The Marfa Lights, observed near Marfa, Texas, are a phenomenon characterized by orbs of light and other luminous forms, often attributed to geological and atmospheric conditions. Research by physicist Friedemann Freund suggests that electrical charges generated by stress along faults in the Earth's crust may ionize the atmosphere, leading to these light displays. Observers have reported various colors and behaviors of the lights, with some attributing them to atmospheric distortions of manmade sources. Despite numerous sightings and anecdotal accounts, scientific investigation into the Marfa Lights remains limited.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for geologists, physicists, atmospheric scientists, and enthusiasts interested in unexplained light phenomena and their potential scientific explanations.
"Fireballs a few metres in diameter often popped out of the ground in a repetitive manner at distances of up to only a few metres away from the observers. Others were seen several hundred metres up in the sky, stationary or moving. Some observers described dripping luminescent droplets, rapidly disappearing a few metres under the stationary fireballs. Only two fire-tongues on the ground were reported, one on snow and the other on a paved parking space without any apparent surface fissure. The colours most often identified were orange, yellow, white and green. Some luminosities lasted up to 12 min."
In a recent issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research, physicist Friedemann Freund theorizes that positive charges can be generated when huge stresses are generated along faults in the Earth's crust. The rocks in the crust normally act as insulators that conduct electrical charges only poorly. But under the severe stress generated before an earthquake, these rocks may behave briefly like "p-type semiconductors" found in computer chips, capable of releasing large numbers of positive charges referred to as "holes."
These charges speed upward toward the surface of the Earth at between 220 and 660 mph.
Freund, a professor at San Jose State University in California, thinks they ionize the atmosphere upon reaching the air, accounting for the bizarre effects -- radio interference and colored streamers, flashes and glows reported by thousands of observers. Among them:
Radio interference reported in the days before the worst quake recorded (magnitude 9.5), in Chile in 1961, as well as Alaska's magnitude 9.2 Good Friday quake in 1964.
As mentioned, Earth lights are the main phenomenon being investigated on this website. They are usually seen in the form of "orbs of light", but have also been reported to be "luminous vapours", "spheres with fiery tails", or have no distinct size/shape. They may also appear as "plumes" or "flames", although these forms are rarer.
http://www.mysterylights.com/types/Terrain/geologically related light phenomena
This may include the following types: Earth lights, spooklights, ghost lights, earthquake lights (EQLs).
Weather related light phenomena
This may include the following types: Ball lightning (BL), St. Elmo's fire, sprites.
Microclimatalogically related light phenomena
This may include the following types: Will-o'-the-wisps, Fox Fire.
It was about six years go when the strangest thing happened to me. I was living on Chinati Mountain on a ranch out in Texas and getting ready to go to bed that evening, got into bed, turned out the light, and a bright light just showed up just through my window. It changed colors and lasted for a few minutes and then went away," said Marfa resident Felicia Wood.
Originally posted by zoobyshoe
It is hard to understand why these effects, which remain localized and which repeat frequently, haven't been thoroughly studied and understood. There is quite an opportunity going to waste.
Originally posted by nightorbs
New information is available regarding Marfa's Mystery Lights. Please visit www.nightorbs.net[/URL] for pictures, spectra, and data. [/B][/QUOTE]
I went there and could not find the new available info.