1980 06 00 OMNI - Berlitz - UFO Update

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: June 1980
Price: $2.00
Cover Headline: ELECTRIC MINDS, METAL HANDS: BLUEPRINT FOR A BIONIC SOCIETY

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated June 1980, features a diverse range of articles covering science, technology, and the unexplained. The cover art is surreal and thought-provoking, hinting at themes of artificial intelligence, space exploration, and alien encounters. Prominent on the cover are teasers for articles on a bionic society, the UFO controversy in France, the uniqueness of individuals, a new novel by Stanisław Lem, insights from Arthur C. Clarke, Neil Armstrong's thoughts on space, Harrison Schmitt's views on science, and a photo exclusive of Earth from orbit.

The French Connection: UFO Update by Charles Berlitz

This article features an interview with Maurice Chatelain, a French astroscientist who previously served as chief scientist for Apollo Communications Data Processing at NASA. Chatelain, now an American citizen, shares his evolving views on UFOs.

Belief in UFOs and Potential for Contact

Chatelain admits he did not believe in flying saucers fifteen years prior, but his stance has changed. He notes that NASA has acknowledged the UFO phenomenon and its unknown origins. He posits that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might exist and that establishing contact is logical. The initial approach, he suggests, should be passive listening for messages, followed by simple transmissions using radio or laser. He believes the best message would consist of simple numbers representing mathematical ratios, and that such messages may have already been received but not understood.

UFO Landing Patterns and Measurement Units

Chatelain discusses how messages might be sent, including through the landing patterns of UFOs themselves. He highlights that many reported UFO landings have occurred in France. He recounts the events of 1954 in France, where 76 UFO landings were recorded in 25 days between September 24 and October 18. The gendarmes documented the time, longitude, latitude, and dimensions of these sites. Notably, some sites were separated by an average distance of 63 kilometers, which Chatelain suggests is an exact multiple of 21 centimeters—the wavelength of hydrogen—potentially serving as a measuring unit for extraterrestrials.

Avoiding Face-to-Face Contact and Propulsion Systems

When asked why not attempt face-to-face contact, Chatelain speculates that extraterrestrials might wish to avoid causing panic or potential danger. He finds the most intriguing aspect of the UFO mystery not their origin, but their ability to travel at incredible speeds (32,000 kilometers per hour) within Earth's atmosphere and execute sudden 90-degree turns or reverse direction without disintegrating. He presents two explanations: either UFOs are optical illusions, or they are extraterrestrial. He believes their propulsion system might be a combination of electric, magnetic, and gravitational forces, drawing on Einstein's unified field theory to achieve immense power from small amounts of matter like hydrogen.

Chatelain's Personal Stance

Chatelain concludes by stating that his focus is not on whether UFOs are physically real or mere illusions, but on the fact that they exist. He is dedicated to understanding their nature, origin, and purpose for visiting Earth.

Other Articles and Features

• ELECTRIC MINDS, METAL HANDS: BLUEPRINT FOR A BIONIC SOCIETY: This article likely explores the future of human-machine integration and artificial intelligence.
• THE UNIQUE YOU: WHY NO TWO OF US ARE ALIKE: This piece probably delves into genetics, individuality, and the scientific basis for human uniqueness.
• STANISLAW LEM: A NEW NOVEL FROM EUROPE'S BEST-KNOWN SF AUTHOR: This section highlights a new work by the acclaimed science fiction writer Stanisław Lem.
• SILICON SCHOLARS: BY ARTHUR C. CLARKE: An article by renowned science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, likely discussing advancements in computing or artificial intelligence.
• NEIL ARMSTRONG: SURFING IN SPACE: This feature likely presents insights or reflections from the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, possibly on his experiences or the future of space travel.
• HARRISON SCHMITT: THE MOON-WALKER ON WASHINGTON'S NEED TO EMPHASIZE SCIENCE: This article features Harrison Schmitt, another Apollo astronaut, discussing the importance of prioritizing science within governmental or societal structures.
• PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: ORBITING EYES REVEAL EARTH'S BEAUTY FROM SPACE: This section offers a visual treat with exclusive photographs of Earth taken from orbit, showcasing its beauty.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the speculative. This issue, in particular, leans heavily into themes of extraterrestrial intelligence, the future of humanity through technology (bionic society), and the scientific exploration of space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting complex scientific ideas and unexplained phenomena with a sense of wonder and a desire for understanding, as exemplified by Maurice Chatelain's thoughtful approach to the UFO mystery. The inclusion of prominent scientists and science fiction authors reinforces the magazine's commitment to exploring cutting-edge concepts and possibilities.