World

Magazine Overview

Title: World
Issue Date: September 18, 1989
Publisher: TIME
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $2.00

This issue of TIME magazine's 'World' section focuses on the mysterious crop circles that have been appearing in the farmlands of southern England. The article, titled "Around and Around in Circles," explores the phenomenon, the various explanations proposed, and the growing interest in understanding its cause.

The Phenomenon of Crop Circles

The article describes crop circles as strange, circular depressions, some up to 100 feet in diameter, appearing in crop fields. These formations are characterized by neatly flattened areas in a distinctive swirling pattern, which do not exhibit the rough damage typically caused by weather, animals, or humans. Researchers have largely ruled out man-made hoaxes as the sole explanation.

The first recorded sighting of a crop circle occurred in 1976 in Headbourne Worthy, Hampshire, England. Since 1980, when dedicated research began, over 600 occurrences have been reported in Britain, with a significant concentration in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Reports have also emerged from the Soviet Union, Japan, and New Zealand. The prevalence of these circles in southern England has led some to draw parallels with the ancient stone formations at Stonehenge and Avebury.

Explanations and Theories

Several theories attempt to explain the origin of these formations. Dr. Terence Meaden, a physicist who has been studying the circles since 1980, proposes the "plasma vortex phenomenon." He suggests that a previously unknown form of atmospheric disturbance, characterized by a highly charged "spinning ball of air" with electrical effects, strikes the crop field and creates the circles. However, the precision of the formations challenges simple explanations involving chaotic winds.

Another perspective is offered by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews in their book, "Circular Evidence." Their work, described as handsomely illustrated but largely anecdotal, attempts to connect the crop circles with paranormal events, luminous apparitions, and UFOs. Some observers support these supernatural notions, suggesting that certain groupings might be formed by alien spacecraft landing pods.

Dr. Meaden dismisses the UFO-related theories, stating, "Those who like to fantasize that something from outer space is responsible can be excluded." He maintains that the true cause, while not yet fully understood, is more grounded than such speculation.

New Patterns and Ongoing Mystery

In the year of the article's publication (1989), two new patterns were observed: a ringed circle with opposing swirls, and a "tadpole" formation consisting of a single circle with a long, curling tail. The recent upsurge in sightings coincides with the publication of two new books on the subject, indicating a heightened public and scientific interest.

Despite the efforts of researchers and the growing body of evidence, a definitive explanation for the crop circles remains elusive. The article suggests that the mystery itself may be part of the appeal, with some suspecting that researchers and locals might enjoy the ongoing oddity so much that a conclusive answer is less desirable than another intriguing ring.

Parliamentary Interest and Future Research

The phenomenon has even garnered attention in Parliament, where two Members of Parliament (M.P.s) have called for the government to investigate. This indicates the level of concern and curiosity surrounding the crop circles, moving the issue beyond a mere rural curiosity to a matter of potential national interest.

Reporting and Authorship

The article is reported by Sally B. Donnelly and Lisa Distelheim (London). The cover photograph is described as "Strange but true: a carefully sculpted and rare double zero," and the caption notes that explanations range from UFOs to "spinning balls of air."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this article are mystery, unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry versus speculation, and the intersection of rural folklore with modern scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears balanced, presenting various theories, including scientific and paranormal, while highlighting the skepticism of key researchers like Dr. Meaden towards extraterrestrial explanations. The article emphasizes the ongoing nature of the investigation and the lack of a conclusive answer, positioning the crop circles as a compelling and enduring enigma.