Astronytt - Vol 2 No 1 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: ASTRONYTT
Issue: ÅRGANG 2, NR. 1
Date: MARS 1987
Publisher: Dänikens Venner

This issue of ASTRONYTT, published by Dänikens Venner in March 1987, features a strong focus on the controversial theories of Erich von Däniken regarding ancient astronauts and their impact on human history. The magazine aims to foster open-mindedness and critical discussion, presenting both supportive and critical viewpoints on Däniken's work.

Formannen har ordet (The Chairman Speaks)

The editorial, titled "Formannen har ordet" (The Chairman Speaks), wishes readers a Happy New Year for 1987 and calls for an expansion of mental horizons. It emphasizes the need for open-minded, non-judgmental individuals in society. The editor apologizes for the late publication of this issue, which was intended for January, and outlines the planned publication schedule for the rest of the year: May, September, and November. The editorial highlights that this issue is special and demonstrates the magazine's open-mindedness by presenting a critical reader's letter regarding Erich von Däniken's theories. It mentions a successful seminar and public meeting held in September with the Studentersamfunnet in Oslo, with a report to follow in the next issue. The chairman expresses confidence in the members' judgment to discern the validity of the main article's arguments. The editorial also quotes philosophers Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein on the nature of mathematics and scientific certainty, and references Thomas Kuhn's ideas on the resistance to new scientific paradigms. Finally, it encourages members to engage in discussion, noting the recent popularization of the evolution versus the Bible debate and suggesting Däniken's theory could be a similar topic of discussion.

Leserbrev fra Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO) (Reader's Letter from the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Enlightenment)

This section contains a letter from Preben Aavitsland, representing NIVFO, who attended an Erich von Däniken lecture on September 22, 1986, at the Norwegian Studentersamfundet. Aavitsland describes the lecture as "very embarrassing" and claims Däniken offered no new insights and responded weakly to critical questions. Aavitsland and colleagues distributed a leaflet at the event that reportedly caused a stir and prompted attendees to think critically about Däniken's "adventures." He challenges Dänikens Venner to publish this leaflet as a critical reader's letter or article in Astronytt to foster debate, urging them to include references for verification. Aavitsland also warns of "racist undertones" in Däniken's writings and refers to an article by Kenneth L. Feder for further information. He questions Däniken's credibility, citing instances where he was allegedly caught in "bluff and lies," and asks if Däniken can prove his claims about the "gulltunellene" in Ecuador, or about the Piri Reis map and the island of Elefantine. Aavitsland requests a copy of the magazine if his article is published, asking to be made a free subscriber.

Vitenskapsmennenes irrasjonelle respons på hypotesen om forhistorisk astronautikk (The Irrational Response of Scientists to the Hypothesis of Prehistoric Astronautics)

This article, by Dr. Pasqual S. Schievella, addresses the hypothesis of ancient astronauts (HFA), which posits that extraterrestrial intelligences visited Earth in prehistoric times and influenced human history. Schievella acknowledges his sympathy for the hypothesis but focuses his critique on the behavior of scientists towards it. He argues that instead of rigorously examining the available evidence, the scientific community has attacked the hypothesis and its proponents, like Erich von Däniken, with insults and ridicule, dismissing the evidence with laughter. Schievella notes the "deafening silence" from experts regarding the HFA's evidence, suggesting a lack of scientific progress. He asserts that believing intelligent extraterrestrial life is unlikely is a step backward, akin to medieval geocentrism. Schievella contends that HFA is a historical hypothesis that requires evidence similar to that used in social sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology), rather than the strict empirical standards of natural sciences. He argues that Däniken's theories explain previously unexplained mysteries and that critics often overlook the diverse forms of evidence, including theoretical, logical, and documentary proof. He concludes that the deliberate ignorance of these different types of evidence is characteristic of dogmatic and prejudiced scientists.

Erich von Däniken: Smart bløffmaker eller idiot? (Erich von Däniken: Smart charlatan or idiot?)

This article, presented as a leaflet distributed at the Däniken lecture, directly challenges Däniken's theories. It labels him either a "smart charlatan" or an "idiot," stating that his purported evidence has been repeatedly debunked, yet he continues to sell millions of books. The article criticizes the organizers for not inviting a counter-speaker, suggesting it was due to the event being organized with Däniken's Norwegian publisher. The author breaks down Däniken's theory, which claims advanced beings from another planet created humans from ape-like ancestors. The article then refutes Däniken's "proofs," categorizing them into two types: interpretations of ancient texts and explanations of archaeological enigmas. It argues that Däniken's textual interpretations are subjective speculations that often contradict other parts of the texts, citing the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of Däniken's misinterpretation of an atomic explosion. The article examines specific examples used by Däniken:

• Palenque Astronaut: Däniken interprets a Maya relief as an astronaut in a spaceship. The article counters that it depicts Maya ruler Pacal with common Maya religious symbols, such as a quetzal bird (symbol of the sun god) and a corn plant (symbol of rebirth). It questions why aliens would have such varied "spacesuit" designs.
• Nazca Figures: Däniken claims these figures are landing strips for spaceships. The article states the ground is too soft and uneven for landings and that the figures could be made with simple tools.
• Piri Reis Map: Däniken suggests aliens helped create this 1513 map. The article notes it contains errors but accurately depicts South America's longitude, and questions why aliens would provide such assistance.
• Elefantine Island: Däniken claims the island's shape, resembling an elephant, could only be known from aerial views, implying alien knowledge. The article explains the name comes from the Greek word for elephantinos, meaning "ivory," and that the island was an ivory trading post, not named for its shape.

The article also addresses Däniken's claims about the statues on Easter Island, arguing that the island had sufficient resources and population to build them, and that descendants demonstrated statues could be moved relatively quickly. Regarding "The Gold of the Gods," the article dismisses Däniken's account of a tunnel system in Ecuador with a "library" of unknown metal books, stating that the tunnel's discoverer, Juan Moricz, denied taking Däniken there and that the library was not shown to anyone else. It also critiques Däniken's interpretation of Fader Crespi's collection of gold artifacts, suggesting they are tourist trinkets. The article concludes by questioning if Däniken is racist, noting that he attributes technological achievements in Africa, Asia, and America to aliens while crediting Europeans with building structures like the Colosseum and Parthenon without extraterrestrial help.

Exit Däniken?

This concluding section of the critical article acknowledges that Däniken will likely continue his work, selling millions of books that offer escapism and simple answers, while scientific critiques reach only a few thousand. The goal, it states, is to highlight the difference between fantasy and science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently engages with the topic of ancient astronauts, primarily through the lens of Erich von Däniken's theories. There is a clear tension between promoting open-minded inquiry and critically examining pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging debate and presenting diverse viewpoints, including strong skepticism and detailed refutations of Däniken's evidence. The magazine positions itself as a platform for rational discussion and scientific inquiry, contrasting this with what it perceives as the dogmatic or irrational responses of some scientists and the fantastical nature of Däniken's narratives. The issue highlights the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the distinction between scientific fact and speculative theory.

Title: AAS Nytt
Issue: 3
Volume: 1987
Date: 1987
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of AAS Nytt focuses on travel opportunities and addresses criticisms leveled against Erich von Däniken's theories. It presents two major travel packages: the AAS World Conference in Yugoslavia and an extensive adventure tour of Peru and Bolivia led by Erich von Däniken.

Article: Defense of Erich von Däniken

The issue opens with an article by Dr. Schievella that defends Erich von Däniken against his critics. The author argues that critics wrongly assume von Däniken claims to be a scientist and then attack him for not being one, a tactic described as a 'straw man' setup. Schievella contends that von Däniken's ideas, which have been presented for thousands of years, have never been brought to global attention with such impact before. The article criticizes scientists for their perceived arrogance and 'navel-gazing,' suggesting they sometimes overlook problems that cannot be solved by purely scientific means. It also notes that technological advancements are often presented with scientific certainty, leading laypeople to believe all scientific claims are factual. Schievella asserts that scientists have not effectively refuted von Däniken's hypotheses, and their scientific response sometimes even supports his claims. The negative reactions from religious institutions are attributed to their 'special interests.' The article advocates for science to attack ideas rather than their proponents and to use objective methods, rather than dogmatic or authoritarian stances.

AAS World Conference in Yugoslavia

The magazine announces the AAS World Conference to be held in Novi Vinodolski, Yugoslavia, from September 10-12, 1987, at the Hotel LISANJ. Membership in the Ancient Astronaut Society is required for participation. The conference hotel is described as first-class, located by the Adriatic coast, about 20 minutes from Rijeka. Travel dates are September 9th (departure from Oslo) and September 13th (return to Oslo). Pricing details are provided for single and double rooms with breakfast or full board, as well as the congress participation fee. The package includes a welcome reception, a fishing boat trip, a hunting picnic, and a farewell banquet. Conference languages are English and German, with no simultaneous translation. The approximate round-trip airfare from Oslo is given, with a total of 20 lectures planned, featuring speakers from various regions. The conference coincides with a USA/USSR space exhibition in Rijeka, with hopes of having a Russian cosmonaut present. Interested individuals are directed to contact 'Danikens Venner' for details.

Adventure Trip to Peru and Bolivia with Erich Von Däniken (Spring 1988)

This section details an 'adventure trip' to Peru and Bolivia with Erich von Däniken in the spring of 1988. The itinerary spans from February 23rd to March 12th, 1988, and includes a comprehensive schedule of visits to significant archaeological and historical sites. The trip begins with travel from Oslo to Frankfurt and then to Lima, Peru. Subsequent days involve sightseeing in Lima, visiting the anthropological museum and the Gold Museum, and traveling to Paracas and Ica. The itinerary includes a boat trip to the Andes foothills, a visit to the 'Andes-trefork,' and exploring the 'Steinmuseet til Dr. Cabrera.' The journey continues to Nazca for a flight over the Nazca lines, followed by visits to the ancient city of Cajamarquilla. The tour then proceeds to Cuzco, including a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko, and a trip to Machu Picchu via the Andes railway. The final leg of the tour is in Bolivia, with visits to Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku, followed by a trip to Santa Cruz and Samaipata to see 'El Fuerte.' The trip concludes with a flight back to Frankfurt and then Oslo. The total price is estimated at around kr. 27,000 (SFR 5900) per person in a double room, with extra costs for single rooms and flights. The package includes flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, guided tours, and local guides Erich and Cornelia von Däniken. Personal expenses and hotel extras are not included. The trip is organized by IMHOLZ Reisebyrå in Zurich, and interested parties are advised to contact them directly, noting that participation is limited and this might be a rare opportunity to travel with von Däniken.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of travel opportunities related to ancient astronaut theories and the defense of Erich von Däniken's work against scientific and religious criticism. The editorial stance, as expressed through the featured article, is one of advocating for a more open-minded and less dogmatic approach to investigating unconventional historical and archaeological hypotheses. The magazine actively promotes participation in events and tours organized by or associated with the Ancient Astronaut Society and Erich von Däniken.