Ancient Skies - Vol 24 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 24, NUMBER 5
Date: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1997
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES, the Official Logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, features a prominent article by Dr. Pasqual Sebastian Schievella titled "THE ESTABLISHMENT'S CRITICISM OF THE ANCIENT ASTRONAUT HYPOTHESIS REVISITED." The magazine's cover art depicts a stylized rocket ship against a starry background, with the subtitle "Come Search With Us!"

The Establishment's Criticism of the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis Revisited

Dr. Pasqual Sebastian Schievella begins by referencing Jim Lovell's statement about the mystery of whether humanity is alone, suggesting that ancient astronaut theorists have been saying this for over a quarter of a century and that Lovell's comment fails to give credit where it is due. Schievella notes that scientists have spent millions searching for extraterrestrial messages, yet many in the scientific community previously disdained the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis. He posits that these critics now seem to believe in the existence of ancient astronauts, though they prefer the term "extraterrestrials."

Schievella argues that if a civilization could broadcast messages across the universe, it likely achieved interstellar travel. He suggests that many scientists, fearing the implications of such a revelation, prefer to dismiss the hypothesis. He defends Erich von Daniken's questioning approach in "Chariots of the Gods?", stating that it was a basis for scientific inquiry, unlike many critics who have abandoned an open mind.

He criticizes the tendency of some scientists to offer flimsy solutions or ignore plausible possibilities when faced with ancient mysteries. Schievella contends that critics often resort to the same tired arguments, failing to address the core mysteries. He suspects that many individuals worldwide secretly believe in ancient astronauts but fear public derision, explaining the widespread interest in the subject.

Schievella contrasts the scientific pursuit of knowledge with the tendency to ignore evidence. He points out that while science has explored concepts like subatomic particles and black holes, it often dismisses ancient astronaut claims. He emphasizes that credible scientific claims must be falsifiable and verifiable, unlike "epistemic gobbledygook." He asserts that the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis, based on physical evidence, meets these requirements.

He quotes mathematicians like Bertrand Russell and Godfrey Harold Hardy to highlight the limitations of mathematics in describing reality, suggesting that mathematics does not exist independently but is a human construct, possibly aided by ancient astronauts. Schievella clarifies that he does not wish to denigrate mathematics but warns against confusing it with knowledge or reality.

He criticizes the scientific community and government for not pursuing research into hidden archives that might hold answers to ancient mysteries, speculating that fear of world panic, political implications, or religious institutions might be reasons for this inaction.

Schievella questions why documented descriptions of ancient astronauts are selectively ignored or labeled as fantasy, while other unverifiable claims in religious texts are accepted. He notes that the idea of visitation has been present throughout history, predating Christ.

He argues that investigating potential sources of knowledge on Earth is more sensible and less expensive than searching for extraterrestrial messages, which have a low probability of success and potential catastrophic risks. He criticizes the media for heaping scorn upon professionals who support the hypothesis.

Schievella asserts that the establishment's strength lies in innuendo and half-truths, and they avoid discussing evidence for which they have no explanations. He criticizes the fallacy of the small sample and the tendency to dismiss all evidence if some claims are proven wrong.

He states that the Ancient Astronaut Society offers no threat to science or reason and aims to have facts and evidence judged fairly. He notes that social acceptance of extraterrestrial intelligence has grown, partly due to the widespread readership of authors like von Daniken.

He discusses the probability of life evolving on other planets, given the universe's age, and the possibility of advanced civilizations existing for millions of years before humanity. He highlights that the evolution of life requires specific natural conditions, such as a planet's size, gravity, atmospheric composition, and the presence of essential chemicals.

Schievella concludes that while evidence for ancient astronauts may not be conclusive, it should not be dismissed. He criticizes skeptics who attribute all such claims to insanity or fantasy, likening them to someone who leads a horse to water but cannot make it drink.

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy to the Past

James A. Miller, in his article "Lifting the Veil of Secrecy to the Past," echoes Erich von Daniken's sentiment that much about Earth's past remains unexplained. Miller attributes the "veil of secrecy" to establishment scientists and their "false paradigms," which he believes are deliberately created to maintain their own glorification and interests.

The Ancient Astronaut Society, according to Miller, will be dogmatic in its search for TRUTH and will not seek validation from the establishment. He cites Dr. Max Planck's idea that new generations of researchers are needed to overcome false paradigms. Miller advocates for the Society to focus on its own work rather than rebutting critics, allowing the critics to "choke on their own false dogma."

Miller emphasizes that many free thinkers support the TRUTH and that the establishment's false dogmatists are the cause of secrecy. He suggests ceasing to refer to ancient astronauts as a "theory" or "hypothesis" and instead using "truth" and "fact" due to ample physical evidence.

He calls for a distinction between "science" and "technology," noting that the Mars landing was an achievement of technology, not science. Miller advocates for a working relationship between "amateur" and "professional" archaeologists and for speeding up the exploration of archaeological sites, bringing raw data directly to the public.

Miller posits that life has always existed in the universe and is not Earth-centered. He asserts that religious abstractions are separate from life and exist only in human social intercourse. He urges banding together to free themselves from "ignorant quagmire of petty protocols and false dogma" and to follow instincts about the past, listening to the "faint rumblings" of ancient astronauts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis, challenging the skepticism and perceived closed-mindedness of the scientific establishment. The articles emphasize the importance of physical evidence, open inquiry, and a willingness to question established paradigms. There is a clear stance against what is perceived as the deliberate suppression of information by mainstream science and a call for a more direct and less filtered approach to investigating ancient mysteries. The magazine positions itself as a champion of truth and evidence, encouraging readers to think critically and independently.

Contact Information:
*Mr. Miller's address: 402 So. 12th Street, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814 USA. E-mail: [email protected]*
*ANCIENT SKIES is published bi-monthly by the ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY, 1921 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park, Illinois 60035-3178 USA. Tel. (847)295-8899. Fax. (847)295-0868.*
*The Ancient Astronaut Society, founded in 1973, is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation organized exclusively for scientific, literary and educational purposes.*