The mystery behind spooky "ghost lights" that have been scaring people in South Carolina for decades finally solved

Susan Hough, a seismologist at the US Geological Survey (USGS), believes that the "ghost lights" that have been scaring people for decades in a remote area of Summerville, South Carolina, have nothing to do with paranormal phenomena. According to a legend, these are lanterns carried by the ghost of a woman who lost her lover who was hit by a train.

In her scientific article, the scientist wrote that the "ghostly" glow may actually be a phenomenon called "earthquake lights." According to Metro, such earthquake lights are reported all over the world - they are described as glowing balls, streamers, and a constant glow that can be seen during short-term sudden shaking of the earth's crust.

This "ghostly" glow has been recorded in this small town since the mid-20th century, along with reports of strange sounds: slamming doors, footsteps, and frightened animals and birds.

Other seismologists have yet to agree on why these lights appear at all. According to one expert, they are the result of underground gases such as methane or radon ignited by static electricity or rock movements. Hough agrees, and says this theory makes the most sense when it comes to the ghost lights in Summerville.

She studied the first reports of the glowing lights in the 1950s and 1960s and found that they coincided with three earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 to 4.4 that occurred just a few kilometers from the site. The theory is that there have been even smaller earthquakes since then that cannot be recognized.

The steel rails of the defunct railroad line, as well as nearby piles of scrap metal, could be the cause of the ignition of underground gases. As to why the ghostly lights are only seen on dark and foggy nights, Susan said that these combustible gases can be trapped by water droplets before igniting. Earthquakes can also explain other paranormal phenomena, such as shaking cars and swaying doors and frightened animals.

The scientist admits that her theory is unproven, but it can be tested by measuring gas emissions from underground in places where "ghost lights" are seen.

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