1980 11 00 OMNI - Soviet UFOs

Magazine Overview

This issue of OMNI magazine features an article titled "MORE SOVIET ENCOUNTERS - UFO UPDATE" by E. Lee Speigel, discussing a significant Soviet report on UFO sightings and also introducing the magazine FUTURE LIFE.

More Soviet Encounters - UFO Update

The article begins by detailing a document published by the Section of General Physics and Astronomy of the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences, USSR, in 1979. This document, titled "Observations of Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena in the USSR," is a statistical analysis of 256 Soviet UFO sightings. Initially received by GEPAN in France, it was translated into English by Dr. Richard Haines at NASA's Ames Research Center.

The report was compiled by L. M. Gindilis, D. A. Menkov, and I. G. Petrovskaya from prominent Soviet scientific institutions. Notably, the authors deliberately avoided the term "UFO," preferring "Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena" because "UFO" implies a definite interpretation. The report's highlights include:

• Prevalence in 1967: 76% of the reported incidents occurred in 1967, possibly in response to a Central Television broadcast encouraging citizens to report sightings.
• Witness Qualifications: Of 130 witnesses who listed their occupations, at least 66% had impressive qualifications, including scientists (25%), pilots (11%), engineers (17%), servicemen (6%), and lab workers (7%).
• Multiple Witnesses: Two-thirds of the cases involved multiple witnesses, with 15% classified as "mass observations."
• Object Descriptions: The objects observed varied in shape, including discs, stars, crescents, ellipses, and cigarlike objects.
• Unusual Motion: Many UFOs demonstrated marked irregularities in their motion and velocity, with "significant peculiarities" noted in flight paths, such as abrupt course changes, hovering, maneuvering, rotation, and unusual flight paths.
• Sound: Most cases reportedly occurred silently, with rare instances of sound requiring special analysis.

The researchers, Gindilis, Menkov, and Petrovskaya, did not draw conclusions but stated that more data were needed and that further studies should involve all scientific specialties. They suggested that "the Soviet and foreign data accumulated so far justify setting up such studies."

The article notes the apparent contradiction between this report and a Pravda denial that the Academy of Sciences was engaged in UFO research. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies, commented that "Pravda doesn't know what the Academy of Sciences is doing." The raw data for the Soviet report was supplied by Dr. Feliks Y. Zigel, a professor of astronomy and cosmonautics at the Moscow Aviation Institute. While some Western skeptics view Zigel critically, Haines described his publications as generally "good, sound, technical, well-founded, scientific articles."

Zigel, who has written extensively on space and aeronautical sciences, also showed interest in ESP research, publishing an article on telepathy. He has consistently refused interviews, citing fears of being misquoted. He has never claimed personal contact with UFOs or involvement with occupants or landings.

The article mentions that a chapter on UFOs in the U.S. Air Force Academy's "Introductory Space Science, Vol. 2" textbook bore a marked resemblance to a report from the USSR Academy of Sciences, detailing a 1957 incident where Soviet antiaircraft batteries fired on UFOs in the Kuril Islands.

It is noted that in late 1967, both the U.S. and USSR had scientific commissions investigating UFOs. In 1968, the American committee was disbanded, and the Russians announced that UFOs didn't exist. The article suggests that Zigel collected his data during the pre-1968 period of official support for UFO research.

The author emphasizes that despite 30 years of study, virtually no progress has been made, with an estimated 100 sightings per day globally. He calls for new research parameters and an international consortium of scientists to investigate this global phenomenon. The article suggests proceeding through existing international networks like UNESCO to overcome translation problems and prevent data from accumulating for decades.

Future Life Magazine Introduction

The second part of the page introduces "FUTURE LIFE" magazine, describing it as a publication that distinguishes itself by focusing on the future. It is characterized by a "young, energetic staff of researchers and writers" who aim to present a "better, more positive world than today."

FUTURE LIFE is said to feature beautifully illustrated science articles on topics such as "Leapin' Silverberg on Tomorrow's Odes," "Real Starships," "Urbanizing the Oceans," "Immortality Now!", "Guide for Space Colonists," "Homegrown Robots," and "Space Age Games." It also covers medical advancements like "Designer Genes."

The magazine is presented as a blend of science fact and fiction, including book reviews, art portfolios, music, and media trends. It features interviews with prominent thinkers and includes a regular column by Harlan Ellison, offering "words of warning about our present and words of inspiration about the wonders of tomorrow."

Readers are encouraged to pick up FUTURE LIFE at magazine counters or subscribe at a special rate of $13.98 for one year (8 issues), which includes a Special Anniversary Issue (newsstand price $18.70). Foreign subscriptions are $20.00 for one year (surface mail).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI focuses on the intersection of scientific inquiry and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous scientific investigation into anomalous events, even when official denials or skepticism exist. The article highlights the importance of data collection, statistical analysis, and international cooperation in understanding phenomena that transcend national borders. The inclusion of the FUTURE LIFE advertisement suggests an editorial interest in forward-looking perspectives and the potential for future scientific and societal advancements.