Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

Title: Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries
Author: John A. Keel
Publisher: SAGA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries" by John A. Keel explores several unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries, primarily focusing on events from the year 1908, suggesting potential connections to UFOs and extraterrestrial influences.

Vanishing Photograph

The article begins by discussing the "Thunderbird" legend, a fearsome prehistoric monster with a massive wingspan, according to Native American traditions. It notes that some legends seem to describe flying saucers rather than birds, and the "thunder" might relate to UFO noises. A particular focus is placed on a widely published but now elusive photograph of a gigantic bird nailed to a barn, which covered the entire structure. Despite extensive searches by organizations like the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, no copies of this photograph could be found, leading the author to appeal to readers for any information about its existence or publication.

Back to Tunguska

This section details the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, when an object exploded over Siberia, leveling vast areas of forest and causing numerous deaths. Despite being called the "Tunguska meteorite," Soviet expeditions found no typical meteoric traces. Instead, the incident produced illnesses and effects similar to a nuclear explosion, leading some Soviet scientists to theorize that a nuclear-powered spaceship was responsible. The event coincided with a worldwide epidemic of UFO sightings in 1909. More recent theories suggest the object might have been a "black hole." The event caused the skies over northern Europe to be brilliantly lit for days, and London experienced an incredible heat wave. The article notes the strange coincidence that newspapers worldwide were focused on Siberia in 1908 due to the great overland automobile race passing through the region.

1908 Sea Serpents

The author posits that paranormal events occur in cycles. During such periods, alongside UFO sightings, there are reports of sea serpents and other strange phenomena. On June 24, 1908, the entire crew of the steamship Livingstone reported seeing a 200-foot sea serpent in the Gulf of Mexico. The creature, described as dark brown with rings near its tail, was observed for 15 minutes. Its head was about 6 feet long, and its body was approximately the diameter of a flour barrel. As it swam away, its tail was erected, producing a rattling noise. The captain, crew, and 15 passengers signed a sworn affidavit about the sighting.

Lightning Strikes

This section examines lightning as a neglected branch of meteorology, noting that over 800 lightning deaths occur globally each year. Strangely, these deaths appear to increase during UFO waves, and people and animals have been found dead in areas where UFOs have been observed. The article highlights instances where lightning bolts seem to have been directed. One example is a Florida researcher whose UFO report and documentation were destroyed when a lightning bolt demolished the windmill where he was working. The selectivity of lightning bolts is described as unnerving. The article recounts an incident on July 3, 1908, in China, Texas, where a Baptist preacher, Rev. T. H. Feagin, was struck and killed by lightning while mingling with his congregation. It also mentions cases where individuals survived lightning strikes unharmed, with clothes blown off and coins welded together. The section concludes by noting that a young Dwight David Eisenhower was struck by lightning in Kansas in 1908 and survived, posing the speculative question of whether aliens might be influencing human leadership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the potential influence of extraterrestrial or unknown forces on historical events and human affairs. The author, John A. Keel, presents these phenomena not as isolated incidents but as part of larger patterns and cycles, often linking them to UFO activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting intriguing historical accounts and speculative theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations for these mysteries.