OMNI

Magazine Overview

OMNI Magazine, December 1981 issue, priced at $2.50, features a cover illustration of a futuristic, multi-colored structure against a starry sky with a crescent moon. The cover headline highlights a diverse range of content, including articles on Marc Chagall's Illustrated Bible, discussions on the future of God with figures like Billy Graham and the Dalai Lama, a list of the ten best Christmas games, and features titled 'Agent X,' 'Rene Dubos The Pious Plurality,' and 'The Little Rocket That Couldn't.'

Anti-Matter: UFO Hoaxes and the 'Star Flight' Disk

The "Anti-Matter" section of the magazine includes an article by Jeff Hecht titled "UFO UPDATE," which delves into the history of UFO hoaxes. The piece focuses on Terry Gudgel, president of Heatherland, Inc., in Rochester, New York, and his invention, the "Star Flight" disk. This illuminated frisbee is designed to mimic the appearance of a flying saucer, complete with glowing centerpoints and rim lights transmitted through optical fibers. Gudgel claims its resemblance to a UFO is a "happy coincidence."

The article explains that the standard 9.5-inch diameter model, and a previously demonstrated six-foot-diameter version, are designed to be convincing, especially when launched at night away from other objects that could help observers gauge size. Gudgel plans to expand his sales nationwide, potentially adding numerous new chapters to the history of UFO hoaxes.

Hecht contrasts Gudgel's invention with earlier UFO hoaxes, such as those from the 1960s and 70s where teenagers used hot-air balloons. He also mentions a more sophisticated hoax by Caltech students who launched "UFO" weather balloons equipped with rotating highway flares. The "Star Flight" disk is presented as a simpler method for anyone to perpetrate a UFO hoax, costing $9.95 apiece.

The article emphasizes the unreliability of eyewitness testimony in UFO sightings, referencing "Ufological Principle Number 1" by UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass. This principle states that "Basically honest and intelligent persons who are suddenly exposed to a brief, unexpected event... may be grossly inaccurate in trying to describe precisely what they have seen." The article suggests that the widespread availability of Gudgel's disks could provide ample opportunity to test this principle.

Robert D. Parker, one of the Caltech hoaxers, is quoted describing how some people reported the balloon hoax UFO playing strange music and emitting perfume, illustrating the imaginative interpretations that can occur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI appears to maintain a stance that critically examines claims of UFO phenomena, presenting them within the context of potential hoaxes and the psychological factors influencing eyewitness accounts. The "Anti-Matter" section, in particular, seems dedicated to demystifying or debunking extraordinary claims by exploring their more mundane or deceptive origins. The magazine also covers a broad spectrum of topics, from art and religion to games and science fiction, suggesting a wide-ranging editorial scope aimed at a curious and informed readership.