1979 01 00 OMNI - UFO controversy

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: January 1979
Publisher: Omni Magazine
Country: USA
Price: $2.00
Cover Headline: EXCLUSIVE: FIRST PICTURES OF THE ATOM

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated January 1979, presents a compelling cover featuring a dramatic illustration of a giant hand reaching towards a fragmented Earth and other celestial bodies, with the prominent OMNI logo. The cover teases several key articles, including "EXCLUSIVE: FIRST PICTURES OF THE ATOM," "ULTRA-INTELLIGENT MACHINES," "DAEDALUS: THE FIRST STARSHIP," "HOW TO BUILD AN ANTI-GRAVITY MACHINE," and features on "BUCKMINSTER FULLER, JERRY BROWN, RUSTY SCHWEICKART ON OUR FUTURE IN SPACE" and "ASIMOV ON LABOR'S LOVE LOST..."

Key Articles and Features

First Pictures of the Atom This issue boasts exclusive first pictures of the atom, a significant scientific achievement highlighted on the cover.

Ultra-Intelligent Machines and Daedalus Articles delve into the concept of "ULTRA-INTELLIGENT MACHINES" and explore "DAEDALUS: THE FIRST STARSHIP," suggesting forward-thinking ideas about artificial intelligence and space travel.

Anti-Gravity Machine A feature titled "HOW TO BUILD AN ANTI-GRAVITY MACHINE" indicates a focus on speculative and advanced technological concepts.

Future in Space Contributions from prominent figures like Buckminster Fuller, Jerry Brown, and Rusty Schweickart are featured, discussing "OUR FUTURE IN SPACE." This suggests a forward-looking perspective on humanity's role and potential in space exploration.

Asimov on Labor Isaac Asimov contributes an article titled "ON LABOR'S LOVE LOST...", likely exploring themes related to work, society, and perhaps the impact of technology on labor.

Omni Forum: Reader Dialogue

The "Omni Forum" section serves as a platform for reader correspondence and editorial responses, addressing various topics of interest to the readership.

UFO Debate A significant portion of the forum is dedicated to a debate surrounding UFOs. Terry Hansen of Minneapolis criticizes an earlier article by James Oberg, accusing it of bias and distortion, and framing the UFO controversy as a "war" with two opposing sides. Hansen questions Oberg's authority and suggests his affiliation with NASA and the Air Force might influence his perspective. He also points out an error where Oberg referred to UFO researcher James McCampbell as Robert McCampbell.

James Oberg replies, defending his skeptical approach and questioning the notion that UFO phenomena are destined for scientific acceptance, comparing it to other historical "heresies." He dismisses Hansen's claims of a "government plot" and defends his motives. Oberg also addresses the proposition made by Robert Barrow of Syracuse, who suggested Oberg resign his Air Force commission to work as a civilian skeptic. Oberg finds this proposition "not at all appealing, nor is it very rational."

Robert Barrow, in his letter, expresses disappointment with Oberg's article on UFOs, calling it "laced with distortion and innuendo." He advocates for a more varied coverage of the subject and shares his own experience of attempting to initiate a UFO study through a letter to President Carter, which he felt was mishandled by NASA.

Background Radiation Discussion Another topic addressed in the forum is background radiation, prompted by an article titled "Miracle." J. A. Penkrot, M.S., from the Committee for Scientific Truth in the Public Interest in Pittsburgh, PA, argues that the Browers' article presents a "special pleading" against nuclear energy and ignores scientific facts. Penkrot cites studies showing that background radiation levels vary geographically and that areas with higher levels, like Colorado, have lower cancer mortality rates. He also references studies in Brazil indicating no detectable effect of high background radiation on genetic indicators. Penkrot concludes that the impact of radiation from human activities, such as nuclear power generation, is extremely small compared to natural variations and can be reliably estimated as insignificant.

Mr. Brower replies, suggesting that Penkrot's group uses a name to sound authoritative and that his letter is indeed a special pleading. He implies that his "Miracle" column demonstrates a different perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The January 1979 issue of OMNI magazine appears to embrace a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry, speculative technology, and future-oriented discussions. The magazine covers cutting-edge scientific discoveries (first pictures of the atom), theoretical advancements (anti-gravity, ultra-intelligent machines), and philosophical considerations about humanity's future (space exploration, labor). The "Omni Forum" section reveals a commitment to reader engagement and debate, particularly on controversial topics like UFOs and the safety of nuclear energy, showcasing a willingness to present differing viewpoints while maintaining a critical, science-based editorial stance.