The Marfa Lights

The Marfa lights are unexplained luminous phenomena that have been reported in the desert region near Marfa, Texas, since the 1880s. The lights appear at night, dancing on the horizon, and have attracted tourists, scientists, and mystery enthusiasts alike.

First Reports

Robert Reed Ellison, a young cowhand, first reported the lights in 1883 while driving cattle through Paisano Pass. He thought they were Apache campfires but found no evidence of encampments the next day. Other settlers reported similar sightings, and the lights became local legend.

Description

The lights appear as glowing spheres of various sizes and colors, most commonly white, yellow, orange, or red. They hover above the ground, split into multiple lights, merge back together, move in various directions, and sometimes appear to respond to observers before vanishing.

Scientific Study

The lights have been studied by students and faculty from multiple universities. Some sightings can be attributed to car headlights from distant Highway 67, which became visible after the road was paved in 1945. However, this does not explain pre-automobile sightings or lights that behave differently from vehicle lights.

The Viewing Area

The Texas State Highway Department has established an official Marfa Lights viewing area on Highway 90. On any given night, dozens of people gather hoping to witness the phenomenon.

Assessment

The Marfa lights represent a genuine mystery. While some sightings have mundane explanations, the lights reported before automobiles existed and those exhibiting unusual behavior remain unexplained. The phenomenon has become an essential part of West Texas culture.