1991 09 00 OMNI - Paul McCarthy - UFO Investigators

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: September 1991
Volume/Identifier: CC 02484
Cover Price: $3.50

This issue of OMNI magazine prominently features "20 Predictions That Will Change The World" on its cover, alongside a striking image of a face adorned with a circuit-board butterfly mask. Other key cover stories include "The Omni-Berkeley Personality Test: Radical New Way to Rate Your Personality" and "Abortion Pill Inventor Speaks!"

Antimatter: Help Wanted

The article "Antimatter: Help Wanted" delves into the role of a UFO investigator, particularly within the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). It outlines the diverse skill set required, describing the ideal candidate as a "Renaissance person" with expertise in psychology, meteorology, and a broad understanding of science and technology. Essential tools for an investigator include a compass, tape recorder, and Geiger counter.

Dan Wright, deputy director for investigations at MUFON in Michigan, explains that volunteers are sought for their scientific, engineering, and aviation backgrounds, but also for enthusiasm and common sense. Wright, who holds an M.A. in political science, oversees the review of approximately 15 case reports per month, providing feedback to investigators and supervisors.

The training process for MUFON investigators is rigorous. It begins with a course based on the "MUFON Field Investigator's Manual," which covers equipment, common phenomena, testimony assessment, and investigative techniques. Trainees participate in classes and must pass a 100-question exam to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Upon completion, they are ready to work on cases, often initially with experienced investigators.

Wright emphasizes that investigators need to understand weather, aircraft, celestial phenomena, and the psychology of interviewees. The manual itself is undergoing revisions, with the fourth edition expected to be around 200 pages and include a significant section on abductions.

UFOlogy and Skepticism

The article also touches upon the broader landscape of UFO investigation. MUFON, founded in 1969, has grown to over 3,000 members worldwide, with 800 investigators in the United States and numerous consultants and research specialists. Specialized activities like photo analysis and UFO case report computerization are available to qualified volunteers.

Philip Klass, an aerospace technical journalist and a noted skeptic, offers a critical perspective. He argues that true skepticism cannot be taught solely from a handbook, especially if it doesn't heavily emphasize critical analysis. Klass believes the incentive structure within UFOlogy is flawed, suggesting that investigators may be motivated to find extraordinary explanations rather than prosaic ones, as success is often measured by the inability to explain a case conventionally.

Despite these critiques, Walt Andrus, head of MUFON, is focused on expanding the investigator's manual and the need for dedicated individuals. He reiterates the importance of even basic skills, like using a compass and tweezers, highlighting that "there's a lot to do, and it's all important."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI magazine appears to cover a wide range of speculative and forward-looking topics, from scientific predictions and psychological assessments to the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of the "Antimatter" section suggests a continued interest in UFOs and related research, while also highlighting the practical, scientific, and psychological aspects involved in such investigations. The magazine seems to encourage a blend of open-mindedness and critical inquiry, as evidenced by the inclusion of both investigative procedures and skeptical viewpoints.