Are 'Ghost Lights' the Spirits of the Dead — or Could They Be Visitors from Another World?

Mysterious lights, often seen dancing or hovering in the distance, have been reported across the globe for generations. These strange 'ghost lights,' also called 'spook lights' or 'corpse candles,' spark questions: Are they supernatural, or is there a logical explanation? Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin, and Noel Brown dive into these stories and the theories surrounding these eerie lights in the latest episode of their podcast: What Exactly Are "Ghost Lights"?

Although ghost lights appear to be relatively common (your area might even have its own local tale), there’s no agreement on their appearance or behavior. Some describe them as hovering spheres of light that sometimes split into multiple lights, while others say they seem to sway or bob, like a lantern being carried. There are accounts of these lights zipping at high speeds or remaining still until someone approaches, at which point they mysteriously retreat.

In the small town of Quapaw, Oklahoma, there have been reports of the Joplin Spook Light, a mysterious light that races down the road, hovers over trees, and then vanishes. This phenomenon has been seen every night for over a century. A similar occurrence is reported in Marfa, Texas, where the Marfa Lights appear on the horizon near the Chinati Mountains, sometimes zipping at high speeds before fading away. These lights are so frequent and well-known that there’s even an official viewing spot at the Marfa Airfield. Other famous lights include the Gurdon Light in Arkansas, the Brown Mountain Lights in North Carolina, and the Paulding Light in Michigan, to name a few. The big question remains: What are they?

Some believe these lights are ghosts — or even UFOs — but could there be a simpler explanation? One theory suggests that people might be confusing the lights with bioluminescent insects, but that doesn’t seem likely. Another explanation is that the lights could be caused by methane gas igniting and floating due to rising gas fumes, but this theory feels far-fetched. This scenario would require a very specific set of conditions to come together.

Another theory proposes that the shifting tectonic plates beneath Earth's surface cause rocks to heat up. If the rocks contain a significant amount of quartz, they can emit sparks that create electrical lights, which could be mistaken for ghostly phenomena. This is known as the piezoelectric effect. However, this explanation also relies on a very specific set of circumstances.

So what exactly are these lights? There's one widely accepted theory — and it involves cars. But not everyone is convinced by this explanation. To hear the full breakdown, tune into the podcast, where Matt, Ben, and Noel dive deep into the theory. Afterward, you can make your own decision about whether this theory holds water in your area.