1985 08 00 OMNI - Jerome Clark

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: August 1985
Price: $2.50

This issue of OMNI magazine features a striking cover with a stylized mannequin head and headlines promoting articles on "SEX HORMONES: DISCOVERING AND HARNESSING NEW POWERS IN THE HUMAN BRAIN" and "FUTURE SPORT: THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF IMPROVING HUMAN PERFORMANCE."

UFO UPDATE

The "UFO UPDATE" section delves into claims made by Robert Sarbacher, a former science consultant for the Defense Department's Joint Research and Development Board. The article, written by Jerome Clark, presents Sarbacher's account of events on September 15, 1950, when he was allegedly visited by Canadian electrical engineer Wilbert B. Smith.

According to the report, Smith revealed the existence of crashed UFOs that were apparently under investigation by Vannevar Bush, then the government's top scientist. Sarbacher, who had an extensive educational background including Princeton and Harvard, and had served as dean of the graduate school at the Georgia Institute of Technology, confirmed these remarks in a recent interview. He stated that during his time as a "dollar-a-year man" (a volunteer government scientist), he was informed that the vehicles were made of an "extremely light and very tough material" designed to withstand extreme acceleration and deceleration.

Sarbacher also mentioned being invited to a meeting at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where officials were to present their findings to scientists connected with the Research and Development Board. Although Sarbacher did not attend due to prior commitments, he stated that those who did, including Vannevar Bush and mathematician John von Neumann, were told that the vehicles appeared to be spaceships from another solar system.

When asked about his reaction, Sarbacher expressed a somewhat blasé attitude, considering it a curious event in his scientific career and noting that he had more pressing scientific responsibilities. He expressed regret that those more directly involved were no longer available to provide further information.

Writer William Moore views Sarbacher's testimony as significant, marking the first time an individual with such a reputation has publicly stated that the Pentagon possesses a recovered UFO. While acknowledging this is not definitive proof, Moore suggests it aligns with information from other sources.

David M. Jacobs, a history professor at Temple University and author of "The UFO Controversy in America," acknowledged Sarbacher's impressive credentials but labeled the claims as hearsay evidence in the absence of an actual crashed saucer. He questioned how Sarbacher could speak so casually about what would be a historically monumental event.

Other Articles

While the "UFO UPDATE" is a prominent feature, the cover also highlights articles on "SEX HORMONES" and "FUTURE SPORT," suggesting a broader scope of scientific and technological topics covered in the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores cutting-edge science, technology, and speculative topics, as indicated by its title and the featured articles. The "UFO UPDATE" section, in particular, suggests an editorial stance that is open to investigating and reporting on controversial or unexplained phenomena, even when presented through potentially unverified accounts from credible sources. The inclusion of expert opinions and skeptical viewpoints, as seen with Professor Jacobs, indicates a balanced approach to reporting on such subjects.