1991 03 00 OMNI - Fake UFO photos

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: March 1991
Publisher: OMNI PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LTD
Country: USA
Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated March 1991, features a diverse range of articles and discussions, with the cover prominently highlighting "DICK CHENEY: THE FUTURE OF MILITARY POWER." Other prominent cover stories include "BACH TO THE FUTURE: COMPUTER MUSIC GROWS UP," "ROBOTS: THE NEXT STAGE IN EVOLUTION?" and "WHY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE FAIL."

Communications: Readers' Writes

The "Communications" section opens with a letter from Larry Pont of Ogden Dunes, IN, congratulating OMNI for its credible presentation of the UFO issue in its December 1990 issue. Pont reflects on the historical skepticism surrounding the idea of extraterrestrial life, referencing Giordano Bruno and Allen Hynek, and acknowledges the growing realization that humanity may not be alone.

Eric Bickernicks of Norwood, MA, humorously questions the logic of advanced alien spacecraft crashing due to pilot error, suggesting that after one incident, extraterrestrials would likely learn from their mistakes.

Frank G. Pollard of Farmington Hills, MI, offers an alternative perspective on government UFO cover-ups, proposing that they might be related to military secrets and testing of secret aircraft rather than solely UFO phenomena.

Thomas R. McDonough's analysis of why E.T. has not phoned Earth is discussed, with a letter from Jeffrey A. Rhind of Scituate, MA, suggesting that McDonough's hypotheses could be more developed. Rhind also touches on the idea of "induced permanent ecstasy" as being unrealistic.

Theresa Walters from Sequoia National Park, CA, writes to correct a potential misunderstanding in a previous article about coastal redwoods. She clarifies that while technically Sequoia sempervirens, they are commonly called redwoods, and expresses concern about the public confusing them with other species and the risks of relying on clones for forest repopulation.

Scott Tokar of Tustin, CA, also comments on the redwood issue, warning against the dangers of relying on clones due to their vulnerability to a single virus or bug.

Sylvia McDonald Bowman of Henderson, NV, provides a historical correction regarding ancient Egypt, stating that Ramses II was not married to Nefertiti. She clarifies their respective dynasties and identifies Nefertari as Ramses II's first wife.

Antimatter: UFO Update

The "Antimatter" section, authored by Paul McCarthy, addresses the growing sophistication of digital image processing and its impact on UFO photography. The article questions whether new UFO photos are genuine evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence or the product of skilled computer artists.

Brad Dorin, president of Printbox, Inc., explains that his company's high-end digital imaging equipment, typically used for advertising, could be employed to create highly realistic, possibly undetectable UFO photographs. He notes that while the quality depends on the operator's skill, even home computers with paint software can be used for such fabrications.

Dorin suggests starting with black-and-white images for easier manipulation and recommends using a scanner or video camera to digitize the original photo. The digitized image can then be altered using paint software to remove strings, add clouds, or insert alternative artwork.

Steve Guttman, marketing manager at Adobe Systems, confirms that various computer systems, from PCs to mainframes, can be used with software like Adobe's PhotoShop to create these manipulated images. He emphasizes that understanding how shadows are cast is crucial for realism.

Physicist Bruce Maccabee, chairman of The Fund for UFO Research, acknowledges the sophistication of the technology but remains confident in his ability to detect fakes. He states that his expertise lies in identifying subtle clues in photographs and, more importantly, in interrogating the photographer to ensure a logical and consistent story about the UFO experience. While admitting that photo manipulation is easier today, Maccabee believes it would still be difficult to fool experts with a well-crafted hoax.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI magazine demonstrates a continued commitment to exploring cutting-edge science, technology, and speculative topics, including military advancements, artificial intelligence, and the persistent mystery of UFOs. The magazine balances serious scientific inquiry with accessible discussions on psychology and the future of technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to engage with complex ideas and challenging conventional wisdom, while also maintaining a critical eye, particularly evident in the discussion of UFO photo authenticity, where technological advancements are weighed against expert analysis and the importance of credible witness testimony.