For decades, the residents of Summerville, South Carolina, have been captivated by the enigmatic "ghost lanterns" that illuminate the night sky. These small, glowing spheres, predominantly blue or green, appear to float mysteriously above a narrow stretch of Sheep Island Road. This area, once traversed by an old railway line, has become the epicenter of these unexplained sightings. Recent research by seismologist Susan Hough may finally shed light on this enduring mystery, providing a scientific explanation that aligns with known geological phenomena.
The ghost lanterns have intrigued both locals and scientists, leading to various hypotheses about their origin. Now, Hough's extensive study suggests that these luminous orbs could be manifestations of earthquake lights—a rare geological phenomenon associated with seismic activity. Earthquake lights are known to appear before, during, or immediately after earthquakes, often taking the form of glowing spheres, sparks, and streamers.
In August 1959, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred just 2.5 miles from the site where most ghost lantern sightings have been reported. This seismic event, along with two smaller earthquakes recorded by the end of 1960, underscores the possibility that the area’s geological activity is responsible for the mysterious lights. The proximity of these events suggests a link between seismic activity and the appearance of the ghost lanterns.
One widely accepted explanation for earthquake lights involves the ignition of underground gases such as methane and radon. These gases may seep from the ground during heightened seismic activity, becoming ignited and visible as they interact with environmental factors like steel rails and scrap heaps found along old railway lines. The presence of these materials at Sheep Island Road lends further credibility to this theory.
Hough's research indicates that understanding such phenomena could significantly enhance knowledge about America's geological landscape. As she notes:
"Understanding earthquakes in central and eastern North America has been challenging because we have so little data to investigate earthquakes and active faults." – Susan Hough
Through her work, published in the journal Seismological Research Letters on January 22, Hough not only demystifies the ghost lanterns but also highlights their potential to illuminate shallow faults along which gases are released. Her findings suggest that these "friendly ghosts" may serve as natural indicators of underlying geological processes.
"This might be the most interesting implication of my little study, that friendly ghosts are illuminating shallow faults along which gases are released." – Susan Hough
The connection between earthquake lights and disused railway lines is particularly compelling. It is speculated that when seismic tremors shake the remnants of steel rails and scrap heaps, they may generate sparks that ignite escaping gases, creating the observed glowing phenomena. This theory aligns with historical reports of similar occurrences near other abandoned railway sites.
