1990 07 00 OMNI - Martin Cannon

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: July 1990
Volume: 07
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI features a prominent cover story on Mars, exploring the prospects of human travel to the planet and the potential discoveries awaiting us, alongside the challenges of long-distance robotic exploration. It also delves into the 'loneliness of a long-distance robot' and a 'Star Quest' to hunt for the Big Bang and missing matter, indicating a focus on space exploration and cosmology.

UFO Update: The CIA and Mind Control

The "UFO UPDATE" section, written by Patrick Huyghe, presents a provocative hypothesis by Martin Cannon, an illustrator and UFO researcher. Cannon suggests that the phenomenon of UFO abductions might not be extraterrestrial in origin but rather a sophisticated form of clandestine mind control, possibly orchestrated by the CIA or other government agencies. He posits that the 'little gray men' reported by abductees are actually 'hypnotically implanted memory screens' designed to mask the true nature of the controllers and their experiments, which may involve electroshock, hypnosis, and drug experimentation. Cannon's theory draws parallels between the implants described by abductees and devices developed by scientists for inducing emotions and altered states of consciousness.

This hypothesis is supported by some, like New York criminal defense attorney Peter Gersten, who finds the abduction scenarios more consistent with human actions than alien ones. However, CIA experts and historians, such as William Lear and John Marks, dismiss the idea, with Lear stating that attributing too much power to the CIA is a common misconception. The CIA itself, through spokesperson Mark Mansfield, has publicly denied any knowledge of such activities.

Magnetic Ghosts: Neuroscience and Bereavement Hallucinations

Another article, "MAGNETIC GHOSTS," by Sherry Baker, explores the work of neuroscientist Michael Persinger from Laurentian University. Persinger has linked reported visions of deceased loved ones, often called 'bereavement hallucinations,' to fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field. By analyzing 203 reports over 37 years, he found that these experiences frequently occurred during periods of high geomagnetic activity. Persinger's theory suggests that increased geomagnetic activity can electrically stimulate the brain's temporal lobes, leading to a decrease in melatonin levels. This drop in melatonin is believed to induce minor seizures that can transform memory fragments into visual imagery, creating the sensation of a presence or entity.

To test his theory, Persinger has conducted experiments applying magnetic field pulses to the temporal lobes of subjects, who then report experiencing visual imagery and a sense of presence, even when unaware of the pulse's activation.

Saucer Flicks: UFO Photography and Psychic Ability

"SAUCER FLICKS," also by Sherry Baker, investigates the challenges of capturing clear photographic evidence of UFOs. Gary Levine, a UFO sighting researcher, suggests that a lack of psychic ability might be a reason why UFO buffs struggle to get good photos. He highlights the case of Patricia Baldwin, a nurse from upstate New York, who, after experiencing a UFO sighting, was loaned a camera by Levine. Baldwin, who Levine believes possesses psychic abilities, subsequently photographed several UFOs, including triangular and needle-shaped objects. She later used a super-8 movie camera to capture extensive UFO footage.

Experts, like Richard Powell, a professor of criminal justice, have examined Baldwin's films and confirmed their authenticity, stating they were not altered. However, Powell admits that it is impossible to determine from the footage whether the objects are distant, large craft or simply points of light in front of the camera.

Quotes and Reflections

The issue includes several notable quotes. Steven Wright offers a darkly humorous take on dealing with mental health issues: "You know what scares me? When you have to be nice to some paranoid schizophrenic just because she lives in your body." Vladimir Nabokov provides a philosophical observation: "The breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea." A quote from Eugène Delacroix reminds readers about the nature of artistic creation: "One always has to spoil a picture a little bit, in order to finish it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI demonstrates a consistent editorial stance that embraces speculative inquiry and cutting-edge scientific exploration, often pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding. The magazine explores complex and sometimes controversial topics, such as the potential for government manipulation of perception (mind control and UFO abductions), the intersection of physics and consciousness (neuroscience and geomagnetic effects), and the ongoing quest to understand the universe (Mars exploration and cosmology).

There is a clear interest in presenting theories that challenge established narratives, whether it's questioning the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs or linking brain activity to paranormal experiences. The magazine balances these speculative pieces with scientific research, as seen in the articles on neuroscience and space exploration, suggesting an editorial philosophy that values both rigorous investigation and imaginative exploration of the unknown.