There have been numerous strange natural phenomena observed throughout history. While explanations for some of these phenomena have been discovered, others continue to mystify scientists. According to avid science aficionado Jeremy of City Discount Appliances in Baltimore, Maryland, following are ten of the strangest natural phenomena experienced by humankind, along with their scientific explanations when available:
Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis:
The mesmerizing displays of colorful lights in the polar regions are caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions emit light, resulting in the auroras.
Ball Lightning:
Ball lightning appears as glowing orbs that move erratically through the air. The exact cause is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to electrical discharges during thunderstorms.
St. Elmo’s Fire:
St. Elmo’s Fire is a luminous plasma discharge that occurs during thunderstorms, often appearing as a blue or green glow on objects such as masts, lightning rods, or aircraft wings. It is caused by the ionization of the air surrounding the objects due to the electric field.
Waterspouts:
Waterspouts are tornado-like columns of rotating air over bodies of water. They are caused by atmospheric conditions that create a rotating updraft over the water’s surface.
Fire Whirls:
Fire whirls, also known as fire tornadoes, are spinning columns of fire that can occur during wildfires. They form when intense heat creates a vortex, pulling in surrounding air and flames.
Sprites and Elves:
Sprites and elves are electrical discharges that occur above thunderstorms, high above the clouds. Sprites are red flashes while elves are concentric rings of light. They are produced by the interaction between lightning discharges and the Earth’s electromagnetic field.
Blood Falls:
Blood Falls is a phenomenon in Antarctica where a waterfall appears to be flowing with blood-red water. The color is caused by iron-rich water that is exposed to air and undergoes oxidation.
Naga Fireballs:
Naga Fireballs are glowing orbs that rise from the Mekong River in Thailand. They are believed to be caused by the combustion of flammable gases emitted by decaying organic matter in the river.
Hessdalen Lights:
The Hessdalen Lights are unexplained lights observed in a valley in Norway. They appear as floating, colored orbs and are thought to be a result of a phenomenon involving the ionization of air particles.
Morning Glory Clouds:
Morning Glory Clouds are rare, long, tubular-shaped clouds that can stretch for kilometers. They are caused by atmospheric conditions that create a horizontal rolling motion, similar to a wave, in the cloud layer.
Conclusion
While scientific explanations have been proposed for many of these phenomena, some mysteries remain, and ongoing research aims to unravel their complexities. The study of these strange natural phenomena not only expands our scientific knowledge but also fosters a sense of wonder and fascination with the mysteries of our world.
