OVNI - 1992 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of the newsletter '<OVNI>' from the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA), dated March 1992, is primarily focused on the ongoing research into crop circles and UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on the 'microwave theory'. The newsletter is based in the United Kingdom, with its editorial address in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

The Microwave Theory Gains Strength

The newsletter opens by detailing the PRA's plans for the upcoming 'season' of crop circle investigations, which will involve plotting the presence of 55cm crop stems and tracing any microwave energy in the vicinity. The group leader, Omar Fowler, expresses his satisfaction with the cooperation received from members and highlights the work of Paul Foster of Derby in manufacturing a 'Microwave Detector'. This device, designed by Foster, operates at over 10 GHZ and can detect normal microwave oven leakage from 50 feet away. Duncan Walters of Mansfield had planned to assist but was unable to due to work pressure. The 'Derby Evening Telegraph' reported on the PRA and the microwave detector in its March 5th issue.

Internal Combustion?

A regular contributor, Jeff Whitear, proposes that the increasing microwave energy fields observed in crop circles, coupled with scorched wheat stems, could lead to whole fields being destroyed by fire overnight. The editor comments that Whitear, an inspector for the Electricity Board, has a respected history of formulating theories.

The issue also includes an article by author Pat Delgado, originally sent in 1986, which remains relevant.

Going Round in Crop Circles

This article, accompanied by a photograph of Omar Fowler holding the microwave detector, discusses the new machine built by the Phenomenon Research Association in Ilkeston. Omar Fowler claims that crop circles are almost certainly the result of microwave energy, citing traces of high-frequency radiation and burn marks on plant samples. The detector he has built can measure microwave energy and detect leakage from a microwave oven at 50 feet. The device has already attracted interest from other UFO spotters, including Busty Taylor of Hampshire, who has ordered one. Michael Chorost from Duke University in North Carolina has praised Fowler's work, and Professor Yoshihiko Ohtsuki of Waseda University in Tokyo noted the importance of the creases and burn marks. The article mentions only one circle recorded in Derbyshire, off the A609 outside Ilkeston.

The Midnight Ball

This section recounts a UFO incident experienced by Ian Heafield and his wife in Derbyshire in 1979. While driving at night near Tutbury, they observed a white ball of light, estimated to be 40-50 feet in diameter, flying low towards their car. The object rapidly approached, causing them to duck, and then flew away, illuminating the road. Shortly after, the ball of light flew over their car again in the opposite direction. They stopped and watched it curve upwards into the sky and vanish. Heafield stated the speed was too fast for an aircraft.

A Lucky Escape?

This part of the article draws a parallel to other incidents where occupants were not so fortunate. It references the widely publicized case of Mrs Faye Knowles and her three sons in Australia in January 1988, who were overtaken by a glowing UFO that 'pounced' on their car, lifting and shaking it violently. Mrs Knowles described feeling like they were dying and experiencing slurred speech. The car was dropped forcefully, bursting a tyre. A truck driver, Graham Hewley, found the family in shock.

The Illusion Theory - IOTA

Written by Pat Delgado in March 1986, this article explores the idea that many UFO sightings might be optical illusions. Delgado suggests that our senses can be deceived, and what we perceive may not be the reality. He likens this to illusions seen on TV screens where objects appear to shrink and vanish, but in reality, remain stationary. This 'diminishing UFO theory' could explain sightings where UFOs are described as lifting off at great speed. Delgado also considers the possibility of holograms or advanced illusions created by intelligent beings. He questions whether a sonic boom is ever associated with UFO departures, suggesting that if there's no displacement of air, the object might not be solid. The theory is further explored by considering scenarios where two observers might perceive the object moving in opposite directions if it were to 'diminish' in a specific way. The article touches upon 'materialisation and illusionary' conditions for crashed UFOs and the concept of 'entry' cases where individuals experience an 'out of body' state, potentially linked to an illusionary state. Delgado concludes that we may only see what we are meant to see, and even camera film might fail to capture the true phenomenon. He suggests the 'diminishing illusion' could be part of a teaching program, symbolized by 'Iota'.

The UFO Press

This section notes that 'Awareness' magazine (journal of Contact International UK) published a letter from Omar Fowler in Issue 1 1991-92. This letter drew attention to the significance of 55cm stems in crop circles, but the journal did not include diagrams or photographs. The editor of 'Awareness' suggested that 'burn marks' could be fungal, and dismissed 'crease' marks as insignificant.

CCCS

Announces the AGM of the Centre For Crop Circle Studies (CCCS) to be held on March 28th at the London Business School. The afternoon session will feature a lecture by Mrs Anne C. Arnold Silk on 'Crop Circles: A Microwave Model', indicating the growing popularity of the microwave theory. The next issue of OVNI will detail future meetings, possibly including a talk on 'Ghosts' by Mark Haywood and a PRA video 'Going Around In Circles'. The newsletter thanks members for their contributions, including the Stanley Club for supplying a TV and Gary Stapleton for repairing the editor's PCW9512.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, UFO sightings, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena, particularly through the lens of microwave energy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, embracing scientific methods (like the microwave detector) while also considering more speculative theories such as optical illusions and potential extraterrestrial intelligence. There is a clear interest in practical research and sharing findings with members and the wider public, as evidenced by the reporting of local newspaper coverage and the mention of upcoming lectures and videos. The newsletter promotes a collaborative approach, valuing member contributions and acknowledging their work.