Crop Circles Phenomenon
Geometric patterns appear overnight in fields—impossible to create secretly, believers say. Are they alien messages, plasma vortices, or human artists? Two men claimed to create many, but the phenomenon continues.
Crop circles are patterns created by flattening crops, typically in grain fields. While many are proven hoaxes, the phenomenon has generated persistent mystery and debate.
The Phenomenon
According to documented history:
Crop circles are:
- Patterns formed in fields by flattening crops
- Ranging from simple circles to elaborate geometric designs
- Usually appearing overnight
- Found worldwide, but concentrated in southern England
- Some are complex mathematical or artistic achievements
History
1678: “Mowing-Devil” pamphlet describes a circular pattern in crops.
1960s-70s: Modern circles begin appearing in England.
1980s: Circles become more complex; media coverage increases.
1991: Doug Bower and Dave Chorley confess to creating many circles.
Present: New circles appear each summer, despite known hoaxers.
The Art Form
Many crop circles are:
- Deliberately created by human artists
- Made at night using simple tools (planks, ropes)
- Increasingly sophisticated
- Some teams openly create them as art
- Competitions exist for the best designs
The Doug and Dave Revelation
In 1991:
- Doug Bower and Dave Chorley claimed responsibility
- They had been making circles since 1978
- They demonstrated their technique
- This explained many circles
- But believers said it couldn’t explain all of them
Believer Arguments
Those who think some circles are paranormal cite:
- Complexity that seems impossible to create in one night
- Changes to plants (bent, not broken)
- Anomalous radiation readings (disputed)
- “Genuine” circles having different characteristics
- The phenomenon predating known hoaxers
Skeptical Arguments
Skeptics note:
- All investigated circles have prosaic explanations
- Human artists can create complex designs quickly
- No “genuine” circle has been proven
- Plant changes have normal explanations
- The phenomenon grew as media attention increased
Theories
Human Artists: Demonstrated to create the vast majority.
Plasma Vortices: Spinning columns of air might create simple circles.
Alien Messages: Some believe they’re extraterrestrial communication.
Earth Energy: Ley lines or geological forces.
Military Testing: Secret beam weapons or experiments.
The Circle Makers
Modern crop circle artists:
- Often work openly
- Create commissioned pieces
- Document their work
- Consider it land art
- Some are paid for advertising campaigns
Economic Impact
Crop circles generate:
- Tourism in affected areas
- Books, documentaries, and merchandise
- Farmer compensation (and frustration)
- Media coverage every summer
Modern Status
The phenomenon continues:
- New circles appear every year
- Most are acknowledged human creations
- A dedicated community follows them
- The “real or fake” debate persists