OVNI

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, the Newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association, is dated July 1992. It is edited by Omar Fowler and addresses various aspects of the UFO and crop circle phenomena.

A Circle of Confusion

The lead article, "A Circle of Confusion," highlights the disarray in the crop circle scene in Southern England during July 1992, with numerous hoaxes being reported. Farmers are reportedly irate due to the damage caused by both hoaxers and investigators. The article notes that Pat Delgado, a researcher, has ceased publishing his newsletter, concluding that the subject involves "unknown forces." Delgado's newsletter had listed 57 "incidents," and the line of small circles reported at Lockeridge, Wiltshire, is considered authentic. Two of Delgado's photographs are reproduced: a circle in oilseed rape at Sutton Scotney and a circle in wheat at Barbury Castle.

Colin Andrews has launched an "International" newsletter. He has recently toured Canada, the USA, and Australia. His newsletter includes a report on an incident near Chilbolton, Hants, on May 20th, 1992. A microlight experienced engine failure and was forced to land in a barley field. Engineers could not find any fault with the engine. The following day, another microlight pilot also experienced engine failure in the same field. The next morning, the farmer discovered a crop circle with two rings. Additionally, a hot air balloon was reportedly drawn off course and ended up over the same barley field.

The Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) has also been active. Omar Fowler and Gary Stapleton visited the crop circle at Husbands Bosworth, Leics, twice.

Pictograms-A Military Association?

This section delves into the work of researcher Armen Victorian, who has investigated crop circles. The article discusses the Plasma Vortex theory, which has reportedly failed to be proven outside of a laboratory setting and was not accepted by meteorology scientists. It suggests that the Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.) might be involved in crop circle research, contrary to previous denials. A laboratory team, part of a contracting agency for the Defence Research Agency, reportedly conducted computer enhancement on film footage of a crop circle being formed. Furthermore, a department of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loughborough has been collecting and studying soil samples from formations.

The BBC recording of a "sparrow noise" has been analyzed by scientists, including Dr. Robert Weiss (who analyzed the Watergate Tapes) and a colleague from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The signals were determined to be "artificial" and bore similarities to signals used in weather detecting instruments.

Armen Victorian also spoke with Dr. Jean-Jacques Velasco of CNES (the French equivalent of NASA). Velasco stated he would present a scientific paper on his findings in Princeton, USA, in June 1992. He believes the phenomena are generated by an "electromagnetic field and perhaps a laser" and described these as "military tests," possibly involving France. He favored infra-red or CO2 lasers over microwaves.

The article questions whether the public "coming out" of crop circle hoaxers Doug & Dave was a publicity stunt or a case of "dis-information."

An advertisement from A. Victorian offers official records and documents on UFOs and mind control operations.

Mysterious H/F Power Detected

This article details an investigation by Omar Fowler and Gary Stapleton into a new crop circle at Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, alerted by Tony Caldicott. The circle, which formed on the night of July 2/3rd, was on a hilltop where circles had appeared for the previous three years. The crop was wheat, having been oilseed rape in 1991 and wheat in 1990.

During their investigation on July 5th, despite unpleasant weather, they found the circle to be approximately 67 feet in diameter, with some standing stems and one bent stem. An electro-static meter went off the scale and did not return to zero. When a "microdet" H/F indicator was used to check for energy sources like microwaves, it initially showed no response. However, when Gary Stapleton held it up, it emitted a loud, clear signal. Subsequent checks revealed the entire hill was covered in an "energy" blanket, stretching from the crest to the roadway, indicating a high-frequency power wave. The exact frequency and source could not be determined. A follow-up visit with a "wave analyser" provided more data, which is being studied. A hand-held tape recorder used during the study reportedly malfunctioned afterward.

Tale Enders

This section includes correspondence and brief reports:

• Letter from Michael Strainic (CUFOS/MUFON): Mentions the "single stalk syndrome" and free-standing stalks found in Alberta, Canada, and grain bent at the 24-inch level.
• Mystery UFO Sighting: A caller to the Ilkeston Advertiser reported seeing a "silver ball" UFO over Derby Road at West Hallam, Ilkeston, at 4 am on June 23rd. Confirmation is pending.
• Report from Dr. J.B. Sweet (National Institute of Agricultural Botany): Responding to samples and a report, Dr. Sweet notes that browning of stems is common, especially at nodes, and that conclusions are difficult to draw from old stem pieces. He mentions "crease marks" (Brackles) in barley and their association with stress in wheat, wishing he had more time to examine crop circles.
• Jeff Whitear's Clarification: Whitear clarifies the use of the term "SIGN" in a previous article, explaining it relates to "SINE WAVES" as frequencies found within crop circles and their patterns.
• Buckingham Palace Correspondence: A letter from Maureen A. Stevens, Assistant to the Equerry to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, thanks Mr. Fowler for his letter and enclosure (a "Microwave" technical paper) and states it will be laid before The Prince of Wales.
• Next Meeting: Announcement for the next meeting of the PRA group on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 8 pm at the Stanley Club, Stanley Common. The speaker will be Mel Grant discussing "CE4 Abduction Cases" with slides. A video presentation of Crop Circle field work at Husbands Bosworth will also be shown. Admission is £1.00 for non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, their investigation, the prevalence of hoaxes, and the search for underlying causes, including potential electromagnetic or unknown forces. There is also a clear interest in UFO sightings and potential military involvement in phenomena research. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these subjects, as evidenced by the detailed reports and the inclusion of correspondence from various researchers and organizations, as well as official bodies like Buckingham Palace.