Editing Ancient Aliens — Key Persons Directory (section)

=== Principal Theorists ===

==== Erich von Daniken (born 1935) ====
Swiss author; ''Chariots of the Gods?'' (1968); transformed ancient alien theory from a fringe intellectual tradition into a global mass phenomenon with 65+ million books sold; was convicted of fraud and embezzlement while writing the book; has published 40+ books; operates the Jungfrau Park / Mystery Park tourist attraction in Switzerland.

==== Zecharia Sitchin (1920–2010) ====
Azerbaijani-American author; ''The 12th Planet'' (1976) and the Earth Chronicles series (7 volumes); developed the Anunnaki/Nibiru framework that is now the most widely recognized version of the ancient aliens hypothesis; self-taught in Sumerian cuneiform; translations and interpretations rejected by academic Sumerologists; books in 25+ languages, millions of copies sold.

==== Robert K.G. Temple (born 1945) ====
British author; ''The Sirius Mystery'' (1976); argued that the Dogon's astronomical knowledge derived from contact with the Nommo — beings from the Sirius star system; has a classical background (Sanskrit and Oriental Studies, University of Pennsylvania); the Sirius Mystery claim has not survived scrutiny of Griaule's methodology.

==== Giorgio A. Tsoukalos (born 1978) ====
Swiss-American publisher and television personality; publisher, Legendary Times magazine; host, History Channel's ''Ancient Aliens''; protege of von Daniken; no academic credentials in relevant fields; the most culturally visible figure of the contemporary ancient aliens movement; subject of the "Ancient Aliens Guy" internet meme.

==== David Hatcher Childress (born 1957) ====
American author and publisher; founder of Adventures Unlimited Press; regular History Channel ''Ancient Aliens'' contributor; has written extensively on lost cities, ancient aviation, and alternative archaeology; known for visiting the sites he writes about.