1985 - Mystery of the Circles P.Fuller& J.Randles

Magazine Overview

This document, titled "MYSTERY OF THE CIRCLES," is a report compiled by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles on behalf of BUFORA, with the cover featuring an original photograph of a 'Five-Ring Set, Westbury, July 1983' by Chris Wood. The issue date is listed as October 1982, Volume 3, Issue No 2.

A Historical Review of the Mystery Circles

The report traces the origin of the West Country mystery circles back to August 1980, though local rumours suggest earlier appearances. The 1980 event marked the beginning of media attention, which has intensified over the years. BUFORA's involvement is explained by the geographical proximity of the circles to Warminster, a known UFO hotspot.

The publication aims to present various explanations, with Paul Fuller reviewing options and offering guidelines, while the author will summarize the scientific investigation by meteorologist Dr. Terence Meaden. The historical context is deemed crucial for understanding the phenomenon.

The Wiltshire Times first reported the affair on August 15, 1980, detailing farmer John Scull's discovery of two circles in his oat field near Westbury. A new Bristol UFO group, NUFORA (later PROBE), investigated, interviewing the farmer and collecting samples. Originally, three circles had appeared, with the first noticed in May and obliterated by harvest. The subsequent two appeared in July, approximately 400 feet apart. Analysis of soil and crop samples found no radiation or unusual chemical effects.

Ian Mrzyglod's initial account for PROBE noted that UFOs were not ruled out but not readily accepted as an easy answer. The proximity to Warminster, a site of UFO folklore since the mid-sixties, contributed to the hype. Sightings of "The Thing" were rife from 1964, turning Warminster into a tourist attraction for UFO enthusiasts.

After the 1980 circles, the phenomenon seemed to die down, with Ian Mrzyglod suggesting a natural explanation. However, in 1981, three more circles appeared at Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire, in a straight line. Ken Rogers of BUFOS promoted these as UFO-created, but no witnesses reported seeing a UFO responsible. Farmers suspected vandalism, with one suggesting helicopter downwash. An MoD spokesman offered no confirmation but suggested a Chinook helicopter.

Dr. Meaden noted the similarities to the 1980 rings, confirming his weather-based theory. PROBE Report suggested keeping watch for July and August 1982, predicting more circles if Meaden was correct. PROBE maintained a stance of scientific investigation, facing criticism from those who favored the UFO theory.

Ian Mrzyglod stated that suggestions of UFO landing nests were speculative and unsupported. BUFORA championed the meteorological solution, publishing Meaden's findings. Meaden himself was not a UFO investigator.

Mrzyglod's prediction of more circles in 1982 proved correct, though the press did not report them. A reader of "The Unexplained" found a circle on Cley Hill, a known UFO skywatching point. This circle, along with another nearby, was eccentric, spiralled clockwise, and in the lee of a hill.

In 1983, the phenomenon escalated with eight sets of circles appearing between May and August. Some, like those at Cley Hill, were kept private due to fears of crop damage from sightseers. The circles at Cheesefoot Head reappeared, and new locations like Wantage, Oxfordshire, also featured rings. The most dramatic development was the appearance of five-ring formations, a significant increase from previous single or triple alignments.

Media attention surged, with the Daily Express reporting on the Westbury circles. BUFORA sought to demystify the situation, explaining the lack of UFO evidence and the Warminster reputation. However, many media outlets fanned the flames of the UFO story.

The Daily Star reported on the circles, with their solution being the same meteorological explanation that PROBE and Dr. Meaden had been promoting.

Jean Rook, a columnist, wrote poetically about "E.T." and found a poppy in a ring, suggesting physical evidence. The media attention quickly subsided.

In August 1983, a mirrored set of five rings appeared near the original Westbury set. PROBE investigated and, with Dr. Meaden's input, noted the anti-clockwise swirl of the second set, contrasting with the clockwise swirl consistent with the meteorological theory. This suggested a possible hoax.

It was revealed that the second set of five rings at Westbury was a hoax created by the Sheppard family for the Daily Mirror, filmed using a stop-motion camera. This demonstrated that complex circle patterns could be artificially produced.

In 1984, Ian Mrzyglod had quit UFOlogy due to frustration. Ken Phillips took over BUFORA investigations. Circles continued to appear, including a five-ring set at Cley Hill and one at Cheesefoot Head. A new five-ring pattern near Alfriston, Sussex, was quickly identified as a probable hoax by scientist Philip Taylor.

Despite the exposure of hoaxes, media coverage, particularly by The Daily Mail, continued to promote UFO theories. BUFORA's efforts to demystify the circles and their consistent dismissal of UFO relevance were met with criticism from other investigators.

In 1985, six sets of circles gained publicity. The West Sussex Gazette reported on a set near Patching, Sussex, where a farmer believed it to be a hoax. However, the West Sussex Times mentioned psychic results and reported UFO sightings from 20 years prior.

During a live radio debate on UFOs, a Daily Express journalist asked for views on the circles. The journalist seemed unaware of previous interviews, and the paper suggested a landed spaceship might be responsible, even proposing retractable legs that skidded on impact. Mist reported at a set of rings was interpreted as residual exhaust fumes from a departed spaceship.

The ITV news programme "Coast to Coast" featured the 1985 circles, and the ITN network news covered the story, placing it alongside wars and natural disasters. The report concludes that as long as people desire mysteries and the media needs stories, the phenomenon is unlikely to disappear.

Facts About the Mystery Circles

What are the Circles?

The mystery circle sets are flattened areas of cereal crops, typically consisting of a large central circle and two or four smaller circles arranged geometrically. The outer circles are 12-15 feet across, and the central circle is 45-60 feet in diameter, with formations reaching up to 120 feet. The crop is laid flat in a swirled pattern about 1-1.5 inches above the ground. All recently reported British formations had clockwise swirls, with anti-clockwise swirls attributed to negative reversal. The central point of the swirl is not always precisely at the circle's center. Witnesses found no damage to crop stems or heads, no chemical deposits, and no suspicious marks on the ground. Surrounding crop is undamaged, though wind damage may occur later. The circles are accurately delineated with no gradation between the circle and surrounding crop. No crop has been removed, nor any displaced crop found nearby.

The first circles attracted nationwide interest in 1980 at Westbury, Wiltshire. Since then, sets have appeared regularly in Southern England during summer months, accompanied by increasing media hysteria. The first circle sets had only 3 circles, while sets of 5 became regular in 1983. In 1985, six sets gained nationwide publicity. The dates provided are for when the circles were first reported, not necessarily when they were formed. Photographer Chris Wood has measured known circle sets but is reluctant to publish accurate measurements to prevent hoaxes. He notes that no two circle sets are identical and the central circle is always slightly elliptical.

It is acknowledged that other circle sets appeared in 1985 but were not publicized, often due to landowners fearing media invasion. Farmers lose over £200 worth of crop per circle set, plus damage from sightseers. While 1985 is believed to have produced more reports than previous years, it cannot be assumed that the phenomenon is growing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this publication are the mystery surrounding the origin of crop circles, the media's role in sensationalizing the phenomenon, the scientific investigation and proposed explanations (primarily meteorological), and the prevalence of hoaxes. BUFORA's stance, as represented by the authors and contributors like Ian Mrzyglod and Dr. Terence Meaden, is to present factual information and scientific explanations, actively debunking UFO theories and challenging media hype. The publication emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and deliberate fabrications, while also acknowledging the public's desire for mystery and the media's need for stories.

This issue of The UFO Annual Report, dated 1987, focuses extensively on the phenomenon of crop circles, with the cover headline proclaiming 'THE CIRCLE MYSTERY'. The magazine explores the history, characteristics, and numerous proposed explanations for these enigmatic formations that began appearing with significant media attention in the early to mid-1980s.

The Mystery of the Circles

The report begins by noting that similar circle sets have been appearing for decades, with older residents of Hampshire referring to them as 'Cheriton Rings'. Mystery circle sets have been reported globally, with descriptions of tiny, burnt, and gouged circles in Queensland, Australia, and 'Flying Saucer Nests' dubbed by the Australian press. The 1985 circle sets, in particular, were widely visited, photographed, and measured. Their construction in tramlines or isolated fields made nocturnal creation by hoaxers more difficult. Obtaining clear photographs before the sites were trampled was a challenge, but available images showed inconclusive evidence of tampering. Eye witnesses reported no tracks, though aerial photographs sometimes revealed vague traces of damage, possibly from animals or investigators.

Most well-publicised 1985 circle sets were discovered early in the morning, often by local landowners. A notable incident at Tolymare Farm involved the landowners Ken Johnson and his gamekeeper reporting a 'hazy mist' rising from the central circle, with no suspicious markings found despite their familiarity with animal tracks. Nearby woodland damage was also noted but deemed inconclusive. Significantly, local residents living as near as 250 yards reported hearing nothing unusual overnight.

The Circles' Characteristics

Thirteen characteristics of the circle sets are detailed:

1. Crop Type: Appeared in mature cereal crops (oats, wheat, barley).
2. Timing: Appeared overnight during summer months.
3. Weekend Phenomenon: A high chance that five of the six 1985 sets appeared over weekends, while 1984 sets appeared over Thursday/Friday nights.
4. Formation: Consisted of either 3 or 5 sharply defined circles, geometrically laid out with a larger circle in the centre.
5. Dimensions: Similar but not identical, described as very large.
6. Crop Condition: Crop was not damaged or displaced.
7. Pattern: Crop was laid gently flat in a clockwise swirled pattern about 1-1.5 inches above the surface.
8. Deposits: No deposits were found on the crop or ground.
9. Visibility: Five of the six 1985 sets were clearly visible from natural vantage points, except for the Goodworth Clatford circles, which were only discovered from an aeroplane.
10. Witnesses: No local residents reported unusual activity on the night the circles were formed.
11. Tracks: No conclusive tracks were found in adjacent undamaged crop, though some animal or sightseer tracks were later identified from aerial photos.
12. Media Coverage: All 6 circles received unprecedented media coverage.
13. Explanation: No reasonable explanation has been found.

Other Notes

The concentration of circle sets in cereal crops is attributed to the pliable nature of the stems, as grass would not hold the shape. The uneven geographical distribution, primarily in Southern England and remote parts of Australia, remains a puzzle. The fact that stems sometimes sprung back up suggests the formation process was short-lived. The tendency for circles to be reported over weekends leads to speculation about human causation, though some circles might have been formed during the week and only discovered later. The 'Daily Mirror' is noted for manufacturing a hoax circle in 1983, and a suspicious location of a circle set near Dennis Healey's house lends credence to the hoax theory. However, the precision and size of some formations raise questions about how such hoaxes could be executed.

The Army Air Corps Station at Middle Wallop was involved when a resident alleged they caused circles by flying helicopters. An investigation found typical circle sets, with one isolated circle showing no tell-tale tracks. The Ministry of Defence, when contacted, stated they would only be interested if 'UK airspace had been breached', a statement interpreted as evasive. A further development at Goodworth Clatford involved the discovery of an unusual greenish/white jelly-like substance, which, after inconclusive tests, was identified as possibly 'some kind of confectionary that had gone off' with a slight smell of honey. Soil samples showed no unusual radiation or pH values.

Theories

The magazine presents and critiques nine theories for the formation of crop circles:

1. Hoaxes: Considered the most popular theory, with some sets already proven to be hoaxes. The precise geometry, lack of suspicious tracks, and the effort involved are points of discussion. The 'Pole and Chain Method' is described, involving a team using a pole and chain to flatten the crop. However, problems include the likelihood of leaving scuff marks, the difficulty of laying the crop gently flat, and the immense force required for larger circles. The need to carry equipment without leaving evidence is also a challenge.

2. Helicopter Damage: Proposed for the 1981 Cheesefoot Head circle, this theory suggests helicopters use rotor downwash to create the circles. However, Lt Col Edgecombe dismisses this, stating helicopter downwash is not spiral, spreads outwards, and creates a dish-like depression, not a distinct circle. Hovering a helicopter precisely at night without lights is deemed extremely difficult and dangerous. Helicopters are also considered noisy, expensive, and likely to attract attention.

3. Other Military Devices (RPVs/Drones): This speculative theory suggests remotely piloted vehicles could be used for surveillance and to create circles. RPVs are described as add-shaped, quiet, and nearly invisible to radar. The theory posits they could fly to a site, lower a device, and create the circles. However, information on RPV capabilities is limited, and the risk of damaging expensive, secret devices is high. The Ministry of Defence is unlikely to admit owning such devices. The theory doesn't explain how the circles are made, only how the agent of the hoax might be transported discreetly.

4. The 'Hippy' Theory: Photographer Chris Wood suggested circles might be drug dropping zones, citing the Bratton circles appearing shortly before a notorious hippy convoy. However, problems include the conspicuousness of such an operation, the lack of evidence of drug drops, and the failure to explain circles appearing in areas without hippy camps.

5. Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs): Despite media claims, the report states there is no theoretical justification for blaming UFOs, as it attempts to explain one inexplicable phenomenon with another. However, some circle sets were accompanied by UFO reports. Mrs Joan Simms reported a brilliantly lit UFO with lights in a dice-like formation. The Collins described a UFO as a 'big funfair wheel'. Another report mentioned a pulsating yellow light seen before a circle set appeared.

6. Ley Lines: Some circle sets were claimed to lie on 'Ley Lines'. However, the forces involved are unexplained, no device can measure Ley Lines, and sites on supposed Ley Lines were constructed at different dates, making a causal link improbable. The frequency of Ley Lines can be generated by random grid references.

7. Other Force Field Theories: Theories involving 'natural' phenomena like 'earthlights' are discussed, suggesting electromagnetic fields could cause the swirled pattern. Stress in geologically active areas might cause piezo-electrical effects. However, circle sites were mainly on chalk or alluvial deposits, with little geological stress. The 'Daily Express' reported a case of a large block of earth being displaced, possibly by earth forces, but natural forces are deemed unlikely to explain why circles started appearing recently and always on Friday or Saturday nights.

8. Chemical Warfare Theory: This theory suggests the military might test chemical warfare agents on crops, causing stems to weaken and fall. However, the dangers to the civilian population and the availability of more destructive weapons make this unlikely. It also doesn't explain the regular pattern.

9. Parallel Universes Theory: This theory proposes that interactions between parallel universes, similar to radio station drift, could cause gravitational effects. While acknowledging research into parallel universes, the report finds it incredible that such interactions would manifest as crop circles, especially with specific timing and location. It questions why this effect has only just started and why no other gravitational effects are observed.

The Weather Theory

Dr Meaden, editor of the Journal of Meteorology, proposes that whirlwinds are responsible. While Britain doesn't experience intense storms like the American mid-west, 'whirlwinds' do occur, causing property damage and forming in summer. Meaden's initial paper on the 1980 Westbury rings suggested a 'fair-weather stationary whirlwind' as the most natural explanation for the flattened oats, noting the stalks were bent but not damaged. He included a photograph of a fair-weather whirlwind creating a dust funnel. The theory suggests that warm air thermals, displaced by cooler air, can create a spinning column. If this column is prevented from moving, perhaps by terrain, it could remain stationary. This provides a theoretically novel meteorological phenomenon, raising questions about what factors can make a whirlwind stationary.

Problems with Theories

Most theories are described as defective, failing to satisfactorily explain how the circles are formed or why they appear. The report concludes that a combination of theories might be necessary, rather than relying on a single cause for the regular and provocative appearance of crop circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding crop circles, with a strong emphasis on the lack of definitive answers. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various theories with their associated problems and limitations. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations and an acknowledgment of the complexity and enduring nature of the phenomenon. The magazine encourages readers to consider multiple possibilities rather than accepting a single, unproven cause.

This issue of The Journal of Meteorology, dated April 1985, Volume 10, No. 98, with a cover price of £2.00, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of 'mystery circles' appearing in cereal fields. The main cover headline is 'Mystery Circles in Cereal Fields'. The journal presents a detailed exploration of the meteorological theory proposed by Dr. Terence Meaden, which suggests these formations are caused by fair-weather stationary whirlwinds.

Dr. Meaden's Whirlwind Theory

The article begins by clarifying that British whirlwinds are typically short-lived, lasting only a few minutes at most. Dr. Meaden's theory posits that stationary whirlwinds, even shorter-lived ones, could create clear circles beneath them. Several points support this theory: the circles appear during the hot summer months (May to August) when thermals are common, and recurring circle sites like Westbury, Cley Hill, and Cheesefoot Head are often at the base of hills, ideal for whirlwind creation. The journal emphasizes that Dr. Meaden, a meteorologist, brought a professional perspective to the investigation, which was crucial given the subject matter.

Early Observations and Correspondence

Dr. Meaden reported on the 1981 rings, noting a 'mystery spiral' with a three-ring set, which he found explicable as stationary whirlwinds forming in triplets. Correspondence following his papers shed further light on the problem. John Heighes wrote about events in August 1963 in Charlton, Wiltshire, where circles and swathe paths were interpreted as UFO-related, though Heighes also witnessed a similar circle created by a hovering helicopter. Steuart Campbell, a BUFORA investigator, advised caution, noting that no one had directly seen a whirlwind create a circle but supported a natural explanation, referencing 'saucer nests' found in Tully, Australia, in 1966, where a witness heard a sound like escaping air and saw a 'spaceship' rise vertically, leaving a circle of flattened reeds.

The 1983 Phenomenon and Further Evidence

The summer of 1983 saw a dramatic increase in circles, including unprecedented quintuplet sets. Dr. Meaden addressed this in a paper, noting that 1983 was exceptionally hot, leading to a 'bumper time for heat whirlwinds'. He questioned if the high number of circle sets was coincidental. The article highlights that Westbury, a frequent circle location, also showed evidence of cornfield damage by short-lived travelling whirlwinds. Arthur Shuttlewood's description of a whirlwind flattening a grass field at Warminster is cited. Dr. Meaden was excited by the 1983 patterns, which puzzled academics, and believed they conformed with theoretical results of multi-funnelled whirlwinds. He noted observations abroad of 'whirlwinds with multiple vortices'.

Fluid Dynamics and Predictions

The need for a fluid dynamics expert to calculate the patterns was identified. The multiple nature of the 1980 Westbury rings suggested that multiple sets might be common. By 1984, Dr. Meaden predicted that even eight-ring sets were feasible and that potential high activity locations and weather conditions could be monitored. He suggested that evening, when ground heating from the day created rising thermals while colder air moved in, was a probable time of formation. Despite efforts to observe a circle being produced, this objective failed.

Further Cases and Scientific Interpretation

Dr. Meaden's work, published in March 1985, detailed his understanding of whirlwind spiral patterns in cereal fields. The weather conditions on known circle dates consistently showed abundant thermals. Isolated single rings were also discovered outside the main activity zones. Melvyn Bell provided a first-hand account of a whirlwind flattening a single circle, about 40 feet in diameter, on Littleton Down in late July at dusk, matching the developing theory. This event occurred in the lee of Great Cheverill Hill.

Pre-1980 Cases and International Examples

The report also searched UFO society records for pre-1980 whirlwind accounts. An account from Alan Foster at Rhyl railway station in 1983 described a 'twisting funnel of rising debris, dust and litter' that remained stationary. While a circle wasn't confirmed due to the location, it was suggested that a similar event above a cornfield could produce a circle. Another case at Apperley Dene in Northumbria on July 3, 1977, involved a funnel-like cloud observed by a family, which moved horizontally, leaving debris. While initially interpreted as a UFO, it was later suggested by a meteorologist to be a midge or black-fly swarm coupled with a small whirlwind. The article also mentions a single circle observed near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in July 1985.

The Goodworth Clatford Incident (August 1985)

A significant portion of the document details an incident on August 5, 1985, at Westover Farm, Goodworth Clatford. Lt Col GJB Edgecombe, AIFSO, Maj I Garrow REME, and farmers Mr. and Mrs. Liddell and Mr. E.B. Scott inspected a field of near-ripe wheat. They found an exactly circular hole, 40 ft in diameter, with the wheat laid flat in a clockwise twist. Four smaller circles, approximately twelve feet in diameter, were arranged in a precise square around the larger one. Crucially, there were no tracks in the wheat, making manual creation unlikely. The report includes photographs taken by Maj Garrow and Mr. Scott. The observers could offer no reasonable explanation for the phenomenon.

Conclusions and Editorial Stance

The report concludes that the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) does not intend to offer a definitive solution, but rather to present facts and theories. They state that the evidence for alien intervention causing the circles is 'exceedingly weak and largely speculative'. BUFORA's purpose was to document the phenomenon due to media attention and persistent UFO myths. They acknowledge that if the solution is natural, it will likely continue, and if it is engineered, those efforts will eventually cease. BUFORA will continue to monitor the situation but considers these 'mystery circles' a minimal priority, focusing instead on bona-fide reports of unidentified phenomena within the atmosphere. They express a concern that the media and extreme elements of the UFO fraternity may have had an adverse effect on scientific advancement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the investigation into the cause of crop circles, with a strong emphasis on presenting a scientific, meteorological explanation (Dr. Meaden's whirlwind theory) as the most plausible. The journal actively contrasts this with UFO-related explanations, consistently downplaying the latter due to a perceived lack of evidence. The editorial stance, particularly from BUFORA, is one of cautious scientific inquiry, prioritizing verifiable phenomena and expressing skepticism towards speculative theories. There is a call for a balanced approach from scientists, the media, and UFO investigators.

Key Facts Synopsis

This issue of The Journal of Meteorology presents a comprehensive analysis of crop circle phenomena, primarily advocating for Dr. Terence Meaden's meteorological theory involving stationary whirlwinds. It details numerous circle formations from the 1980s, including early reports and the significant increase in 1983. The journal contrasts this natural explanation with less substantiated UFO theories, concluding the latter lacks strong evidence. A detailed report on a specific incident at Goodworth Clatford in August 1985, involving a large circle and smaller formations with no apparent tracks, is included, highlighting the ongoing mystery despite the proposed scientific explanation. BUFORA, a key contributor, emphasizes its focus on atmospheric phenomena and expresses skepticism regarding alien intervention as a cause for crop circles.

Notable Quote

"The evidence supporting such a contention is exceedingly weak and largely speculative. In our opinion it rates very low on the list of possible alternatives."

Speaker: The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA)

FAQ

• What is Dr. Meaden's primary theory for the formation of crop circles? Dr. Meaden's primary theory is that crop circles are formed by fair-weather stationary whirlwinds, often in triplets or multiple sets, which can create spiral patterns in the crop.

• What evidence supports the whirlwind theory? Supporting evidence includes the occurrence of circles during hot summers (May-August) when thermals are common, and their frequent appearance at the base of hills, suggesting conditions favorable for whirlwind formation. Observations of actual whirlwinds flattening crops also lend credence to the theory.

• Are there any documented cases of whirlwinds creating circles? While no one has directly witnessed a whirlwind create a circle, there are documented observations of whirlwinds flattening crops and leaving circular patterns, such as the case described by Melvyn Bell on Littleton Down.

• What is the stance of BUFORA on the cause of crop circles? BUFORA believes the evidence for alien intervention causing crop circles is weak and speculative, rating it very low on the list of possible alternatives. They are concerned with investigating bona-fide reports of unidentified phenomena within the atmosphere.

• What was the significance of the Goodworth Clatford incident in 1985? The Goodworth Clatford incident involved a large circular hole in wheat with a clockwise twist and four smaller circles, discovered by military personnel. No tracks were found, and initial observers could offer no reasonable explanation, highlighting the mystery surrounding such formations.