OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: JANUARY 1990
Date: 1990-01
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated January 1990, features a striking cover with the title 'OMNI' in bold red letters. The cover headline proclaims 'ARMAGEDDON: THE END IS NIGH (AGAIN)', accompanied by surreal imagery of a stylized human face emerging from a desert landscape with flames emanating from its head, set against a stormy sky with a moth in flight. The issue promises a diverse range of articles, including explorations into the genetic basis of personality, the search for dinosaurs in the Arctic, and the concept of genetic immortality, referencing Richard Dawkins. It also touches upon the evolving nature of artificial intelligence with a piece on "When Computers Become More Human..." featuring Armo Penzias.

UFO UPDATE

The "UFO UPDATE" section, authored by James Oberg, details a significant rise in UFO culture within the USSR, attributed to the era of glasnost and reduced censorship. The article highlights that while the Soviets coined the term 'cosmonaut,' they are now exploring the concept of 'enfonavt' or 'UFOnauts' – alien visitors. Several recent reports publicized by the Soviet news agency Tass are presented:

• Voronezh Sighting (October 1989): Tass reported scientists confirming the arrival of 9-to 12-foot-tall extraterrestrials with tiny heads who allegedly appeared in a park.
• Siberian Landing (July 1988): Tass reported a shining globe landing and disintegrating in eastern Siberia, leaving behind metal fragments.
• Moscow Fleet (April 15, 1989): A Moscow photographer allegedly captured images of a fleet of glowing objects described by an expert as 'living, intelligent matter' capable of dodging planes.
• Vologda Encounter (June 6, 1989): Four children in the Vologda region reportedly witnessed hovering globes, one of which disgorged a headless humanoid. The Academy of Sciences is said to have investigated this incident with a four-man team.

The article notes that this burgeoning UFO interest is evident in places like the Cosmos Pavilion, which, despite its dilapidated state, attracts visitors interested in psychic phenomena and aliens. The enthusiasm extends to official and unofficial UFO groups across the USSR. Prominent figures from the Soviet space program are involved; veteran cosmonaut Yevgeniy Khrunov attended a UFO roundtable in Leningrad, and Pavel Popovich serves as deputy head of a UFO commission with the Academy of Sciences. Even the late Yuri Gagarin is mentioned as having been fascinated by UFOs.

Oberg concludes that Soviet editors, driven by perestroika to attract readers, have recognized the marketability of UFO stories, similar to Western tabloids.

Other Featured Articles

Beyond the UFO focus, the magazine delves into other significant topics:

• Armageddon: The cover story suggests a renewed discussion or perspective on the concept of the end of the world.
• Personality and Genes: An article explores the extent to which genetic makeup determines an individual's personality.
• Arctic Dinosaurs: The issue features a piece on the ongoing search for dinosaurs in Arctic regions.
• Genetic Immortality: Titled "Ruthless Selfishness: The Secret to Genetic Immortality—Dawkins," this article likely examines evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins' theories on gene propagation and survival as a form of immortality.
• Computers and Humanity: "Armo Penzias: When Computers Become More Human..." suggests an exploration into the future of artificial intelligence and its potential convergence with human-like qualities, possibly featuring insights from physicist Arno Penzias.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The January 1990 issue of OMNI reflects a forward-looking and speculative editorial stance, characteristic of the magazine. It balances sensational topics like 'Armageddon' and UFOs with serious scientific inquiry into genetics, paleontology, and artificial intelligence. The inclusion of UFO reports from the USSR highlights a global interest in the unexplained, amplified by the changing political climate of glasnost. The magazine appears to encourage critical thinking and exploration of cutting-edge scientific and philosophical ideas, from the biological basis of personality to the potential future of human-computer interaction.