 |
Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 31: Jan-Feb 1984 |
|
| 
|
The Min Min Light
The Min Min light occurs in the legends of the aborigines of Australia and in modern traveller's tales. In Queensland:
"...around Boulia and Winton, there appears from time to time an unmistakable light -- a luminous fluorescent shape that fades and brightens, recedes and advances across the flat never-ending plain. It has mystified men for centuries. It fascinates. It begs you to follow. And it can be eerie and frightening on that lonely dark plain at night."
The Min Min light is reputed to be oval in shape and to move in irregular circles and spirals. It has been seen close to the surface and as high as 300 meters. Riders claim that their horses are not disturbed by it.
(Shilton, Pam; "The Min Min Light," Journal of Meteorology, U.K., 8:248, 1983.)
Comment. Nocturnal lights rarely make the scientific journals, so it is a pleas-ure to discover an item on the famous Min Min light.
Reference. Other "nocturnal lights" resembling the Min Min Light are collected under GLN1 in our Catalog: Lightning, Auroras. Further information on this book here.