As writers of speculative fiction, we cannot help but wonder at times about what the future holds for all of us living on planet Earth. Not tomorrow, or next week, or next year, necessarily, but further down the road.

Man is not alone in the universe. Overwhelming documentation from every culture indicates–beyond a doubt–that we have been visited many times by advanced life forms since the beginning of time.

And, although the number of entities involved, as well as their point of origin may be open to conjecture, for those of us who care to know the truth about such things, the fact of their existence is not.

Several books regarding the nature of extraterrestrial life and its intentions for humanity leave little room for doubt, when considered in the light of human history.

UNACKNOWLEDGED, by Steven M. Greer, M.D., offers testimonials from former astronauts and retired officers from every branch of the U.S. Military, who have served our nation with honor over the past eighty years. These are credible eyewitness accounts from people who feel compelled by their own conscience to tell the truth. Reading this book, it becomes clear that officials in high places have long accepted the reality of extraterrestrial life and are engaged in efforts not only to recover advanced technology, but also to conceal it from the public.

WALKING AMONG US, by David M. Jacobs, PHD, describes a long term plan to integrate human and extraterrestrial life, drawn from the recollections of abductees, for the essential purpose of Earth occupation. One gets the impression that this process has been ongoing for many human lifetimes and that the outcome–when viewed as part of an evolutionary force, affecting all life in the universe–is inevitable.

PASSPORT TO THE COSMOS, by John E. Mack, M.D., presents findings drawn from what he calls “experiencers”, individuals who believe that their alien encounters contribute to a process of human transformation. Many embrace a new sense of purpose regarding protection of the Earth and the sanctity of all life and look toward a future where humans and extraterrestrials come together as one.

In truth, our survival may one day depend on a new way of seeing the universe, and our role in it. That may require acknowledgement of our past, acceptance of those who walk among us, and embracing transformation.

One must have an open mind to read these books and appreciate them. They may provide a new understanding of what the future holds…for you.

Speculative Fiction takes place in a world where anything can happen. It goes beyond everyday life and takes the reader into an imaginary world of fantasy, science, and horror.

That’s the short answer. But, of course, it’s much more than that.

It takes our existing world and changes it by asking What if? What if monkeys could fly? What if aliens came to Earth?

This opens up the definition to include other genres…like alternate history, sci-fi, dystopian, weird tales, and surrealism.

It views the world through new eyes, pushing the boundaries of imagination. It can take you out of your daily routine and reawaken a sense of mystery and purpose and wonder.

It places ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances–providing new insight, teaching us about vital qualities within ourselves, like bravery and kindness, as we confront the forces of Good and Evil.

It tries to anticipate where we all will be one day, so we can be better prepared. This changes us on a basic level that defies definition. It moves the soul to a better place.

It also satisfies a basic human need. The need to dream.

The fact that you are reading this blog proves it. You wonder about the possibilities for a better tomorrow.

It is the reason we choose Speculative Fiction.

Why? Because we are all dreamers at heart.

 

Ufology is the study of reports, visual records, physical evidence, and other phenomena related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Various investigations have been conducted over the years by governments, independent groups, and scientists.

After reading many UFO reports over the years, it seems clear that the 1960’s and early 70’s had many genuine sightings. Newspaper reports appeared all over the country–and the world. In his remarkable book: The Missing Times, author Terry Hanson investigates the later role of national media in suppressing news coverage of the UFO phenomenon.

This era stands out in my mind for the number of serious investigations launched by intelligent, well-meaning individuals in search of the truth. While many examples can be found, for this blog entry I’ve decided to focus on three points that contribute to its relevance regarding UFOs: People, Cases, and Documentaries.

People

Astronomer J. Allen Hynek is best remembered for his work as a scientific advisor to UFO studies undertaken by the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1969. He later developed the “Close Encounter” classification system, with CE3 referring to cases where “occupants or entities are seen.” Considering the dismissive attitude of many academics toward Ufology, he once commented, “Ridicule is not part of the scientific method….”

Director Steven Spielberg brought his unique vision to the movie screen with “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” in 1977. Spielberg said his faith in the possibility of UFOs was boosted when he received a 20-page letter from NASA stating their opposition to the film. Ray Bradbury declared it the greatest science fiction film ever made.

Cases

1973 is remembered for a world-wide wave of UFO sightings. Several abductions were reported during this period, including the case of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Sightings occurred in at least 20 states and 10 different countries, peaking in mid to late October.

In November, 1975, Travis Walton was reportedly abducted by a UFO while working with a logging crew in Arizona, then reappeared after a five-day search. The case received mainstream publicity and was later adapted into a major film: Fire in the Sky. It is also one of very few cases with corroborative eyewitnesses, where the time allegedly spent in the custody of aliens plays a rather minor role in the overall account.

Documentaries

Chariots of the Gods entered American theaters as a West German documentary film in 1970. Based on Erich von Däniken’s sensational book, it theorizes extraterrestrials impacted early human life. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

In 1976, the documentary UFOs: It Has Begun appeared on American television, narrated by Rod Serling. Though promised footage of an actual ‘flying saucer’ landing at Holloman Air Force Base was not provided, producers shot dramatized parts of the segment beforehand, using paintings of the alien craft to depict an historic meeting which allegedly took place. To this day, its dramatic impact can still be felt.

 

American naturalist and cryptozoologist Ivan T. Sanderson (1911-1973) coined the term Out-Of-Place-Artifacts to describe various anomalous objects of historical, archeological, or paleontological interest which have been found throughout the Earth’s strata or in geological formations where they should not be located, according to conventional scientific theory.

Such discoveries challenge historical chronology by being “too advanced” for the level of civilization at the time, or show “human presence” well before man was thought to exist.

Perhaps the most famous example is the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient analog computer designed to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes. Recovered in 1901 from a shipwreck off a Greek island, its clockwork-like appearance dates to 1,000 years before clocks were invented.