Dereham Circle Series 1990

The Dereham Circle Series of 1990

In the summer of 1990, a series of mysterious crop formations appeared in the fields around Dereham, Norfolk, England. These circles and related geometric patterns generated significant media attention and sparked investigations by both skeptics and believers alike. This article delves into the history and background of these formations, key events and sightings, witness accounts, investigations conducted, and the ongoing mystery surrounding them.

The History and Background

The story of the Dereham crop circle series begins on July 12, 1990, when a farmer named David Brown discovered what appeared to be an intricate geometric formation in his fields. This initial sighting marked the beginning of a sequence that would continue for several weeks, capturing public attention and fueling speculation about their origins.

Key Events or Sightings

July 12, 1990: The Initial Formation

The first formation was observed by farmer David Brown in his wheat field near Dereham. According to Brown, the crop appeared flattened and aligned in a complex geometric pattern, resembling a stylized pentagram. This initial sighting sparked immediate interest among local residents.

July 24, 1990: The Double Ring Formation

On this date, another formation was reported in nearby fields. Known as the “Double Ring,” it featured two concentric circles with flattened crops. Local farmers and enthusiasts began to take note of these anomalies, leading to increased speculation about their origin.

August 2, 1990: The Hexagon and Pentagon

By early August, a hexagonal formation was reported in a field near Dereham. This pattern consisted of six interconnected circles, each with flattened crops. Simultaneously, another pentagon-shaped formation appeared in a different area, further fueling the debate about their authenticity.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Farmer David Brown

Farmer David Brown provided detailed accounts of his discovery. He reported that when he first noticed the formation, it was still night-time, and the fields were mostly under cover from the moonlight. Upon closer inspection during daylight hours, he observed the intricate geometric design, which included flattened crops arranged in a pentagram shape.

Local Resident John Thompson

John Thompson, a local resident who had witnessed the initial formation, provided additional details. He stated that the crop was perfectly flat and aligned at precise angles, suggesting some form of mechanical intervention rather than natural causes like wind or weather.

Investigations or Research

The Dereham crop circle series quickly attracted attention from both skeptics and believers in paranormal phenomena. Initial investigations focused on verifying the authenticity of the formations through scientific methods such as soil analysis and crop damage assessments.

Dr. Colin Andrews

Dr. Colin Andrews, a well-known investigator of crop circles, visited the site soon after the initial discovery. He documented his findings using photography and detailed measurements to understand the geometric precision of the formations. Andrews concluded that these formations appeared too complex to be natural phenomena, suggesting possible extraterrestrial or other paranormal influences.

Crop Circle Research Foundation (CCRF)

The CCRF conducted thorough investigations, including soil samples and crop analyses. Their findings indicated that the crop damage was consistent with mechanical flattening rather than natural causes such as wind or frost. However, the geometric precision of the formations remained unexplained, leaving room for further investigation.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations and scientific assessments, the true origin of the Dereham circle series remains an open mystery. The formations continue to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike, who debate their possible origins.

Public Interest

The media attention surrounding these formations has not waned over time. Articles, documentaries, and books continue to explore the phenomenon, often presenting multiple theories ranging from natural causes to extraterrestrial activity.

Scientific Skepticism

Skeptics maintain that the formations can be explained through known human activities or natural phenomena. They argue that the patterns could have been created by people using simple tools like planks and ropes to flatten the crops in geometric shapes. However, the precise alignment and complex designs of these formations challenge such explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What evidence supports the idea that the Dereham crop circles are not natural phenomena?

A: Scientific analyses have shown that the crops show signs of mechanical flattening, with the cells breaking but not shattering. This is different from what would be expected in a natural wind event, which typically causes plants to bend and break more easily.

Q: Have any credible witnesses reported seeing people creating crop circles?

A: While there have been reports of people experimenting with crop circles, these accounts are often anecdotal or unverified. No concrete evidence has emerged linking human activities directly to the Dereham formations.

Q: How do crop circle researchers explain the geometric precision of these formations?

A: Researchers suggest that the complex designs and precise angles could not have been achieved through natural processes alone. They propose various hypotheses, including advanced mechanical devices or even extraterrestrial intervention, though these remain speculative.

Q: What are some alternative theories to explain the Dereham crop circles?

A: Alternative theories include electromagnetic forces, resonance phenomena, and even psychic abilities. While intriguing, none of these have been definitively proven as the cause of the formations.

Q: How does the public perception of crop circles influence ongoing investigations?

A: Public interest often drives further investigation into crop circles, with enthusiasts and researchers continuing to document and analyze new formations. The media coverage and public fascination help sustain this area of study despite skeptical opposition.