OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: July 1982
Price: $2.50
Cover Headline: GETTING HIGH AT HARVARD, THE JOSEPHSON JUNCTION: LINK BETWEEN COMPUTERS AND THE PARANORMAL, FRANK "DUNE" HERBERT'S NEWEST NOVEL, BUILDING THE SOVIET DEATH STAR, WIN A HOME COMPUTER.

Articles and Features

UFO Update

This section, written by Pamela Weintraub, details the work of attorney Peter Gersten, who dedicates his nights to investigating UFOs. By day, Gersten handles drug and murder cases in the Bronx, but his passion for UFOs, ignited in his youth, has led him to pursue classified government documents. He began by subscribing to a UFO clipping service and volunteering his legal expertise to UFO organizations.

In September 1977, Gersten was contacted by W Todd Zechel, research director for Ground Saucer Watch. Zechel sought classified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) documents concerning a 1952 UFO film made by an ex-marine. Gersten agreed to represent Ground Saucer Watch, expanding the lawsuit to encompass all UFO documents held by the CIA. Within a year, using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), he obtained approximately 900 documents.

While the 1952 film report offered no new revelations, other documents proved alarming. Between October and December 1975, military personnel across the northern United States reported observing unexplained objects hovering over nuclear-missile and bomber bases. One government analysis even suggested that Americans should develop adequate defense measures against UFOs quickly.

Gersten discovered that classified UFO documents were held by various spy agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Through further FOIA requests, he procured an additional 2,000 reports. These included accounts of UFOs allegedly damaging the pumping system of the Kuwait Oil Company in Kuwait, Iranian pilots losing control of their jets during encounters with 'inordinately maneuverable' UFOs, and sightings of 'strange machines' near military bases in Algeria.

By 1980, Gersten had established Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, an organization aimed at obtaining 233 documents still classified by the government. However, recent efforts have been hindered because the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that releasing more documents could expose American intelligence-gathering techniques. Despite this setback, Gersten maintains that he possesses "enough information to prove that UFOs pose a threat." He plans to present his evidence to the media in the fall, allowing the public to decide.

Other Cover Stories

The cover also highlights other significant topics for the July 1982 issue:

• Getting High at Harvard: This likely refers to research or experiments conducted at Harvard University, possibly related to altered states of consciousness or drug use.
• The Josephson Junction: Link Between Computers and the Paranormal: This article explores the potential connection between advanced computing technology, specifically the Josephson Junction, and paranormal phenomena.
• Frank "Dune" Herbert's Newest Novel: A feature on the latest literary work by the acclaimed author of "Dune."
• Building the Soviet Death Star: This suggests an article discussing Soviet military or space technology, possibly related to a weapon system.
• Win a Home Computer: An announcement or contest related to obtaining a personal computer, reflecting the growing interest in technology at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, the paranormal, and speculative fiction. This issue, in particular, leans heavily into the realm of unexplained phenomena and government secrecy surrounding UFOs, as evidenced by the prominent feature on Peter Gersten's investigations. The inclusion of topics like the Josephson Junction and the "Soviet Death Star" indicates a focus on cutting-edge or potentially threatening technological advancements, while the mention of Frank Herbert's novel and the home computer contest appeals to a broader audience interested in science fiction and personal technology. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages inquiry into controversial subjects and presents information that challenges conventional understanding, particularly concerning extraterrestrial phenomena and government transparency.