Mystery of the [Australian] Min Min lights explained

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An Australian neuroscientist, Professor Jack Pettigrew from the University of Queensland, claims to have identified the cause of the Min Min lights, a mysterious phenomenon in the Australian outback. He suggests that these lights are inverted mirages of distant light sources, sometimes located hundreds of kilometers away, caused by temperature inversions that refract light in a curved path. This explanation aligns with similar phenomena observed with the Marfa lights in Texas. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of mirages in explaining other unexplained sightings, including UFOs and radar anomalies. Some participants express skepticism about the mirage explanation, arguing that it does not account for all observed instances of the Min Min lights. The conversation includes references to Aboriginal knowledge and experiences, emphasizing the cultural significance of the phenomenon and the historical context provided by Indigenous stories. The debate reflects a clash between scientific explanations and traditional narratives, highlighting the complexity of interpreting such mysterious occurrences.
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An Australian neuroscientist claims he can conjure up the mysterious Australian outback phenomenon of the Min Min lights, now that he has worked out what causes them.

Professor Jack Pettigrew, of the University of Queensland in Brisbane claims the lights are actually an inverted mirage of light sources which are, in some cases, hundreds of kilometres away over the horizon.

The work was published in the current issue of Clinical and Experimental Optometry.

Pettigrew studied the phenomenon in the Channel Country, Western Queensland, where he said it has been disturbing the locals for many years.

“I talked to old timers out there who had seen it and they were terrified by it,” he told ABC Science Online. “It’s a bit embarrassing for them because hardened outback men can be brought to tears by this thing. It really is quite alarming.” [continued]

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s818193.htm
 
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Boy, that's some skinny readin'!


This is much the same explanation that one person who came and talked about the Marfa lights proposed. The fact this guy reproduced it is quite persuasive.

They could try the same thing with the Marfa lights if they could pinpoint the source.

Nature's own fiber optics.
 
OK-have read of old accounts of 'sailing ships' seen in the sky--and an old report of seeing 'marching soldiers' in the clouds...

quote:"Such mirages are caused by a temperature inversion, where cold dense air is trapped next to the ground under a layer of warmer air. A certain shape of temperature inversion will mean that light near the ground will be refracted in such a way that it travels in a curved path around the globe."

so then-can this explain 'foo fighters' and UFOs (do they show up on radar?)
 
mouseonmoon said:
so then-can this explain 'foo fighters' and UFOs (do they show up on radar?)

This certainly does explain some "sightings". This can also happen on RADAR - RADAR ducting - for fixed, distant, grounded objects that can appear to be in the sky. Each UFO report has to be considered for this as a potential explanation for unexplained optical or RADAR events. I don't think an optical mirage can ever coincide with a RADAR mirage due to the same source, and at the same point. In other words, in nearly every case, the combination of visual and RADAR detection safely rules out a mirage as the source.
 
I've seen the Aussie Min-Min Lights on many occassions. Although I agree with Ivan Seeking that SOME of this phenomena, can be explained as such. Take it from an experience observer, this explanation just doesn't wash for the MAJORITY of the Oz Lights.
I've talked with many Kooris (Australian Aborigines) about the phenomena. It is more than likely just another part of the UFO phenomena (ET Craft).
 
Nommos Prime (Dogon) said:
Take it from an experience observer, this explanation just doesn't wash for the MAJORITY of the Oz Lights.
Why not?
I've talked with many Kooris (Australian Aborigines) about the phenomena.
What does this have to do with anything?
It is more than likely just another part of the UFO phenomena (ET Craft).
Can't you back bald assertions like this up with anything of interest?
 
Have you ever seen the Min-Min lights of Australia?
No? Like I said, I have, on MANY occasions.
If you don't know what talking to Kooris has to do with the subject, it exposes your utter ignorance. Min-Min is an aboriginal (Koori) word. They have been here for (at least) 40 000 years (and retained that knowledge through their Dreamtime stories.

Now, that's interesting...
 
Nommos Prime (Dogon) said:
Have you ever seen the Min-Min lights of Australia?
No? Like I said, I have, on MANY occasions.
And why should this mean you have any understanding of what you're looking at?
If you don't know what talking to Kooris has to do with the subject, it exposes your utter ignorance.
Enlighten me, then, oh wise Australian fellow.
Min-Min is an aboriginal (Koori) word. They have been here for (at least) 40 000 years (and retained that knowledge through their Dreamtime stories.
What knowledge did they retain?

The Native American's here all have their tribal explanations for every mysterious phenomenon, including the Marfa lights. I'm sure they'd say something along the lines of whatever the aboriginals there say. The Mandan tribe, for instance, used to explain that the earth, the flat earth, was supported at it four corners on the backs of giant turtles. Aboriginals are generally not so great at the principles of physics.
 
Before you two go at it, I'd like to hear all that there is to know about Min Min lights, if you don't mind, then, have at it! :biggrin:

What have you seen Nommos Prime? What have you heard? What are the legends?
 

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