1990 11 00 OMNI - Paul McCarthy

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: 11
Volume: 13
Date: November 1990
Publisher: Bob Guccione
Country: USA
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated November 1990, presents a diverse range of articles exploring the intersection of science, technology, and the unexplained. The cover features a futuristic mobile phone and headlines hinting at topics such as "AMUSEMENT PARKS OF THE FUTURE," "SUPERNORMAL CONTROL OF THE BODY," "HEROES OF SCIENCE," "LASER DENTISTRY-PAINLESS FILLINGS," "THE GREATEST LIVING PHARMACOLOGIST," and "WHY WE CRAVE FORBIDDEN PLEASURES."

UFO Update: Antimatter

The lead article, "UFO UPDATE: Antimatter," focuses on a sighting by a commercial airline pilot, identified as "Captain X," who reported seeing a metallic disc with six evenly spaced, round, jet-black portholes. The incident occurred in the summer of 1981 over Lake Michigan while Captain X was flying an L-1011. He described the object as "tearing through the atmosphere" and moving across his windshield before vanishing in a slight climb. The article highlights the work of psychologist Richard Haines, who investigates UFOs as a hobby and has collected approximately 3,400 aircrew cases from sources like Project Blue Book and various UFO organizations. Haines argues that pilot sightings are particularly credible due to the high altitudes involved, which preclude explanations like birds or small balloons, and the difficulty of fabricating such events. He also notes that pilots are trained observers and that their aircraft are equipped with instruments that can detect electromagnetic interference (EM effects). Haines has documented instances of EM effects coinciding with sightings, including abnormal deviations in gyro and magnetic compasses, temporary malfunctions of navigation radio equipment, electrical systems, and cockpit instruments, and even the failure of weapons firing systems on an American F-4 Phantom jet. Pilots experiencing such phenomena can request radar confirmation from air traffic support.

However, the article also presents the skeptical viewpoint of aerospace journalist Philip J. Klass. Klass contends that pilots are not immune to misidentifications and cites a case where multiple pilots reported a "squadron of UFOs" that turned out to be a meteor fireball. He also expresses doubts about the reliability of older radar systems in distinguishing spurious targets.

Haines's forthcoming book is mentioned, which will detail hundreds of pilot sightings, focusing on specific UFO trajectories and flight dynamics that traditional technology cannot replicate. Haines can be contacted at Post Office Box 880, Los Altos, CA 94023-0880.

Other Content

While the full content of the other articles is not detailed in the provided scan, the cover headlines indicate a broad scope of topics:

• Amusement Parks of the Future: Suggests a look into innovative entertainment concepts and technologies.
• Supernormal Control of the Body: Likely explores mind-body connections, biofeedback, or other methods of enhancing physical control.
• Heroes of Science: Could feature profiles of prominent scientists or breakthroughs.
• Laser Dentistry-Painless Fillings: Points to advancements in dental technology, promising a less painful experience for patients.
• The Greatest Living Pharmacologist: Implies an article focusing on a leading figure in pharmaceutical research or development.
• Why We Crave Forbidden Pleasures: A psychological exploration into human desires and motivations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores cutting-edge science, speculative technology, and phenomena that push the boundaries of conventional understanding. This issue, like others, balances reporting on potentially unexplained events (UFOs) with forward-looking technological and scientific advancements (future amusement parks, laser dentistry, pharmacology). The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and open-minded inquiry, presenting both evidence and skeptical viewpoints on topics like UFO sightings, while also highlighting innovation and scientific progress. The magazine aims to engage readers with a blend of the extraordinary and the cutting-edge.