OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: 12
Volume: 13
Date: December 1990
Type: Special UFO Edition

The Mystery of Crop Circles

The issue prominently features the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly in the cornfields of southern England. These circular patterns, often appearing overnight, involve stalks bent but not broken, swept into intricate pinwheel patterns. Over 400 such occurrences were reported in a single summer. Researchers are divided on the cause, with theories ranging from natural phenomena like whirlwinds (proposed by Terence Meaden and supported by John T. Snow and Christopher Church) to extraterrestrial visitors, military weapons testing (suggested by Jean-Jacques Velasco), and deliberate hoaxes. Colin Andrews, an electrical engineer, believes the phenomenon is beyond conventional physics and science, hinting at intelligence at play, though he doesn't rule out extraterrestrial intelligence. The article notes the conflicting theories and the difficulty in definitively explaining the circles, with some researchers like Patrick Harpur suggesting that trying to explain them diminishes their richness.

Several individuals are highlighted for their research and theories. Terence Meaden, an atmospheric physicist, developed the "eddy vortex" theory, suggesting that spinning columns of air, influenced by atmospheric conditions and possibly electrical charges, create the patterns. Jenny Randles and Paul Fulter, from the British UFO Research Association, support Meaden's theory and suggest that the electrical effects associated with these phenomena can explain many UFO sightings, rather than actual alien spacecraft. They believe the circles themselves create the illusion of UFOs.

Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado, authors of "Circular Evidence," are presented as proponents of more unconventional explanations, which some scientists find difficult to accept. The article mentions a £5,000 prize offered by the Koestler Foundation and a £10,000 prize by the Sunday Mirror for a definitive explanation of the crop circle enigma.

Christopher Church, an expert in tornadolike flows, is conducting laboratory tests to see if vortices can create such patterns. He also notes that some bizarre features of the circles cannot be explained by natural causes, suggesting either hoaxing or artistic challenges.

Jean-Jacques Velasco, an optical engineer, observed that bent stalks from crop circles showed signs of twisting and heating, leading him to speculate about the use of high-intensity infrared or microwave beams, possibly from advanced military weapons testing. He believes the English are using cornstalks as microwave detectors.

Archie Roy, president of the newly formed Centre for Crop Circle Studies, is working on building a national computer database of crop circle facts and has established a "Code of Practice" for researchers. The journal "The Cereologist" aims to be receptive to various theories, including those from dowsers, channelers, and mystics.

Other UFO and Space Topics

Beyond crop circles, the issue touches upon other UFO-related subjects:

• The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI): The magazine highlights SETI as a serious NASA study listening for messages from other planets, exploring the possibility of first contact.
• Human-E.T. Hybrids: The concept of human-extraterrestrial hybrids is mentioned as a topic within the issue.
• Secrets of the Abductees: The experiences of individuals who claim to have been abducted by aliens are explored.
• An Inside Look at a Flying Saucer: The issue promises an examination of flying saucer technology.
• The Soviet Space Experience: The Soviet Union's contributions and experiences in space exploration are also featured.

OMNI EMPORIUM and Video Offerings

The magazine also includes advertisements for OMNI's direct marketing services through the "OMNI EMPORIUM," offering 1/6-page ad slots. Additionally, there are promotions for OMNI video products, including "OMNI: The New Frontier" and "OMNI: The Real E.T.," hosted by Peter Ustinov, which explore themes of bionics, communication, computers, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the scientific and speculative investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting a wide range of theories and research, from the rigorously scientific to the more paranormal and speculative. The magazine aims to explore the frontiers of knowledge and the mysteries of the universe, encouraging readers to ponder the possibilities of life beyond Earth and the nature of reality itself.