1990 08 00 OMNI - Patrick Huyghe

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: August 1990
Cover Headline: COMPUCOP: PUTTING THE BYTE ON CRIME

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated August 1990, features a striking cover with the title 'OMNI' in large, stylized letters and the headline 'COMPUCOP: PUTTING THE BYTE ON CRIME.' Other prominent cover stories include 'CELEBRITY INVENTIONS,' 'SPECIAL PREVIEW: THE NEW COMPUTE MAGAZINE,' 'THE ZOO OF FROZEN EMBRYOS,' and 'BREAK-THROUGH: NO MORE ULCERS!' The cover price is $3.50.

UFO Update: The Mystery Cloud

The "Anti Matter" section of the magazine delves into a mysterious aerial phenomenon. Patricia Reiff, a senior research scientist in space physics and astronomy at Rice University, reported observing a small, very bright cloud in the clear western skies over Hickley, Texas, one night during the summer. Within five minutes, the cloud had expanded fourfold and dimmed considerably. This event was witnessed by more than 50 people in five separate cities, all located more than 200 miles apart. The observers consistently reported an object of the same shape, positioned roughly halfway between the stars Arcturus and Spica.

Reiff calculated the cloud to be at least 700 miles away and nearly 350 miles up. She initially considered it might be a gas release from a sounding rocket, but a launch on a Saturday night with thunderstorms forecast seemed unlikely. Her inquiries to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico revealed no missile firings that night, nor was a test laser, developed for the star-wars program, functioning at the time. Checks with NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base also failed to provide an explanation. Reiff also noted that it was unlikely to be the aftermath of a fireball-type meteor, as most meteors disintegrate at lower altitudes, and no observers reported seeing a meteor.

James Oberg, an engineer involved with the space shuttle program and known for explaining aerial mysteries, also investigated the Reiff sighting. He stated that the phenomenon had all the characteristics of a gas release from a sounding rocket, but the entity responsible had not come forward. Oberg mentioned that while there is no international convention for registering such launches, they are often discovered years later.

Interestingly, Oberg himself experienced a similar mystery cloud sighting just a couple of months after Reiff's, around Halloween. He described it as a "strange visual phenomenon" where an object appeared to be a spotlight projecting onto the bottom of a cloud deck. Initially, other reports confirmed the object was far away. However, a "very good observer" north of Oberg identified it as a refinery burn-off on the ground, lighting up the clouds directly above.

Both Reiff and Oberg's accounts highlight the challenges in identifying unexplained aerial phenomena. Oberg concludes by emphasizing the importance of observing and reporting anomalous phenomena, stating, "The more that people come forward, the easier it is to find a solution."

Other Articles and Features

While the "UFO Update" is a significant portion of the content, the cover indicates several other articles and features:

• COMPUCOP: PUTTING THE BYTE ON CRIME: This suggests an article related to the use of computers or technology in combating crime.
• CELEBRITY INVENTIONS: An article exploring inventions created by famous individuals.
• SPECIAL PREVIEW: THE NEW COMPUTE MAGAZINE: A preview of a new publication focused on computing.
• THE ZOO OF FROZEN EMBRYOS: This title implies a scientific or ethical discussion surrounding the preservation of embryos.
• BREAK-THROUGH: NO MORE ULCERS!: A health-related article promising a significant advancement in the treatment or prevention of ulcers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the unexplained. This issue, with its focus on "CompuCop," "Celebrity Inventions," and a "Break-through" in ulcer treatment, showcases the magazine's commitment to reporting on cutting-edge developments and intriguing phenomena. The "UFO Update" section, detailing the mystery cloud incident, reflects OMNI's ongoing interest in unexplained aerial events and encourages public participation in reporting such occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, encouraging investigation into anomalies while maintaining a grounded approach, as exemplified by James Oberg's analysis.