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The Mysterious Ghost Lanterns of Summerville May Have Been Explained by Scientists: Small Earthquakes and Heavy Gases May Be Behind the Floating Lights
Summerville, in the American state of South Carolina, has carried a legend for decades. Small spherical orbs, in bluish or greenish hues, float at night over a stretch of Sheep Island Road. Locals call them “ghost lanterns.”
For some, they are spirits wandering along the old railway line. For others, an unexplained phenomenon. But a scientist believes she has unraveled the mystery.
The Mystery of the Floating Lights
The ghost lanterns are often seen near where train tracks used to be. The most popular story says it belongs to the spirit of a woman who lost her husband in a train accident. She wandered the road, carrying a lantern, in search of her beloved.
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Reports of these occurrences date back to the mid-20th century. Besides the lights, witnesses describe strange events: cars shaking on their own, voices in the wind, doors slamming without explanation, and even mysterious apparitions. Animals and birds also seem to react, suddenly fleeing the area.
But now, Susan Hough, a seismologist from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), believes she has found an explanation. According to her, the glowing orbs may be linked to small earthquakes.
Earthquake Lights: A Rare Phenomenon
According to the USGS, earthquake lights are luminous manifestations that appear before, during, or shortly after earthquakes. They appear as elongated spheres, sparks, or streams of light that may be close to the ground.
“They have never been systematically studied or confirmed because virtually all data/observations are anecdotal, but lights during earthquakes have been reported for many years,” Hough explained to Live Science.
One of the most accepted hypotheses is that tremors release heavy gases, such as methane and radon. When these gases escape from the ground, they can ignite with a spark generated by static electricity or friction between rocks.
Tremors and Lanterns in Summerville
Seismic records point to a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in the area in August 1959. It was only 4 kilometers from the stretch where the lights are seen. In late 1960, two smaller tremors were also recorded in the same area.
Hough suggests that small tremors may still occur in the region, although they go unnoticed. The ground shifting could also explain other phenomena considered “paranormal,” such as cars shaking and doors slamming on their own.
Animals, which often sense tremors before humans do, may react to these seismic activities, explaining their strange behavior reported by residents.
The Role of the Railroad Tracks
Another important detail is the role of the old railway. Hough explains that steel tracks and metal debris are good electrical conductors. If a small earthquake moves these materials, a spark can be generated, igniting nearby gases.
This explains why many ghost light stories arise near abandoned railways. The combination of gas release and the presence of metals could create the specific luminosity.
Although the explanation seems plausible, there is still no definitive proof. Hough suggests a more in-depth study, with direct implications of gas emissions in the area. Seismic sensors could monitor subtle tremors and their possible connections to the lights.
With information from livescience.
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