: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1996
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Focus: This issue, titled "NEW LIGHT ON STONEHENGE AND MACHU PICCHU" by Alan F. Alford, delves into the potential astronomical and ancient astronaut connections between these two prominent ancient sites, as well as the Great Sphinx in Egypt.

New Dating of Stonehenge and its Implications

The article begins by announcing a significant new dating for Stonehenge, revealed by English Heritage in June 1996. The earliest phase of Stonehenge, previously dated to 3000 BC, has now been dated to 8000 BC. This evidence comes from radiocarbon dating of charcoal found in circular pits. The chief archaeologist, Dr. Geoffrey Wainwright, suggested that 20-foot high wooden "totem poles" were erected and worshipped. However, Alford argues that this interpretation ignores Stonehenge's unique position for lunar observation. He posits that these "totem poles" were astronomical markers, precursors to later structures.

The 8000 BC dating places Stonehenge in a period of significant geological activity, coinciding with the carving of the Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt. Alford proposes an "Egyptian connection" linking Stonehenge and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Machu Picchu: A Pre-Incan Astronomical Observatory?

Alford discusses the site of Machu Picchu, noting its hidden location and discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. While commonly attributed to the Incas in the 15th century, Alford suggests evidence of two distinct construction phases: a later Incan phase and an older, superior phase of pre-Incan stonemasonry.

He references Dr. Rolf Muller's astronomical study of the "Intihuatana" stone, which suggested alignments consistent with a 24-degree tilt in the Earth's axis, dating the site to around 2300-2100 BC. These findings were corroborated by Dearborn and White in the 1980s. Theories that Machu Picchu served as a solar observatory or a solar-lunar calendar are discussed, but Alford questions their importance and the choice of such a remote location.

During his visit in May 1996, Alford found clues suggesting Machu Picchu's astronomical purpose. He highlights an exact north-south alignment between the Intihuatana and the mountains of Huayna Picchu and Salcantay, as noted by Johan Reinhard. Alford's photograph (Figure 1) illustrates the identical contrast between sunshine and shadow on the mountain and the Intihuatana, supporting this alignment.

On Huayna Picchu, Alford discovered an artificial platform with a V-shaped groove pointing due south towards the Intihuatana and Salcantay. He theorizes that Machu Picchu functioned as a "star clock" (Figure 3), enabling the measurement of precessional movement of stars using the surrounding mountain peaks as markers. This would have required extreme accuracy, similar to Stonehenge's Avenue.

Alford also mentions Johan Reinhard's observation that Andean people believed stars acquired power when associated with sacred mountains, supporting the idea of Salcantay's significance.

The "Hitching Post of the Stars" and Precession

Alford suggests the Intihuatana's primary purpose was stellar, proposing it be renamed "The Hitching Post of the Stars." He believes it was used to establish an accurate alignment for measuring the angle of precessional change, possibly using an electronic signal from the Intihuatana to confirm bearings.

He questions why measuring Earth's precessional change was so important in ancient times. In his book, "Gods of the New Millennium," Alford presents evidence that "gods" ruled Earth in 12 divisions of its 26,000-year precessional cycle. He concludes that Stonehenge and Machu Picchu were built to determine the position of stars indicating the beginning of the era of Aries and to predict when this era would arrive, requiring the speed of precession to be expressed in terms of a stable yardstick (solar or lunar calendar).

The Egyptian Connection: Thoth and the Sphinx

Returning to Egypt, Alford notes the connection between the star-clock theories and the Great Sphinx, carved with the body of a lion, possibly representing the precessional era of Leo (10900-8700 BC).

He cites the Egyptian priest Manetho, who described four dynastic periods before the first pharaoh, Menes (c. 3100 BC). Calculating backward, the ruling god of Egypt around 8700 BC was Thoth, known as "the counter of the stars" and the Moon god. This period coincides with the carving of the Sphinx and the laying out of Stonehenge. Alford points out that Thoth was referred to in the Pyramid Texts as "he who reckons the heavens, the counter of the stars and the measurer of the Earth."

Stonehenge's Mysterious Activity and Abandonment

Alford discusses a recent 2-year study on Stonehenge's chronology, which concluded a sudden burst of activity around 2965 BC. This phase involved digging a circular ditch and erecting four "Station Stones" to mark the 19-year lunar cycle. The 56 Aubrey Holes were also dug but immediately filled in, leading to the site's abandonment for 300 years.

He notes that the Andean calendar began around 2900 BC, according to Monte-sinos, and that 56 vessels and a layer of fine white sand were found in the Principal Temple at Machu Picchu, possibly linking to Stonehenge's 56 Aubrey Holes.

Potential Hidden Chambers and Further Evidence

Alford raises the possibility of a pre-Incan secret chamber in Peru, drawing a parallel to the detection of a subterranean chamber beneath the Sphinx in Giza in 1991. He suggests that such chambers at both sites could yield vital evidence for the ancient astronaut hypothesis and confirm his star-clock theory.

He also mentions a stone in the Principal Temple at Machu Picchu that could be blocking a doorway to a hidden chamber (Figure 5).

References and Related News

The article includes a list of references supporting its claims, citing publications like the London Daily Mail, works by Fred Hoyle, Johan Reinhard, R. Cleal, L. Walker, R. Montague, R. Bauval, and G. Hancock.

Michael A. Cremo, co-author of "Forbidden Archeology," reports on his trip to Russia, where he gave talks and appeared on television and radio. He discusses the suppression of knowledge regarding 50-million-year-old artifacts found in California gold mines, illustrating a "knowledge filtration process."

Upcoming Events and Society Information

The issue announces the 24th Anniversary World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, to be held August 3-8, 1997, in Orlando, Florida. The conference will feature speakers like Erich von Daniken and Michael Cremo, and will include lectures, field excursions, and a banquet. Information on registration and hotel rates is provided.

It also mentions a report on Colombian gold objects resembling "aircraft" by Dr. Algund Eenboom and colleagues, who have built and will demonstrate a flying model.

The publication details for "ANCIENT SKIES" are provided, noting it is published bi-monthly by the Ancient Astronaut Society, founded in 1973.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut hypothesis, the astronomical capabilities of ancient civilizations, and the interpretation of megalithic sites like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu as sophisticated observatories. The editorial stance, as represented by the Ancient Astronaut Society, is one of questioning conventional archaeological interpretations and seeking evidence for advanced ancient technologies and extraterrestrial influence. The article emphasizes the need to connect seemingly disparate ancient sites and historical periods to form a broader understanding of humanity's past, particularly concerning celestial observation and potential interventions by ancient astronauts.