The Red Rain of Kerala

From July 25 to September 23, 2001, red rain fell sporadically across the southern Indian state of Kerala. Scientific analysis revealed the rain contained strange cells, with some researchers proposing an extraterrestrial origin.

The Phenomenon

The rain left red stains on clothes and buildings. When collected, the water appeared blood-red. The phenomenon was concentrated in the Kottayam and Idukki districts but was reported across Kerala.

The Analysis

Initial examination showed the color was caused by suspended particles resembling biological cells. The cells had thick walls and appeared to lack DNA. Under some conditions, they seemed to reproduce.

The Controversy

Physicist Godfrey Louis proposed that the cells were extraterrestrial, perhaps from a disintegrating comet. Mainstream scientists attributed them to fungal spores from trees. The debate over the cells’ origin continued for years.

Official Explanation

The Indian government’s Center for Earth Science Studies attributed the rain to airborne spores from locally prolific algae. However, critics noted that no known algae matched the cells’ characteristics exactly.

Assessment

The Kerala red rain remains controversial. While terrestrial explanations exist, the unique characteristics of the cells and the timing of the phenomenon following a loud atmospheric bang continue to fuel alternative theories.