1990 06 00 OMNI - Roswell

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: June 1990
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $3.50
Cover Headline: TV 2000—THE FUTURE OF INTERACTIVE TELEVISION

Cover Features

The cover of the June 1990 issue of OMNI features a striking image of a baby reaching towards a computer keyboard placed on the Earth, with flowing fabric behind it against a dark background. The cover also highlights several key articles:

• TV 2000—THE FUTURE OF INTERACTIVE TELEVISION
• JAMES WATSON ON DNA
• ARE WE LOVING WHALES TO DEATH?
• THE GODDESS AND THE COMPUTER
• ROCK MUSIC'S NEXT WAVE
• WEARABLE ART—THE FUTURE OF FASHION

UFO UPDATE: Did a saucer with aliens crash in New Mexico?

This section delves into the ongoing investigation by the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) into the infamous Roswell incident. Approximately 43 years prior to this article, in Lincoln County, New Mexico, ranch manager William "Mac" Brazel discovered a field littered with strange debris following a violent thunderstorm. The proximity to Roswell, home of the 509th Atomic Bombardment Group, led to an investigation by intelligence officers. Colonel William Blanchard, the Roswell base commander, initially declared that the Army Air Force had retrieved a "flying disc." However, Blanchard's superior, Brigadier General Roger Ramey, later retracted this statement, attributing the object to a weather balloon. Despite this retraction, the incident has fueled speculation about a crashed saucer and alien bodies ever since.

The current investigation is being conducted by Donald R. Schmitt, CUFOS' director of special investigations, and Kevin D. Randle, a reserve Air Force intelligence officer. Over the past year, they have conducted seven on-site investigations and surveyed the area for remaining debris, while also analyzing soil samples for fragments. Although no alleged alien debris has surfaced yet, several original witnesses have corroborated the material's unusual properties. Combined with estimates that the debris scattered over more than three-quarters of a mile, Schmitt is convinced that the crashed object was "definitely not a weather balloon."

Schmitt and Randle have also worked to eliminate conventional explanations by examining records of V-2 and experimental A-9 rocket launches in the New Mexico area during July of that year. The investigators note the extreme caution and secrecy surrounding the official military response, with the area cordoned off by military police, Mac Brazel being detained, and military guards escorting him through town. They suspect Brazel may have been pressured to alter his testimony.

Michael R. Dennett of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal's subcommittee on UFOs expresses skepticism, stating that "no substantial evidence has ever confirmed the incredible tales surrounding this story." He argues that without concrete evidence, such as alien bodies, it's reasonable to assume Roswell was not the site of a significant scientific event.

Despite such doubts, Schmitt and Randle plan further excavation throughout 1990. Schmitt likens the search to "looking for a needle in a haystack," but believes it is worth the effort if there is a chance of finding something. The article is written by Jeff Goldberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the future, often delving into speculative and fringe topics. This issue touches upon the future of television, DNA research, environmental concerns (whales), the integration of technology and spirituality (the goddess and the computer), and the evolution of fashion and music. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and investigations, particularly in areas like UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The magazine encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, as evidenced by the detailed reporting on the Roswell investigation and the inclusion of expert opinions from both proponents and skeptics.