Ronald Story

[[File:RonaldDStory.jpg|thumb|right|165px|A debunker of tall stories.]]{{ufology}}{{skepnav|1}}
{{cquote|Ron Story has done a magnificent job of providing his readers with detailed, factual, and objective accounts of hundreds of the most important issues and cases in UFOlogy.|||Peter Davenport, Director of the (U.S.) National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC)<ref name=homepage>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050306105141/http://www.ronaldstory.com/Index.htm Homepage] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}{{cquote|Mr. Story is to be commended for having performed the social service of writing in simple language a reasoned critique of some of the many errors in von Däniken's writings.|||[[Carl Sagan]]<ref name=SpaceGods>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050209173159/http://www.ronaldstory.com/space.htm The Space-Gods Revealed] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}

'''Ronald D. Story''' {{lived|12 February 1946|}} is an American science writer, technical writer, and editor best known for founding the UFO Encyclopedia Project and editing ''The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters,'' described by contributor [[Joe Nickell]] as an "occasionally flawed reference work,"<ref>Joe Nickell, [https://www.joenickell.com/contributebooks.html Books Contributed To] joenickell.com</ref> as well as it's precursor ''The Encyclopedia of UFOs'', described by NUFORC director Peter Davenport as "a must for anyone wishing to have a balanced overview of the fascinating issue of UFOs". He has also published book-length skeptical investigations of [[UFOs]] and the [[ancient astronauts]] nonsense popularized by Swiss fraudster [[Erich von Däniken]] (VD).

Story, who is a University of Arizona philosophy graduate, says that he emphasizes logic, reason, and (perhaps overly) open-mindedness in UFO and extraterrestrial research.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010611025138/http://www.ronaldstory.com/index.htm Homepage] ''The Extraterrestrial Encyclopedia Project''</ref> He also claims to promote an (arguably overly) open-forum approach, ensuring all perspectives (seemingly regardless of their actual value) are heard with reason and decorum. And says that his goal is to maintain the highest possible objectivity, allowing facts to guide conclusions.

==Story's story==
{{cquote|I believe in the power of three virtues: reason, honesty, and compassion, to solve human problems. I do not believe in blatant exploitation of human ignorance and gullibility. This is why I want to expose the pseudo-sciences by attempting to bring to light some of the many little-known facts in certain scientific areas. My principal goal is to seek the truth while attempting to make academic science interesting to the general public.|||Ronald D. Story<ref name=gale>[https://go-gale-com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk/ps/i.do?p=LitRC&u=tou&id=GALE%7CH1000095712&v=2.1&it=r Ronald D. Story], ''Gale Literature Resource Center''</ref>}}

===Childhood and early UFO interest===
Story was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1946 to carpenter Raymond Christopher Story and licensed practical nurse Willa Storey (née Johnson). The family moved to Mill Valley, California in 1955.<ref name=gale /> It was there at the age of 11 in 1957 that his interest in UFO's began with a late night news report.<ref name=commentary>Story, Ronald D., [https://web.archive.org/web/20041024225446/http://ronaldstory.com/Commentary.htm Looking Back and Ahead at the UFO Mystery], ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>

The report featured a doubtlessly lucid local farmer who described a glowing, car-sized object landing near his home. He further claimed that two humanoid figures in silvery suits emerged, spoke in mechanical-sounding English, and told him that they were from Venus, before being scared off by his dog. The UFO, according to the report, had returned the next night, briefly landing on the barn before disappearing.

The apparent factuality of the reporting, reinforced by a presumably entirely unrelated news story the next day about a commercial airliner being mysteriously struck mid-flight, left a lasting impression on the young Story.

===Young adulthood and university studies===
Story joined the US Navy in 1963 and served in Vietnam until 1969. Upon his retrurn he went to work as a buyer of electronic test equipment for Tucson Gas and Electric Co.; enrolled at the University of Arizona, from which he graduated with a B.A. (with honors) in philosophy in 1970; and married Rita Lynn Motherway, with whom he subsequently had two children.<ref name=gale />

While on college summer break, back in his home state of Missouri, he photographed the legendary local atmospheric ghost light known as {{wpl|The Spooklight||.}}<ref name=commentary /> After the holidays, he approached his astronomy professor Dr. Raymond E. White with the intention of performing a spectrographic analysis, but was told the department, rather sensibly, had no interest in such things. Story was instead redirected to Dr. James E. McDonald at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, who apparently did have an interest in such things and agreed to undertake the investigation with him.

McDonald viewed UFOs as “the greatest scientific problem of our time” and approached the topic with a scientific rigor that impressed Story. As a leading advocate for UFO research, McDonald participated in Congressional hearings and addressed scientific groups nationwide. He was considered a key spokesman for the reality of UFOs and possible extraterrestrial visitation. Tragically, he died by suicide in 1971 for reasons which Story clarrifies were personal and entirely unrelated to his UFO research.

Influenced by McDonald, Story began reading the works of Coral and Jim Lorenzen, with whom he entered into ongoing collaboration.<ref name=commentary /> Access to the Lorenzens' {{wpl|Aerial Phenomena Research Organization|| (APRO)}} case files convinced Story for the need for a encyclopedic guide to ufology.

===The UFO Encyclopedia Project===
The '''UFO Encyclopedia Project''' was a long running project founded by Ronald D. Story and assisted by {{wpl|J. Richard Greenwell}} to create a comprehensive A-to-Z encyclopedia of the UFO phenomena. In addition to the APRO, which provided the original source material, the project became a collaboration with the [[MUFON|Mutual UFO Network]] (with help from Walter Andrus), the {{wpl|Center for UFO Studies}} (involving Dr. {{wpl|J. Allen Hynek||),}} and {{wpl|National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena}} (with assistance from {{wpl|Richard H. Hall}} and Walter N. Webb). The first ''Encyclopedia of UFOs'' was completed in 1979, following three years of extensive research and contribuitons from over 100 so-called "experts", and published the following year.

Story subsequently lived and worked in Tuscon, Arizona, as a technical writer/editor for aerospace companies including Hughes Aircraft, Rockwell, McDonnell-Douglas, Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin;<ref name=encyclopedia>Story, Ronald D., The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters, ''New American Library'', 2001.</ref> and as a script consultant for Reader’s Digest, CBS News, The National Geographic Society, Time-Life Books, FilmRoos, and PAX TV.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20041012083619/http://ronaldstory.com/ronald_story.htm Ronald Story], ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>

A revised and expanded encyclopedia, which Story re-titled ''The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters'' to indicate it's greater remit was published in 2001. The UFO Encyclopedia Project was then concluded and Story moved to St. Petersburg, Florida.

==Story's position and observations on UFOs==
{{cquote|In this writer’s view, the key to the UFO phenomenon is to rise above the literal and materialistic viewpoints, and begin to understand the “UFO message,” which matches the wisdom of the ages as taught by the greatest philosophers and religious teachers of Earth. In UFOlogy, these teachings are called “Cosmic Laws,” and they have universal application.|||Ronald D Story<ref name=encyclopedia />}}

Story laid out his position statement and observations in ''The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters'',<ref name=encyclopedia /> these are summarized below.

===Summary of Story's position statement===
Story holds that UFOs likely stem from various sources, including natural events, human-made objects, and potentially extraterrestrial activity. While absolute proof is lacking, he posits that the number of unexplained incidents suggest it wise to prepare for any and all possibilities. And although he leans toward psychological and social causes for the UFO phenomenon, he doesn't entirely dismiss the possibility that an alien intelligence influenced humanity's origins and may return. The ever-reliable Bible suggests to him the prospect that humanity was created by ancient astronauts (referred to as "Elohim" or "gods"), and humanity's future may depend on its relationship with them. If open contact occurs, he believes it would be the most transformative event in human history, profoundly affecting all aspects of human life. He, therefore, supports a comprehensive scientific approach in the search for the truth.

===Summary of Story's observations===
*UFOs, in various forms, have been reported since ancient times.
*UFOs, whatever else they may be, symbolize mystery, technology, and transformation, much like comets and unknown celestial events of the past.
*UFOs are often linked to superior extraterrestrial or ultraterrestrial intelligence.
*Aliens have replaced older supernatural beings like angels, demons, and fairies in human belief systems.
*The UFO phenomenon evolved over time, shifting from spiritualism to contacteeism, with recurring themes in their messages.
*The UFO/ET myth satisfies deep psychological needs; if aliens didn’t exist, humans would invent them.
*Humans seek meaning and structure, and belief in advanced extraterrestrial intelligence helps fulfill this need.
*Eyewitness accounts and contactee experiences are highly subjective and do not constitute definitive proof.
*Fantasy is an essential part of life which helps people cope with the mundanity of everyday reality.
*Science fiction has become a modern myth and science a religion, with post-modern man unable (and unwilling) to distinguish fantasy from reality.
*The influential authority figures are now mainly scientific, governmental, and business elites, who leave humanity's spiritual needs unfulfilled.
*Advanced extraterrestrials have become gods of both material and spiritual realms in the scientific age.
*While UFOs and ETs may be visiting Earth, a entirely different conclusion can also be drawn from the data.
*Alleged contact experiences, simmilar to myths and dreams, are always surrealistic, suggesting they are most likely psychological fantasies.
*Understanding the UFO phenomenon requires looking beyond materialistic interpretations to its deeper philosophical teachings.
*Ignoring these lessons may lead to human extinction, with society becoming increasingly robotic and dehumanized.

==Story's analysis and debunking of von Däniken==
[[File:StoryAndTsoukalos.jpeg|thumb|right|165px|VD fanboy [[Giorgio Tsoukalos]] in Story's world.]]{{cquote|I have found that if you take von Däniken's “indications,” as he calls them, check them out, and subject them to the normal rules of evidence, they fall apart.|||Ronald D Story<ref name=zetetic>Story, Ronald D., [https://skepticalinquirer.org/1977/10/von-danikens-golden-gods/ Von Daniken’s Golden Gods], ''Skeptical Inquirer''</ref>}}

Story notes that regardless of whether VD's work is nonfiction or "fiction science" he remains one of the most successful authors in history. While his theories may not provide much truth about humanity's past, they have sparked curiosity and debate. The controversy surrounding ancient astronauts offers valuable insights into human nature and critical thinking—if we fail to learn from it, the consequences could be more significant than expected. His analysis and main debunks of VD's ancient astronaut hypothesis, as laid out in the article ''Von Daniken’s Golden Gods'' published in the Fall/Winter 1977 issue of ''The Zetetic''<ref name=zetetic /> are summarized below.

===The von Däniken mystique===
Storey acknowledges he has no single explanation for the apparent populairty of VD's ancient astronaut hypothesis but proposes instead the list of possibilities.

*Those that are offended by the very idea that humans evolved from primitive apes find VD's hypothesis seductive and even "scientific". 
*Traditional images of God as something of a super-being from another world fit well with VD's hypothesis.
*This seemingly simplistic reconciliation of modern science with a literal interpretation of the Bible is highly appealing.
*The godlike figures proposed offer a provocative promise of salvation for humanity through their advanced knowledge and technology.
*An increase in societal uncertainty leaves people looking for scapegoats which some interpretations of VD's hypothesis supply.
*By ignoring his hypothesis, scientists unwittingly made it seem more valid to those who assume it would be refuted if false.

===The Palenque astronaut===
The Temple of the Inscriptions in Palenque, Mexico, contains a tomb discovered in 1949 by archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier. Inside was an intricately carved sarcophagus lid, which later became central to ancient astronaut theories. VD falaciously interpreted the carving as depicting a seated astronaut piloting a spacecraft, with “an oxygen mask,” a “pedal,” and an “exhaust flame.” However, Story maintains, a detailed analysis within the context of Maya art disproves this claim.

The figure on the lid, Story notes, is actually a Mayan king dressed in traditional noble attire; VD's supposed “rocket” consists of religious symbols, including a cross-like tree, a two-headed serpent, and corn leaves; his “oxygen mask” is a decorative nose ornament; the “pedal” is a sea shell; and the “exhaust” is the roots of the sacred maize tree. This so-called "proof", Story concludes, highlights the importance of interpreting ancient art within its historical and cultural framework.

===The Nazca spaceport===
The [[Nazca lines]] in Peru are 250 miles of ancient markings, including lines and giant animal figures. VD's initial proposal that these were created as airfields for spacecraft, is rejected by Story as there’s no possible need for such long runways, many lines run into natural obstacles, and the sandy soil wouldn't support heavy vehicles. VD's further claim that spacecraft exhausts created the lines is rejected as it is the heavier rocks rather than the light-weight soil that was moved.

Story instead points to Prof. Paul Kosok's suggestion that the lines and animal figures form a giant astronomical calendar or observatory, with alignments marking solstices and equinoxes; and Jim Woodman's suggestion that the Nazca people might have created the lines using early-model smoke balloons, rather than relying on extraterrestrial visitors, a feat that Woodman and balloonist Julian Nott replicated by flying such a balloon over the Nazca plain in 1975.

===The Piri Reis map===
The [[Piri Reis map]] is a 16th-century map drawn by Turkish cartographer {{wpl|Piri Reis||,}} which VD claims accurately depicts the Earth's continents, including Antarctica, suggesting aerial photographic evidence from space. However, Story notes, the map's true origin reveals errors, such as omissions and duplications, which align with 16th-century cartographic limitations. The map was drawn from around 20 sources, but the contours of the continents, especially Antarctica, are inaccurate. These errors, along with historical context, Story concludes, debunk the idea that the map resulted from extraterrestrial aerial reconnaissance.

===The stone giants of Easter Island===
[[Easter Island]], located 2,300 miles from Chile and 1,300 miles from Pitcairn Islan, is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth. The island is famous for its massive stone statues, known as moai, which number over 600 and can reach up to 40 feet in height and weigh 80 tons. Whilst VD claim that the statues were influenced by extraterrestrials, Story notes their facial features closely resemble the native inhabitants.

VD questions how the islanders could carve the massive statues and transport them using only primitive tools. However, Story notes, {{wpl|Thor Heyerdahl}} witnessed the islanders' carving process of softening the rock with water and using basalt tools in a flaking motion. He also saw the statues being transported using wooden sleds and ropes and raised onto a platform using wooden levers and stones. These demonstrations proved that no advanced or extraterrestrial technology was needed.

===Those gold-filled caves===
In ''The Gold of the Gods'' (1972), VD's most controversial book, he claimed to have personally seen a hidden underground treasure in Ecuador, including a "Golden Zoo" of solid gold animal statues and a "Metal Library" of thousands of gold-leaf plaques with an unknown script. However, Story notes, Argentine explorer Juan Moricz, whom VD credited with leading him, later denied that VD had ever been there, and the legend of the caves had been discredited by Moricz's 1969 expedition which found an artificially carved stone archway but no gold.

VD also referenced artifacts collected by Father Crespi, an eccentric priest in Cuenca, Ecuador, who supposedly held a vast treasure of mysterious relics. In responce Story cites an exposé by archaeologist Pino Turolla and the German magazine ''Der Spiegel'' revealing many of the Crespi artifacts to have been imitations produced by local Ecuadorian artisans from tin and brass.

==Story's publications==
===The Space-Gods Revealed===
{{cquote|The Chariot of the Gods turned into a pumpkin.|||''The Northern Echo''<ref name=SpaceGods />}}{{cquote|Next time you wonder how the pyramids could have been built, the Easter Island statues raised or the Piri Re'is map drawn, don't look to the stars for the answer. Just read Story's clear, logical and documented accounts.|||''Fate''<ref name=SpaceGods />}}{{cquote|Obviously many won't appreciate Story's yanking away the lollipop, but somebody had to do it.|||''Publisher's Weekly''<ref name=SpaceGods />}}

'''The Space-Gods Revealed: A Close Look at the Theories of Erich von Däniken''' (Harper & Row/New English Library, 1976)<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/_/0PYBJgAACAAJ The Space-Gods Revealed], ''Google Books''</ref> is Ronald D. Story's detailed rebuttal to the ancient astronaut claims made by [[Erich von Däniken]] in the bestselling ''Chariots of the Gods?'' Story analyzes historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence, highlighting inaccuracies, misinterpretations, and logical flaws in the theory, and arguing for a more rational and evidence-based understanding of ancient history. It includes a foreword by [[Carl Sagan]], emphasizing the importance of skepticism and scientific inquiry in evaluating such claims.

The book was widely praised as a thorough and necessary rebuttal of VD’s theories:<ref name=SpaceGods /> [[Isaac Asimov]] called it "a clear, dispassionate look" and "a pleasure for any rational man [or woman] to read;" archaeoastronomer Gerald S. Hawkins described it as "well researched and well written;" ''Time'' hailed it as "a series of bull’s eyes scored at three feet;" and ''The San Francisco Examiner'' described it as a "badly needed point-by-point refutation."

===The Encyclopedia of UFOs===
{{cquote|By any standard ''Encyclopedia'' is a magnificent achievement. It is, as all of us who awaited its appearance hoped it would be, the essential UFO reference work.|||Jerome Clark, ''Fate''<ref name=UFOEncyclopedia>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050205130133/http://www.ronaldstory.com/encyclopedia_of_ufos.htm The Encyclopedia of UFOs] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}{{cquote|The Encyclopedia is a fascinating, useful, and unique addition to the UFOlogy bookshelf, and…we owe the editors congratulations for their remarkable achievement. It will not be surpassed until its own second edition.|||''MUFON UFO Journal''<ref name=UFOEncyclopedia />}}

'''The Encyclopedia of UFOs''' (Doubleday/New English Library, 1980)<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Encyclopedia_of_UFOs/mJFTAAAAMAAJ The Encyclopedia of UFOs], ''Google Books''</ref> is Ronald D. Story's comprehensive reference work covering various aspects of UFO phenomena. It includes detailed entries on famous UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, key figures in ufology, government investigations, and scientific perspectives on extraterrestrial life. The book presents a balanced approach, incorporating both believer and skeptic viewpoints while emphasizing critical analysis and factual accuracy. It was edited with the assistance of J. Richard Greenwell.

The encyclopedia was praised as a comprehensive and objective reference work on UFOlogy: ''Frontiers of Science'' called it "a true encyclopedia" that covers over thirty years of UFO history; ''Gallery'' described it as "the most exhaustive book about UFOs ever published," featuring analyses, government documentation, and rare photographs; and ''Flying Saucer Review'' deemed it "an essential reference book for every UFOlogist."

===Guardians of the Universe?===
{{cquote|Ronald Story says he doesn't find anything impossible about the basic idea that aliens could have visited the Earth in ancient times. But if von Däniken's "indications" or "proofs" are subjected to the normal rules of evidence, they simply fall apart.|||''Bolton Evening News''<ref name=GuardiansUniverse>[https://web.archive.org/web/20041213202956/http://www.ronaldstory.com/guardians_of_the_universe.htm Guardians of the Universe?] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}{{cquote|Story shows that earthmen throughout history have been perfectly capable of creating the artifacts and monuments that von Däniken believes could only have been constucted by space-beings.|||''Arizona Daily Star''<ref name=GuardiansUniverse />}}

'''Guardians of the Universe?''' (St. Martin’s Press/New English Library, 1980)<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Guardians_of_the_Universe/ueq1AAAACAAJ The Guardians of the Universe?], ''Google Books''</ref> is Ronald D. Story's follow up to ''The Space-Gods Revealed'', in which he scrutinizes the claims of the main ancient astronaut proponents, including [[Robert Charroux]], {{wpl|Morris Jessup||,}} [[Robert Temple]] and [[Erich von Däniken]]. Story evaluates their arguments against scientific evidence and logical reasoning, challenging the validity of their theories. He concludes by advocating for a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding ancient history and technological advancements.

The book was praised as a well-researched and logical critique of VD’s claims: ''Choice'' highlighted its "popular literature" style; ''Birmingham Evening Mail'' called it "the best written and most readable book" in the genre; ''Titbits'' commended Story’s "cool-headed common sense backed up by expert knowledge;"  and ''Library Journal'' concluded that "Libraries with von Däniken's books should acquire this one for the intellectual balance it provides."

===UFOs and the Limits of Science===
{{cquote|Easily the most objective recent book on UFOs. The book represents a valuable addition to the literature and certainly helps to restore a bit of balance between serious attention to the problem and the flood of "fast-buck" literature that only helps "convince" the scientific world that UFOs are nonsense.|||{{wpl|J. Allen Hynek}}<ref name=UFOScience>[https://web.archive.org/web/20041213204226/http://www.ronaldstory.com/ufos_and_the_limits_of_science.htm UFOs and the Limits of Science] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}{{cquote|An excellent and generally well-balanced and informed survey that gives proper consideration to both critics and proponents of the varieties of viewpoint available on the UFO phenomenon. A fine introduction to the area, but one which even long-time UFO buffs will find informative. Story and Greenwell have produced a responsible analysis the deserves the attention of all anomalists, and which significantly raises the level of the general debate on UFOs.|||[[Marcello Truzzi]]<ref name=UFOScience />}}

'''UFOs and the Limits of Science''' (New English Library, 1981)<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/UFOs_and_the_Limits_of_Science/kF1JNQAACAAJ UFOs and the Limits of Science], ''Google Books''</ref> is Ronald D. Story's critical examination of the UFO phenomena through a scientific lens. The book explores the challenges of studying UFOs within the framework of established science, highlighting issues such as unreliable eyewitness testimony, lack of physical evidence, and methodological limitations. Story analyzes famous UFO cases, evaluates extraterrestrial hypotheses, and discusses the role of skepticism in scientific inquiry. Ultimately, the book argues for a rational, evidence-based approach to UFO research while acknowledging the constraints of current scientific understanding. This book was written with the assistance of J. Richard Greenwell and includes a foreword written by {{wpl|Thornton Leigh Page}} of [[NASA]]'s {{wpl|Johnson Space Center||.}}

The book was praised for offering a balanced and engaging analysis of the UFO phenomenon: ''Publishers Weekly'' noted that it "should enlighten believers and skeptics alike;" ''Kirkus Reviews'' praises its "crisper piece of analysis" compared to his earlier works; and ''Fate'''s Jerome Clark concludes, "Whatever its faults," and, "occasional lapses aside," "this amiably iconoclastic book is a worthwhile attempt to separate ufological wheat from chaff," and "will not bore you."<ref name=UFOScience />

===The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters===
{{cquote|A massive undertaking—a handy reference book—a must for all who search for UFOs, extraterrestrials, and SETI data.|||[[Zecharia Sitchin]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050205125318/http://www.ronaldstory.com/Encyclopedia.htm The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}{{cquote|There is much worthwhile material in these pages; the position statements by various UFOlogists are alone worth the price of the book. It deserves a place in every UFOlogist’s library.|||''MUFON UFO Journal''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050205125601/http://www.ronaldstory.com/Mammoth.htm The Mammoth Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters] ''The UFO Encyclopedia Project''</ref>}}

'''The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters: A Definitive, Illustrated A-Z Guide to All Things Alien''' (New American Library/Penguin Putnam, 2001)<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Encyclopedia_of_Extraterrestrial_Enc/XdVWAAAAYAAJ The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters], ''Google Books''</ref> is Ronald D. Story's comprehensive reference work covering UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, abduction reports, government investigations, and scientific perspectives on extraterrestrial life. The book examines historical cases, cultural influences, and theories about extraterrestrial intelligence while distinguishing between credible reports and speculative claims. 

It features contributions from a variety of ufologists, scientists, and researchers, including: [[Isaac Asimov]], {{wpl|Jerome Clark||,}} [[Peter Davenport]], {{wpl|Hilary Evans||,}} {{wpl|Timothy Good||,}} [[Joe Nickell]], Marvin Kottmeyer, {{wpl|Jenny Randles||,}} [[Carl Sagan]], {{wpl|Whitley Streiber||,}} {{wpl|Jacques Vallée}} and [[Erich von Däniken]].

==Story's media appearances==
===UFOs: The First Encounters and Ancient Astronauts===
'''UFOs: The First Encounters''' is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the ''Ancient Mysteries'' "documentary" series, narrated by Leonard Nimoy, which originally aired on A+E on January 2, 1997.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1272923/ Ancient Mysteries — UFOs: The First Encounters], ''imdb.com''</ref> The episode, which credits Ronald D. Story as a historical consultant, examines the ancient astronaut theory and early accounts of unidentified flying objects. Through interviews with experts (including Story), reenactments, and archival research, the documentary aggressively promotes pseudoscientific nonsense while only somewhat acknowledging the skepticism surrounding the theory. 

The script and footage (including Story's interview) was later repurposed for '''Ancient Astronauts''', the eighth episode of the first season of the ''History's Mysteries'' "documentary" series, which originally aired on the increasingly misnamed [[History Channel]] in 1998.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1739483/ History's Mysteries — Ancient Astronauts], ''imdb.com''</ref>

==See also==
* [[Jason Colavito]] - a fellow VD debunker.

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Story, Ronald D.}}

[[Category:Ancient aliens]]
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[category:Pseudoarchaeology]]
[[Category:Skeptics]]

Categories: Ancient aliens, Authors, Living people, Pseudoarchaeology, Skeptics