Ancient Skies - Vol 24 No 1 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 24, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1997
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Cover Headline: NAZCAN GENETIC KNOWLEDGE

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, presents a diverse range of articles exploring ancient mysteries, from the genetic knowledge of the Nazca culture to the existence of giants and the history of astronomical observation.

Nazcan Genetic Knowledge

The lead article, "NAZCAN GENETIC KNOWLEDGE" by Maria and Gurth Walton, details their interpretation of a Nazca culture ceramic housed in the National History Museum in Lima, Peru. The ceramic, dating from 300 BC to 800 AD, is believed to represent the reproductive organs of a pregnant woman, illustrating the effects of genetic influences and a potential warning about increased birth abnormalities. The authors, drawing on their experiences during an Ancient Astronaut Society expedition, explain their detailed interpretation of the ceramic's imagery, which includes representations of the uterus, placenta, ovaries, fallopian tubes, sperm, and genetic markers. They posit that the Nazca people possessed advanced anatomical and genetic knowledge. The article also connects the Nazca culture's decline around 800 AD to Maurice M. Cotterell's theory linking solar energy influences to fertility and defective births, particularly in Earth's 10-20 degree north and south bands, with Nazca falling within the southern band.

More on Giants

Jonah G. Lissner's article, "MORE ON GIANTS," explores historical accounts and modern evidence of giants. It references "Turi's Book of Lappland" describing hairy semi-human giants interacting with the Samid people of Scandinavia. Similar legends are found in the Caucasus. Lissner questions whether these giants were larger Neanderthals or Gigantopithecus, and discusses the possibility of early human-giant interactions. He also cites a 1996 "Sightings" television segment showing a large, primate-like creature in the Himalayas, suggesting that such beings may have been driven to remote areas.

Pregalilean Oriental Telescope Knowledge

Alexey V. Arkhipov's article, "PREGALILEAN ORIENTAL TELESCOPE KNOWLEDGE," challenges the conventional view that Galileo Galilei invented the telescope in 1609. Arkhipov presents evidence of surprising observations made by pre-Galilean astronomers, including the Iranian astronomer Muslikh ad-Din al-Ansari (died 1571) and the Samarkandian astronomer Salakh ad-Din Kazi-Zade ar-Rumi (1360-1437). These astronomers described planetary occultations (e.g., Jupiter occulting Saturn, Venus occulting Mars) which, the author argues, would have required telescopic resolution. He also references the "Mas'ud Canon" by Abu'l-Rayhan al-Biruni (973-1048) for similar observations. Arkhipov suggests that primitive telescopic constructions, such as bronze spherical mirrors, might have been available to ancient technicians, enabling magnified planetary images without eyepieces. The article notes that the author's references are primarily in Russian.

Society News and Upcoming Events

This section includes announcements regarding the 24th Anniversary World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society in Orlando, Florida, from August 3-8, 1997. Marilyn Henry Childs and Dell Winders are listed as speakers, with topics on "Ancient Technology of Telescope Making" and "The Uses of Electrical Magnetic Energy Fields and Frequencies in the Search for Ancient Artifacts," respectively. Information is also provided on upcoming UFO conferences, including the Ninth Annual Ozark UFO Conference and the Twenty-Eighth Annual MUFON International UFO Symposium. The release of Erich von Daniken's latest book, "The Return of the Gods," is also announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the idea of ancient advanced knowledge and technology, challenging conventional historical timelines. The articles explore the possibility of sophisticated understanding of genetics and astronomy in ancient cultures, as well as the existence of non-human or unusually large hominids. The editorial stance appears to favor the exploration of alternative theories and interpretations of historical and archaeological evidence, aligning with the Ancient Astronaut Society's mission to investigate phenomena related to ancient astronauts and their influence on human civilization. The society itself is presented as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to scientific, literary, and educational purposes.