Marfa lights, Light phenomenon in Marfa, Texas, US
The Marfa lights are a light phenomenon in Marfa, Texas, where yellow-orange orbs appear over Mitchell Flat and move in ways that are hard to predict. The orbs form patterns in the night sky that have not been fully explained.
Robert Reed Ellison reported the lights in 1883 while herding cattle through Paisano Pass. Since then, locals and travelers have continued to see and record them.
Named after the town nearby, the phenomenon draws visitors each year who want to witness the lights for themselves. Many bring cameras and binoculars to track the movements across the flat and record what they see.
The viewing spot sits along Highway 90 about nine miles east of town and offers an open view of the flat after dark. Warm clothing is a good idea at night since desert temperatures can drop sharply.
The orbs shift in brightness, sometimes splitting into several points before merging back into one. Their colors range from yellow-orange to green, blue, and red.
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