OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: December 1979
Price: $2.00
Cover Headline: SEVEN WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE OUR MARTIAN AIR FORCE FUTURE ANIMALS EUROPE'S GROWING LEAD IN SCIENCE ETHICS OF HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, 2001

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated December 1979, features a striking cover image of an alien landscape with a large planet in the sky, setting a tone of cosmic exploration and scientific inquiry. The cover also highlights several key articles, including "Seven Wonders of the Universe," "Our Martian Air Force," "Future Animals," "Europe's Growing Lead in Science," "Ethics of Human Experimentation," and "Night Before Christmas, 2001."

Dialogue Forum

The "Dialogue Forum" section opens with a letter from John L. Warren, Ph.D., criticizing James Oberg's article on the UFO Update regarding the Iranian UFO case. Warren argues that Oberg used innuendo and distorted facts, and that the National Enquirer's blue-ribbon panel, which he was part of, did not conduct a superficial investigation but rather sought tentative scientific clues. He posits that true scientific proof, like a 'close encounter of the third kind' or physical wreckage, is unlikely to be found in their lifetime, and that clues must be analyzed mathematically and experimentally.

James Oberg replies, dismissing Warren's contribution as having no value to science and calling the ideas 'ridiculous UFO fantasies.' He states that the evidence cannot support such speculation.

David Hofer then writes in, addressing Oberg's information concerning the F-4 Phantom's fire-control system. As a former radar technician on the F-4, Hofer explains that the 'frozen weapons control panel' is ordinary and that missile firing is a complex computer-integrated system, not a simple switch. He clarifies that the computer makes the final decision to fire the missile, and Jupiter is out of range.

Another letter, from David Hofer of Denver, Colorado, responds to an article titled "Saraswati in the Bronx." He shares his experience attending a public high school in Florida that was similar to Bronx Science, reminding him of his own experiences.

UFO Update

Robert Anton Wilson's "UFO Update" section frames the UFO debate not as a battle between believers and skeptics, but as a conflict between two rival bands of true believers: spaceship fans and those adhering to established doctrines. He introduces two books that represent true skepticism:

• Space-Time Transients and Unusual Events by Michael A. Persinger and Gyslaine F. Lafrenière. This book examines 1,242 UFO reports alongside 4,818 other anomalies, finding provocative clusterings of unusual events in specific localities, often associated with tornado activity and fault lines. These occurrences include poltergeist activity, electrical malfunctions, visions, nightmares, amnesia, and burns. The authors suggest that local fluctuations in Earth's geophysical behavior, linked to solar flares, create electromagnetic anomalies that can precede earthquakes and tornadoes, and also interfere with human and animal brain function, leading to panic, amnesia, and hallucinations.
• Messengers of Deception by Dr. Jacques Vallee. Vallee proposes that UFOs are not extraterrestrial but are created by terrestrial intelligence agencies as a control system to manipulate public beliefs and behavior. He argues that the UFO mystique, with its emphasis on 'chosen' individuals and 'messages' from space, often promotes reactionary ideologies like authoritarianism, mysticism, and a contempt for science. Vallee links intelligence agencies, occult groups, and UFO cults, suggesting the phenomenon may be designed to instill a new mythology.

Wilson notes that while these theories don't explain all enigmas, they offer a framework for understanding cyclical natural phenomena and the potential exploitation of these events by intelligence agencies. He concludes that more imaginative and independent investigators are needed to fully understand these phenomena.

Next Omni Previews

The "Next Omni" section previews upcoming articles:

• Underground Architecture: An article on subterranean homes in the United States, highlighting their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Looking Back at C-21: A science fiction story about Allie, the first person born in the 21st century, who embodies advancements in biotechnology.
• Colani: A pictorial feature on the designs of engineer Luigi Colani, known for his futuristic, organic designs for aircraft, autos, and furniture.
• Between Man and Monkey: An article exploring interspecies communication, focusing on Washoe, a chimpanzee who communicates using American Sign Language, and Dr. Roger Fouts' research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI strongly engages with the UFO phenomenon, presenting a spectrum of views from those seeking definitive proof to those offering skeptical explanations rooted in psychology, geophysics, and even conspiracy theories involving intelligence agencies. The magazine appears to foster a spirit of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas while also demanding rigorous scientific investigation. The "Dialogue Forum" and "UFO Update" sections highlight the ongoing debate and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine phenomena, misperceptions, and potential manipulation. The editorial stance seems to be one of intellectual curiosity, willing to explore speculative topics but grounded in the pursuit of evidence and rational explanation, as exemplified by the critical analyses of both believers and skeptics.