PHOTO: The Gurdon Light - Gurdon, Arkansas

Gurdon Light

The Gurdon Light is one of the better-known, and examined, cases of "ghost lights."  First reported in Gurdon, Arkansas (US) around 1931, the Gurdon Light is seen over the railroad tracks in the small town in Clark County, Arkansas.  It is clearly visible, and attracts flocks of spectators -- especially around Halloween.

This photograph was taken in 1994 by the immensely popular US TV show, Unsolved Mysteries (see sidebar).  It was one of the first photos of the phenomenon considered "credible" by the scientific community.  Other photographs and footage of The Gurdon Light captured both before and since 1994 have taken on added significance, but I chose this one due to its historical import (and Fair Use).

Ghost Lights go by many names, including faery fires and corpse candles, and have been seen across the world for centuries.  They seem to be most prolific in Welsh legend, but are far from unique to the UK.  Prevailing theories explaining the Ghost Lights phenomenon include magnetic fields, mineral deposits, and the infamous "swamp gas."  While some instances are known to be manufactured (usually by, and for, criminal means), there is no official explanation for Ghost Lights.

Arkansas' Gurdon Light remains unexplained.

© The Weirding, 2018

Silent Cities - Ireland, 1796

In October 1796, the visage of a walled town appeared to residents in Youghal, Ireland. It was dismissed as a mirage. 

The mirage reappeared in March, 1797. 

Then, in June 1801, Youghal residents reported the mirage of an entire, and completely unknown, city. The city was filled with mansions surrounded by shrubbery. A forest spread behind it.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ghost Lights: Ball Lightning

Marfa Ghost Lights (Texas)

Ghost Lights are sometimes classified as ball lightning, especially when they appear indoors or during a thunderstorm.  Theories as to what comprises Ghost Lights include combustible methane (marsh gas), light from distant stars or planets refracting through atmospheric layers, headlights of traffic from a distance, concentrated magnetic force, nearby mineral deposits, and more -- however, most credible sightings of Ghost Lights defy explanation.  Ball lightning is often described as acting as though it were under intelligent control, or had a mind of its own.

However, most self-proclaimed atmospheric "experts" dismiss the ball lightning theory out-of-hand, noting that only surface similarities with Ghost Lights exist.  Ball lightning is a proven phenomenon that continues to intrigue researchers.  Strikes typically last under one to two minutes near, and after, a lightning strike or thunderstorm.  Many times, ball lightning dissipates violently, exploding with a sulfuric smell.

Ghost Lights, also known as faerie fires, are harmless and appear repeatedly in the same location over a lengthy period, regardless of atmospheric conditions.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Prophetic Ghost Lights of Golden Grove Bridge

Another Welsh term for Ghost Lights is Corpse Candles, which are believed to prophesy death in the area in which they appear.  The number of lights is said to indicate the number of lives soon to be lost.  

One famous case claims witnesses on a coach saw three corpse candles as they crossed the river bridge near Golden Grove.  Several days later, three boating men capsized and drowned at the spot where the ghost lights had been seen!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Ghost Lights: Wales, 1905

In January of 1905, a Welsh family reported seeing three Ghost Lights "hovering above a certain farmhouse." The eyewitness described them as "three lamps about three yards apart," and said that the Ghost Lights jumped, "brilliant and dazzling," in the sunlight of the hot day.

The reporter's entire family witnessed the event, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, and remains unexplained.

A 1904 report of Ghost Lights in Wales may be related.  It, too, remains unexplained.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Ghost Lights: Wales, 1904

Ghost Lights are a particular form of unexplained phenomenon involving phosphorescent spheres thought to be supernatural or paranormal in nature. Ghost Lights are often associated with specific places, times, and events, and have given life to legends throughout the world. In Wales, they are often associated with the Faerie folk, and are termed "faerie fires."

In December of 1904, three witnesses saw a large Ghost Light floating some ways off the ground, but not quite in the sky. In the middle of the light was "something like a bottle or black person," and smaller lights of many colors surrounded the larger sphere.

The 1904 case of Wales Ghost Lights has yet to be explained.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010