Astronomical bodies in pseudoscience and the paranormal

Paranormal and pseudoscientific claims regarding astronomical bodies involve both bodies recognized by the scientific community and those known only from the claims themselves. A wide variety of movements are represented among those claiming knowledge regarding astronomical bodies gained through nonscientific means. These include astrologers, alien abductees, alien contactees, New Age practitioners UFO religions and more. The types of astronomical bodies discussed by pseudoscientists and paranormal claimants run the gamut from planets to stars, constellation, and galaxies. Many of these claims contradict scientific findings in spectacular ways or show influence from science fiction.

Solar system

Unrecognized planets

Nibiru - Believed to be the home planet of the Anunnaki.

Stars and constellations

Pleiades

The Pleiades, or Seven Sisters (Messier object 45), is an open star cluster containing middle-aged hot B-type stars located in the constellation of Taurus. It is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and is the cluster most obvious to the naked eye in the night sky. Various pseudoscientific claims have been made about this star cluster. Erich von Daniken alleged that intelligent extraterretrials traveled from the Pleiades to earth and were worshipped by the Inca as gods.^[1]

Eduard "Billy" Meier also claims to have had many contacts with extraterrestrial humanoids originating in the Pleiades star cluster.

Zeta Reticuli

Betty and Barney Hill were an American married couple who claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrials on September 19–20, 1961. While on board the alien craft, the Hills claim they were subjected to a medical examination. Betty said that when she asked where their abductors were from one showed her a star map, which she later attempted to reproduce. In 1968, Marjorie Fish of Oak Harbor, Ohio read John G. Fuller's Interrupted Journey, a best-selling book on the abduction claim. She was an elementary school teacher and amateur astronomer. Intrigued by the "star map", Fish wondered if it might be "deciphered" to determine which star system the UFO came from.

Assuming that one of the fifteen stars on the map must represent the Earth's sun, Fish constructed a 3-dimensional model of nearby sun-like stars using thread and beads, basing stellar distances on those published in the 1969 Gliese Star Catalog. Studying thousands of vantage points over several years, the only one that seemed to match the Hill map was from the viewpoint of the double star system of Zeta Reticuli. Therefore she concluded that the UFO might have come from a planet orbiting Zeta Reticuli.

Map of Zeta Reticuli, according to Betty Hill and Marjorie Fish

As a result of Fish's hypothesis, some have dubbed the Hills' account The Zeta Reticuli Incident. Most Ufologists, however, continue to prefer the Hill Abduction or some similar term.

Distance information needed to match three stars, forming the distinctive triangle Hill said she remembered, was not generally available until the 1969 Gliese Catalog came out. Fish also was the first to note that all the stars on the map connected by lines (which Betty Hill said she was told were trade or frequently-traveled routes) fell in a plane, with Zeta Reticuli acting as a hub. Thus the displayed routes would be the most logical and efficient way of exploring the nearby stellar neighborhood for a civilization located in Zeta Reticuli. These points played critical roles in the subsequent debates over the validity of the Fish match to the Hill map.

Fish sent her analysis to Webb. Agreeing with her conclusions, Webb sent the map to Terence Dickinson, editor of the popular magazine Astronomy. Dickinson did not endorse Fish and Webb's conclusions, but he was intrigued, and, for the first time in the journal's history, Astronomy invited comments and debate on a UFO report, starting with an opening article in the December 1974 issue. For about a year afterward, the opinions page of Astronomy carried arguments for and against Fish's star map. Notable was an argument made by Carl Sagan and Stephen Soter,^[2] arguing that the seeming "star map" was little more than a random alignment of chance points. In contrast, those more favorable to the map, such as Dr. David Saunders, a statistician who had been on the Condon UFO study, argued that unusual alignment of key sun-like stars in a plane centered around Zeta Reticuli (first described by Fish) was statistically improbable to have happened by chance from a random group of stars in our immediate neighborhood.^[3]^[4]

Skeptic Robert Sheaffer in an accompanying article said that a map devised by Charles W. Atterberg, about the same time as Fish, was an even better match to Hill's map and made more sense. The base stars, Epsilon Indi and Epsilon Eridani, plus the others were also closer to the sun than the Hill map. Fish counterargued that the base stars in the Atterberg map were considered much less likely to harbor life than Zeta Reticuli and the map lacked a consistent grouping of sun-like stars along the lined routes.

Extrasolar planets

Unrecognized extrasolar planets

The following is a list of alleged extrasolar planets not proposed or verified by researchers doing mainstream science.

Name	Claimant(s)	Location	Notable inhabitants	Description
Anzea^[5]	Unarius Academy of Science^[5]	Second spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Zena^[5]	Unarians believe that Anzea has an artificially constructed orbital manned space station built for scientific research and the planet's inhabitants are alleged to travel the galaxy in spaceships along energy beams.^[5] The Anzeans operate a "power tower" which is claimed to rejuvenate the bodies and extend the lifespan of the world's inhabitants.^[5] The UAS claims that in a past life Uriel (then incarnated as Ioshanna) linked the energies of Anzea with those of the (also scientifically unverified) planet Eros using her wand and crown.^[5] The result was said to be the spiritual revitalization of the planet, and event for which the planet's "Polarity," Zena, had waited for 1,000 years.^[5]
Aries^[7]	Unarius Academy of Science^[7]		Antares (in a past life) Arieson (in a past life) Michiel (Nikola Tesla) Muriel (Esther Nields) Raphiel (Ernest Norman) Uriel (Ruth Norman)
Ballium^[5]	Unarius Academy of Science^[5]	First spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Tal^[5]	The UAS claims that the scientifically unverified planet Ballium was once populated by a population of two million Borg-like cyborgs that were controlled by a single electronic device.^[5] When the device short circuited their culture is said to have gone into a 500-year period of atrophy and their population was greatly reduced. Uriel is believed to have contacted the planet's "Polarity," Tal, and upon discovering the Balliumites' situation, traveled to the planet and unplugged the malfunctioning device.^[5] The Balliumites are supposedly involved in the arduous task of reawakening their spiritualities, according to Unarian teachings.^[5]
Basis^[8]	Unarius Academy of Science^[8]	Sixth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Tyronus^[8]	The UAS claims that their founder, Ernest Norman, brought Unarian teachings to this scientifically unverified planet during a past life as the extraterrestrial scientist Lumus.^[5] Further, Unarians believe that the inhabitants of Basis lost the spirit of Unarian teachings and built a "bland" technological society where machines performed every task.^[8] Thousands of years later, Uriel made contact with Tyronus, the mute "Polarity" of the planet, who had never previously spoken.^[8] After this contact Tyronus devised a new education system focused on personal development. Some citizens of Basis are alleged to have become Unarian subchannels.^[9] Unarian myths further describe the society as moving in a positive direction emphasizing communal living and shared decision making.^[9]
Brundage^[9]	Unarius Academy of Science^[9]	Fourth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Lum^[9]	Unarians believe that when Uriel first contacted this scientifically unverified world, the "Polarity," Lum, had been imprisoned underground by "various factions of spaceship worshippers."^[9] Uriel's contact attempt was said to have reached a robot named Nur.^[9] At Uriel's command, the myth goes, Nur freed Lum.^[9] Now the inhabitants of Brundage are believed to be working on a new city built around a massive clean energy generator which will beam "spiritual energy" to all of the people on the planet.^[9]
Coltice	Church of Scientology
Dal^[10]	Unarius Academy of Science^[10]	First spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Analus^[10]	Unarians believe that the scientifically unverified Dal is inhabited by an advanced civilization of blue skinned telepaths. Their technology is similar to that the purported inhabitants of Mars are alleged to have. Unarians believe this civilization is capable of interplanetary communication and extending their own lifespan "electronically." Their peaceful, unified world hadn't seen war for 100,000 years and their society so prosperous that no one's needs went unmet, according to Unarian myth. Unarian techings report that despite its high level of technology and prosperity, Dal lacked "a spiritually integrated education system" which changed when Uriel revealed herself to "Polarity" Analus in the form of a brilliant sun.
Delna^[11]	Unarius Academy of Science^[11]	First spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Nadnee^[11] Shana	Unarians believe that the unrecognized planet Delna exists on the first spiral arm of the galaxy. Its name is alleged to mean "land of the everlasting." Unarian myth relates that Delna was visited by an intelligent being named Shana who brought the Unarian "science" to the Delnian people. The UAS further claims that the Delnian people eventually lost touch with the "science." At that time, the world's chief scientist, Nadnee, built a great technological city with a cone shaped tower that powered the world's mechanical devices. Because the technology they used "lacked any spiritual purpose," the Delnians ended up imprisoned by their own creations in a deep sleep. Unarians believe that the Delnian people were saved by being uplifted with the poetry of Ernest Norman while they slept and were "taken through the Flames of the Higher Worlds." After being freed, the Delnians were cared for by the planet's Polarity, Nadnee.
Deva^[11]	Unarius Academy of Science^[11]	First spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Rana^[11]	The UAS claims that the people of the planet Deva used simple technology to communicate between planets but had lost the teachings of the Unarian science. Unarian myth tells that the Polarity of Deva, Rana, had been reincarnating on the planet for thousands of years. She gave guidance to the people, but stunted their spiritual development by allowing them to worship her as a goddess. Only her clergy were permitted to use the planet's power tower. The resulting negative energy kept the people of Deva "fearful and ignorant." Unarians believe that Ruth Norman emanated a healing projection in the form of an image of herself as two pyramids connected by an arc of blue light. This accomplished the salvation of the populace and "the whole society improved in every way imaginable."
Din^[11]	Unarius Academy of Science^[11]	Sixth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Lebra^[11]	Unarians believe that the unrecognized planet Din lies ear the center of the galaxy. It is characterized by being "the most mentally obsessed planet in the universe." Its culture was split into many competing "'I AM' cults." The planet's polarity, Lebra, received assistance from Ruth Norman to "break the spell of 'mantra muttering'." Norman channeled the love of the Space Brothers by "reconnecting Din with the energies of the planet Eros." Din's power tower is known as "the Projectile."
Dollium^[11]	Unarius Academy of Science^[11]	Fourth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Persium^[11]
Earth (II)^[12]	Unarius Academy of Science^[12]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Palus^[12]
El^[12]	Unarius Academy of Science^[12]	Fifth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Electra^[12]
Elysium	Unarius Academy of Science
Emil^[12]	Unarius Academy of Science^[12]	Second spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Jordan^[12] Emil^[12]
Endinite^[12]	Unarius Academy of Science^[12]	Second spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Susa^[12]
Eneshia^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	First spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Glashia^[13] Nomar (Same as Tyrantus)^[13]
Eros	Unarius Academy of Science
Farris^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	Third spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Link^[13]
Glenus^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	Sixth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Sermon^[13]
Idonus^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	Fifth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Macinus the Beautiful^[13]
Jena^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	Second spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Phillas^[13]
Kallium^[13]	Unarius Academy of Science^[13]	Fifth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Konea^[13]
Kolob^[14]	Latter Day Saints	Near the throne of God,^[14] but other locations have been proposed by Mormon apologists.^[15]	Traditionally regarded as a star, some Mormon commentators have understood it to be a planet.
Lemuria	Unarius Academy of Science
Luminus^[16]	Unarius Academy of Science^[16]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Lumins^[16]
Muse	Unarius Academy of Science
Myton	Unarius Academy of Science		Commander Star Rahl
Nostra	Church of Scientology
Orion	Unarius Academy of Science			Celestial planet
Orion	Unarius Academy of Science		Tyrantus	Terrestrial planet.
Osnus^[17]	Unarius Academy of Science^[17]	Fourth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Ranee^[17]
Po^[17]	Unarius Academy of Science^[17]	Third spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Lampet^[17]
Rey^[17]	Unarius Academy of Science^[17]	Fourth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Denios^[17]
Rizq^[18]	United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors
Serena^[17]	Unarius Academy of Science^[17]	Third spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Numir^[17]
Severus^[19]	Unarius Academy of Science^[19]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Severinus^[19]
Shunan^[20]	Unarius Academy of Science^[20]	Sixth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Shasa (also spelled Sha-sa)^[20]
Sixtus^[20]	Unarius Academy of Science^[20]	Sixth spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Tenn^[20]
Tyron	Unarius Academy of Science
Unarius	Unarius Academy of Science
Valneza^[20]	Unarius Academy of Science^[20]	Second spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Dera^[20]
Vidus^[20]	Unarius Academy of Science^[20]	Third spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Solar^[20]
Vixall^[21]	Unarius Academy of Science^[21]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Donatus^[21] Head Robot Linno^[21] Ambassador Alta^[21]
Vulna^[22]	Unarius Academy of Science^[22]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Tis-La^[22]
Yessu^[22]	Unarius Academy of Science^[22]	Seventh spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Mang^[22]
Zeton^[22]	Unarius Academy of Science^[22]	Third spiral arm of the galaxy.^[6]	Polarity Texton^[22]
ZX 432	Church of Scientology

Notes

↑ "Erich von Daniken," Reece (2007), page 173.
↑ see Clark, 1998
↑ The Zeta Reticuli Incident
↑ ZETA RETICULI INCIDENT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 173.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 "Star Map," Tumminia (2005), page 174.
1 2 "Supercelestial Planets," Tumminia (2005), page 71.
1 2 3 4 5 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), pages 173-174.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 174.
1 2 3 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), pages 174-175.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 175.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 176.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 177.
1 2 Abraham 3:2-3.
↑ Gee, John; Hamblin, William J.; Peterson, Daniel C. (2006), "And I Saw the Stars—The Book of Abraham and Ancient Geocentric Astronomy", in Gee, John; Hauglid, Brian M., Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant (1st ed.), Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, p. 161, ISBN 0-934893-76-4 .
1 2 3 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), pages 177-178.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 178.
↑ "The Nuwaubian Nation of Moors," Reece (2007), pages 192-193.
1 2 3 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), pages 178-179.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 179.
1 2 3 4 5 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), pages 179-180.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Appendix II: Stories of the Planets in the Interplanetary Confederation," Tumminia (2005), page 180.

References

Clark, Jerome, The UFO Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial (Visible Ink, 1998)
Reece, Gregory L. (August 21, 2007). UFO Religion: Inside Flying Saucer Cults and Culture. I. B. Tauris. p. 213. ISBN 1-84511-451-5.
Tumminia, Diana G. When Prophecy Never Fails: Myth and Reality in a Flying-Saucer Group. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005, 240 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-517675-9

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