OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: November 1994
Date: November 1994
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Price: $3.50
Cover Headline: PROJECT OPEN BOOK OMNI'S SEARCH FOR THE REAL UFOS

Project Open Book: OMNI's Quest for Real UFOs

The November 1994 issue of OMNI magazine launches "Project Open Book," a comprehensive initiative to investigate UFO phenomena and uncover documented close encounters. The project aims to move beyond the prevalent hype and conspiracy theories surrounding UFOs to find "incontrovertible evidence, solid as nuts and bolts." OMNI states its position as having "no axe to grind" and not possessing a "knee-jerk instinct to debunk material just because it's weird."

The magazine emphasizes its commitment to "informed skepticism," adhering to the tenet that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary levels of proof." Researchers involved in Project Open Book will be tasked with finding ordinary explanations for sightings, and the burden of proof will remain high for any claims of extraterrestrial visitation.

Key Cases and Investigations:

Several intriguing cases are highlighted to illustrate the types of evidence being sought:

• Southwestern Michigan: Numerous witnesses reported red and white lights moving in circles, with documentation including police reports and radar data from the Muskegon County Airport, suggesting "something might be afoot."
• Alabama: An accounting teacher and mother described a harrowing abduction experience, detailing physical marks, security system malfunctions, and alleged harassment by military personnel. The article notes the challenge of distinguishing such accounts from "false memory syndrome."
• Nova Scotia Water Crash: A reader from Canada described an incident at Shag Harbour where a mysterious object allegedly smashed into the water, noting the event's solid documentation and numerous witnesses.
• Staunton, Virginia: A witness reported seeing a "bright red" disc in the night sky that stopped, turned, and then blinked goodbye before disappearing at high speed.
• Northern Vermont: A bed and breakfast owner and guests observed two bright lights in the sky that appeared as connected rectangle shapes, moving slowly and directly overhead.
• Roswell, New Mexico (1947): The investigation delves into reports of an Army Air Corps nurse who allegedly helped autopsy aliens from a crashed UFO and subsequently disappeared, with researchers suggesting she may have been "intentionally deleted from the record."
• Soviet Sighting (1984): James Oberg is investigating a Soviet sighting that reportedly included visual, radar, and physical effects, with new sketches potentially shedding light on the phenomenon's characteristics.

The Legacy of J. Allen Hynek:

The article delves into the work of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former astronomer who initially worked for the Air Force on Project Blue Book. Initially a skeptic, Hynek's extensive involvement led him to question the official debunking efforts, realizing that "the sightings needed further investigation." This realization prompted him to gather data and classify UFO reports, eventually founding the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Despite later criticism of becoming "shockingly gullible," Hynek's legacy is presented as a call for rigorous scientific study of UFOs.

OMNI's Investigative Panel:

Project Open Book is supported by a diverse panel of experts, including:

• Patrick Huyghe: Science writer and investigative journalist.
• Sherry Baker: Freelance journalist specializing in medicine, science, and the arts.
• Jerome Clark: Vice president of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies.
• James Oberg: Senior space engineer and author.
• Dennis Stacy: Investigative reporter and editor of the MUFON Journal.
• Mark Rodighier: Director of the Center for UFO Studies, specializing in statistics and research methodology.
• Paul Kurtz, Ph.D.: Professor of philosophy and editor of Free Inquiry magazine.
• A. J. S. Rayl: Investigative reporter working on a CD-ROM about SETI.
• Paul McCarthy, Ph.D.: Political science expert and freelance writer.
• Jenny Randles: Director of investigations for the British UFO Research Association.
• Joe Nickell, Ph.D.: Former magician and private investigator, now a technical writing instructor.
• Robert A. Baker, Ph.D.: Professor emeritus of psychology, expert in hypnosis and false memory.
• Stuart Appelle, Ph.D.: Associate dean and professor of psychology, specializing in sensory processing.
• Keith Harary, Ph.D.: Research director at the Institute for Advanced Psychology.

These individuals, along with psychologists and aerospace experts, will analyze incoming reports, aiming to provide a "semblance of truth."

Reader Contributions:

OMNI actively solicits reports from its readers, who have already submitted thousands of accounts, photographs, and other data. The magazine also maintains an online presence via America Online for submissions.

Other Content:

The issue also features an advertisement for "Rejuvenetics" workout videos starring Kathy Keeton, President of Longevity magazine, and an advertisement for the Rodelsonix IX pest repeller. Additionally, there is a promotion for custom OMNI library cases and an advertisement for a book titled "Revelations."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, moving beyond sensationalism to a more evidence-based approach. OMNI positions itself as a neutral party, committed to rigorous analysis and the pursuit of truth, regardless of whether it aligns with conventional scientific paradigms. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging the submission of detailed reports and utilizing a diverse panel of experts to scrutinize claims. The magazine acknowledges the historical significance of UFO stories as modern myths but emphasizes the need to focus on verifiable evidence. The initiative reflects a desire to understand the UFO phenomenon through systematic investigation, much like other scientific inquiries.