Erich von Däniken is a Swiss author of several over 30 books which make claims about extraterrestrial influences on early human culture, including the best-selling Chariots of the Gods?, published in 1968. Däniken is one of the main figures responsible for popularizing the "paleo-contact" and ancient astronautshypotheses. The ideas put forth in his books are rejected by a majority of scientists and academics, who categorize his work pseudoarchaeology and pseudoscience.

Däniken later became a co-founder of the Archaeology, Astronautics and SETI Research Association (AAS RA). He designed Mystery Park (now known as Jungfrau Park), a theme park located in Interlaken, Switzerland, that opened in May 2003.

You can read articles and news on his website, http://www.daniken.com/