Awareness - 1992-93 - Vol 18 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: 1
Volume: 18 No1
Date: 1991-1992
Publisher: Contact International (UK)
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Awareness magazine, the journal of Contact International (UK), provides a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena and related mysteries, with a strong focus on the 1991 crop circle season, notable sightings, and potential disinformation campaigns.

Editorial

The editorial, written by the Editor, welcomes readers to the first issue typed out on a computer system, hoping to improve print quality. It begins by reflecting on the exposure of 'fortune makers' in the mid-1980s, using the case of Robert Maxwell, who lived near Contact Headquarters in Oxford, as an example of financial illusion and cover-ups. The Editor draws a parallel to the UFO debate, warning readers to be skeptical of what they read and to "take nothing at face value." Contact International aims to establish realities surrounding UFOs and crop circles. The editorial suggests a link between UFOs and crop circles, stating they are "most likely of the same origin," but their ultimate source remains incomprehensible. A video of a UFO darting across a crop is mentioned, seen by witnesses in 1990 and 1991. The Editor concludes with a plea for donations due to the magazine's low bank balance.

The Remarkable Experience of Bruce Gernon Jr.

This article by Michael Soper details an extraordinary flight experience of Bruce Gernon Jr. and his father on December 4, 1970. While flying from Andros Island to Palm Beach, Florida, Bruce encountered a large, elliptical cloud. As he flew over and climbed, the cloud rose with him, maintaining a constant distance. He eventually flew through it and found himself in a tunnel-like formation with glowing white walls and swirling cloudlets. The tunnel was approximately 200 feet across and appeared to be a mile long, aimed towards Miami. Gernon experienced complete zero-gravity for a few seconds as the wingtips touched the cloud walls. Upon emerging, he found himself in a green, amorphous haze. All electronic instruments malfunctioned, and radar control was lost. Instead of Bimini Keys, an island appeared beneath him at high speed. Miami radar control contacted him, stating a plane was flying due west over Miami, which Gernon initially dismissed. Suddenly, large "slits" appeared around the plane, running parallel to their direction of flight, revealing Miami Beach below. The flight, normally 75 minutes and covering 200 miles, took only 45 minutes and covered at least 250 miles. The plane's cruising speed was 195 knots, and it used 28 gallons of fuel instead of the usual 40. The article calculates that the remaining journey was equivalent to a shift of 110 miles in less than two minutes at approximately 3300 mph.

Overseas Reports

Translated by Eileen Fletcher, this section covers sightings from Sweden and Norway.

Sweden, November 4-5, 1990 (Sandviken, Kramfors): Karin Rauscher reported seeing three oval, rotating objects shining like gold on the morning of November 4th. Beams of light were cast from the objects, searching the ground. A round light, like a torch beam, was also seen. The incident lasted 30-40 minutes. A similar event was repeated on November 5th. Rauscher expressed an uneasy feeling about the experience, wishing she hadn't had it.

Sweden, December 21, 1990 (Bodafors): Margaret Johansson reported seeing six objects whirling and playing in the sky, moving towards the north. She described one object as "like a crab with glittering legs or fingers." The light was yellow-white and noiseless. The temperature was between minus 5 and minus 10 degrees Celsius. The investigator was Haken Fenander.

Norway, January 10, 1991 (Kabelvag, Lofoten): A man observed a large object approximately 150 meters away, with 40 white lights and 30-40 red lights blinking. The object was dark. The witness, a trained flyer, was certain it was not an aircraft. The MOD explained it as four of their aircraft. The experience gave the witness a bad headache and a sick feeling, and she was deaf during the observation.

Mysterious Crash in Finnish Lake

This report details a mysterious incident in a Finnish lake near Helsingfors on July 29, 1991. A 12-year-old girl reported seeing a meter-long, cigar-shaped object with a cut-off end crash into Lake Nummijarvi. The crash was unusual, with the object described as "sucking in the water." Local fire brigades and the military investigated, but the object could not be specified. A mine searcher proved ineffective underwater. The incident attracted significant media attention, with journalists and TV reporters crowding the area. The Finnish MOD clamped down on information, and divers were sent to search the lake. Despite extensive searches, nothing was found. Speculation ranged from a space rocket to a crashed saucer or even a seabird. The mother of the girl, who was also present, remained mysteriously silent. Many local residents reported seeing the object, but some were suspected of seeking publicity. Radar film analysis showed only contact with a log and mud. There are also suggestions that the lake might have been used as a dumping site for scrap.

ARCHIVE case from France: A luminous body crossed the sky of Florence on September 22, 1946, thought to be a mysterious rocket.

Crop Circle Report 1991, Part 2

By Geoff Ambler, with additional material by Michael Soper and Paul Anderson, this section provides a detailed review of the 1991 crop circle season in England.

General Review of the Season 1991: The season began with a dumb-bell pictogram on May 14th in Winterbourne Stoke, Wilts. A massive surge in complex pictogram production occurred after July 15th, primarily in the Wiltshire area within a 20-mile radius of Silbury Hill. The increase in numbers meant that limited time could be spent on each site, and some important new designs were harvested before investigation. Unlike 1990, the 1991 summer started wet, and early formations were not well-flattened. The best creative work was observed in mid-July and August in wheat fields, with sharp and fully flattened examples. The pattern of circles shifted from simple circles to multiples, with many fields chosen for new formations or additions to existing ones. The complexity means simple circle counts are no longer sufficient to gauge development. It is estimated that around 100 fields were visited, with an average of 20 pieces per shape, leading to an estimated 2000 'circles' – a doubling from the previous year. The phenomenon appears to be maturing, with the most sophisticated designs in Wiltshire and Hampshire, areas with a long history of visitation.

Profiles of 30 Pictograms: Overleaf, 30 pictograms are illustrated, showcasing developments in just six weeks of July-August 1991.

Overseas Picture: Germany and Japan reported their own circles, with a potential for hoaxing due to a desire to find 'masterpieces.' Good reports are coming from activity in the USA and Canada, and about 20 other countries. However, there is a dearth of good overhead pictures from light aircraft or helicopters of these overseas circles for comparison.

Meaden's Explanation and Rewards: Dr. Terence Meaden's meteorological explanation was met with skepticism. The Daily Star offered £10,000 for an explanation, matching the Sunday Mirror's offer from 1990, but the money remained unpaid.

• Hoaxers and Disinformation: The article highlights the claims of Doug Bowers and Dave Chorley, two artists who claimed to have created all crop circles since 1978. The magazine presents several points to refute their claims, including:
• Their claim of making 200 systems overall, contrasting with the estimated 2000 in 1991.
• Their alleged creation of circles around Winchester and East Anglia, which are distant locations.
• The Chichester circles being described as an 'absolute mess' compared to the supposedly expert-fooled Sevenoaks pictogram.
• The Sevenoaks pictogram being created in 1.5 hours in daylight, contrary to the general understanding that formations are made quickly in darkness.
• The logistical impossibility of two elderly men creating such a large number of complex formations alone.
• The method of trampling implying diameters divisible by 8, which is not consistently observed.
• The presence of standing crops in the center of many circles, indicating no access for a trampling method.
• The lack of dowsing reaction in trampled circles, despite claims of energy fields.
• The impossibility of overseas circles being created by this method.
• The failure of controlled watches to prevent formations.

The article suggests that the Bowers and Chorley incident may be the start of disinformation campaigns, possibly involving the Ministry of Defence or secret services (MBF Services). The magazine questions the motive behind their claims, especially since they did not seek reward money.

The Mandelbrot Set: A new type of crop circle, the Mandelbrot Set, appeared in a corn field near Cambridge on August 12, 1991. This complex mathematical figure, related to fractal geometry and chaos theory, can only be created on a computer. Its appearance is seen as a significant development, linking the phenomenon to computers and high technology. The figure was short-lived, and there are unconfirmed reports of military personnel in the area and an attempt to burn the site. The article posits that this represents a "do-or-die" point, suggesting an advanced lifeform might be communicating through these patterns, showing humanity what took 10,000 years to develop in just 13 years.

Ambivalent Icon: Mandelbrot in a Field: Michael Soper further explores the Mandelbrot Set, discussing its mathematical properties and its appearance. He relates the set's complexity and self-similarity to the concept of a "holographic" society, where the loss of an individual is not critical because of interconnectedness. He suggests that the phenomenon might be an attempt to change our introverted model of thought towards a more outward-focused perception, potentially part of a plan by agencies behind the crop circles.

International Crop Watch at Milk Hill

Paul Anderson reports on a Japanese TV surveillance operation at Milk Hill, Wilts, from August 8th to 18th, 1991. While no circle formation was filmed, a brightly glowing ball of orange light was captured on film, seen hovering in the sky. The object appeared instantaneously and was estimated to be about 250 meters high. The event was witnessed by approximately 10-20 people. The light switched off before the Japanese cameramen could fully capture it. The sighting was discussed, with one person suggesting it was a flare, which was rejected. The light reappeared and disappeared several times. Two orange lights were also seen on August 18th near Marlborough. Air traffic control centers confirmed no aircraft were in the area. The event was recorded on VHS video and is now in Japan. The article notes that many circles were found around the Marlborough area before and after the lights were seen, suggesting a possible link to earth-energy lines or ancient Roman roads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and the possibility of hoaxes and disinformation. The magazine takes a stance of critical investigation, encouraging readers to question official explanations and to "take nothing at face value." There is a clear belief that UFOs and crop circles are linked and represent a significant, possibly intelligent, phenomenon that is not fully understood by conventional science or authorities. The magazine also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception and the potential for deliberate misinformation campaigns.

Title: Awareness
Issue: Vol 17 No 4
Date: Winter 1991
Publisher: Contact International (U.K)

This issue of Awareness magazine delves into various aspects of the unexplained, with a strong focus on crop circles and UFO phenomena. It presents research, theories, and personal accounts, alongside news and advertisements for related books and services.

Crop Circle Phenomena

The magazine reports on a press conference held on November 4th, sponsored by Contact International, where researcher Pat Delgado presented the latest developments in crop formations. The conference aimed to counter misleading reports and promote understanding of the 'plasma vortex theory'. The issue also touches upon the 'Doug and Dave' hoax, suggesting it might lead to a simpler phase of crop circle appearances or a continuation of more complex formations.

Theories and Research

Several contributors share their perspectives on crop circles. Omar Fowler of the Phenomenon Research Association notes the presence of single standing stems in crop circles, suggesting their height might relate to the wavelength involved in formation. He also observes 'kinking/creasing' and 'burn marks' on stalks, which he is investigating further. The editor notes that these stems might be diseased, and the 'burn marks' could be fungal, with the force acting on healthy stems.

Richard Wise describes a mysterious, sharp-edged red triangle that appeared on his back and faded within two weeks, followed by a period of intense paranoia, suggesting a direct link between the mark and his psychological state. The editor notes the unnatural appearance of the mark and the lack of similar cases on file.

A letter proposes an experiment using radionics to create events in crop fields, referencing historical successes in pest control and the potential for creating pictograms or Mandelbrot sets. The writer speculates that military and intelligence interests may be experimenting with the magnetic spectrum and radionics, possibly for control purposes.

David Clayton expresses a preference for research into natural forces over the 'Alien Theory' for crop circles, warning that hoaxers could tarnish the field.

UFO Incidents and Investigations

Roswell Co-Incidence?

F.A. Copeland's article links several UFO incidents, focusing on the Roswell UFO crash of July 3rd, 1947. Rancher William MacBrazel discovered unusual debris, leading to a military investigation and a subsequent cover-up. The article mentions the local newspaper headline and the initial press release about a recovered 'flying disc', which was later retracted and explained as a weather balloon. The article also references the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI) and its role in managing information leaks.

Gerald Anderson Sighting

Incident No. 2 details a sighting by Gerald Anderson (then 5 years old) in July 1947, about 150 miles from Roswell. He encountered a wreckage of a strange craft with four alien creatures. The military's calm reaction and lack of surprise are noted, raising questions about their familiarity with such objects.

The article questions the connection between these two incidents, suggesting they might have collided or been affected by a storm, and queries the whereabouts of the craft and bodies from the second incident.

Competitions and Rewards

Contact International is offering £200 for a practical demonstration of how crop circles are formed. The magazine also lists several available rewards from previous years, including £10,000 from the Sunday Mirror (1990) and Daily Star (1991), and £5,000 from the Koestler Foundation (1990), totaling a minimum of £25,200 for an explanation.

The Way Forward

The magazine reflects on three summers of investigating the crop circle phenomenon, noting the proliferation of theories. It suggests that at some point, a major revelation will end the guesswork, possibly related to aerial UFOs and odd sounds. For 1992, three possibilities are outlined: no more formations, only simple circles, or a continuation of more complex phenomena. The editor expresses an instinct that the latter is most likely, despite expected disinformation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, with a particular emphasis on crop circles and UFOs. There's a sense of ongoing investigation and a desire to uncover the truth behind these phenomena, while acknowledging the challenges of hoaxes, disinformation, and the limitations of current scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears open to unconventional theories and encourages reader participation in research and discussion, as evidenced by the letters to the editor and the offered rewards for explanations.