OVNI - 1993 08 - August

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, the newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA), dated August 1993, focuses on crop circle research and UFO sightings. The cover features a stylized depiction of crop circles, a flying saucer, and other enigmatic symbols.

The Second International CCCS Conference

Members of the PRA attended the CCCS Conference in Bath on August 7th. Omar Fowler, Group Leader of the PRA, presented a paper on the possible cause of crop circles, proposing they are a natural phenomenon. The talk, supported by slides, covered PRA's work from 1985 to the present, including crop and soil analysis, aerial photography, and a theory that circles result from charged particle interaction in the ionosphere. This theory is largely attributed to the work of Paul Foster and Jeff Whitear. The PRA's earlier work identifying 55cm single standing stems, and 'crease' and 'burn' marks in crop circles, which are noted as a world-wide phenomenon, was also mentioned. During the conference, PRA members met Simon Wescott of Granite Films & TV Productions Ltd. and his assistant Alice Keens-Soper, who had recently met with Dr. W.C.Levengood, a biophysicist studying crop circles. Dr. Levengood reportedly held the PRA's work in high regard. Several PRA papers were printed for the conference and received significant interest, with copies distributed to Dr Roger Taylor and Michael Green, Chairman of CCCS. Chad Deetken from the North American Institute for Crop Circle Research in Canada also expressed interest in exchanging information on Canadian prairie crop circles.

Diagram 5: Crop Circle Formation Theory

Diagram 5 illustrates the PRA's theoretical model for crop circle formation. It depicts the ionosphere, solar wind, and charged particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field lines. The diagram shows the generation of plasma balls or light, rotation polarity, and electron flux, leading to negative ion concentration in the cornfield, which is proposed as the mechanism for creating crop circles.

People and Productions

Photos show Omar Fowler, Simon Wescott, and Alice Keens-Soper. Granite Productions is reportedly seeking material for a second "Arthur C. Clarke, World Mystery's" series. Another photo shows Garry Stapleton (PRA) chatting with Roy Dutton.

Crop Circle News

The Centre For Crop Circle Studies (East Midlands) newsletter reported a prominent pictogram at Charley Knoll Farm near Loughborough, appearing on July 7th. This cruciform set measured 300ft by 200ft and included two "grapeshot" circles. The PRA heard about this incident on July 27th, too late for effective evaluation, leading to a critique of a perceived "closed shop" attitude in crop circle research. The newsletter also mentions the PRA's own "open" attitude, exemplified by their September 1991 paper on microwave activity. Drawings of crop circles, sent by Jeff Whitear, include a "smile" set in Surrey appearing on July 27th, and the Cheesefoot Head pictogram, which was undated. Omar Fowler spotted a crop circle near Stanton-by-Dale on August 6th, which upon assessment was deemed a hoax due to its messy floor and lack of characteristics of a genuine event.

Diagrams of Crop Formations

Pages 6 and 7 contain detailed diagrams of crop formations, including the "Surrey Atlas Ref: A3 Hog's Back" with measurements and a crescent moon shape, and the "Cheesefoot Head" formation with multiple circular elements and connecting channels.

Something to Think About

Pat Delgado reflects on the UFO situation, questioning whether collecting more reports and details will lead to understanding UFOs after 45 years of speculation. He suggests that breakthroughs may come from 'others' when intended, and that humanity must be content with its current level of intellect.

August UFO Reports

Several UFO reports from August are detailed:

• August 2nd: A witness in Derby reported seeing six red lights flying independently SW to NE at 10 pm. Alan Hitchcock is attempting to trace other witnesses.
• August 5th: Mrs Fox of Allestree, Derby, reported seeing an unusual glowing "rugby ball" shaped object hovering in the sky. She described it as having a hazy outline and appearing to "wobble". The light seemed spikey, and she estimated it was about 100 metres away. No noise was associated with the object.

Editors Comments on the Mrs Fox Sighting

The editors note that Mrs Fox's detailed observation of the light's brilliance, wobbling effect, and her recognition of it as "something unusual" are important indicators of UFO activity.

Extracts from the Belgian UFO Magazine "SOBEPS"

This section details a UFO wave in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA, on February 5th, 1992. Thirteen witnesses reported hearing a loud noise that vibrated windows and walls, and saw a UFO described as a flying saucer. Sightings occurred at Linden, Williamsport, and Selinsgrove between 6 pm and 8:30 pm. The object was described as a "boomerang", triangular, or round disc, with a slow speed (approx. 30km/h) despite its huge size. Witnesses reported various lights (red, white, red and green) and described it as a big capital "V". Radar stations reported no aircraft in the area.

Tale Enders

This section compiles various news items and opinions:

• A "Guardian" article by John Vidal notes a significant drop in crop circles in the UK for 1993 (45 found) compared to previous years (over 400). It laments the decline of the "cereology industry" and the impact on farmers.
• Pat Delgado comments that "There is a very high percentage of hoaxing this year, about 99%".
• Busty Taylor states, "I'm not happy with 90% of what I've seen".
• Barbara Davies, Editor of the CCCS's "Circular" magazine, corrected previous comments regarding the re-election of Michael Green as Chairman of CCCS. She also mentioned that in Washington State, USA, bent crop stems with a lateral split were found.
• Busty Taylor reports news of a crop circle found in Virginia State, USA, near where a UFO was seen.
• ARK SOUNDWAVES OF GLASTONBURY LTD. is mentioned as producers of video documentaries on UFOs and crop circles.
• Information is provided for contacting Nigel J. Farmer for further details.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Phenomenon Research Association will be held on Wednesday, August 25th, at the Stanley Club, Stanley Common, featuring Guest Speaker Arthur Tomlinson on "The Paranormal", with an admission fee of £1.00 for non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circle research, with a focus on natural phenomenon theories versus hoaxes, and UFO sightings from various locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critical analysis of evidence, and a desire for transparency within the research community, as evidenced by the critique of the "closed shop" attitude. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and analyzing data, while acknowledging the complexity and potential limitations of current understanding in the field of UFOlogy and anomalous phenomena.