| Naga Fireball | |
|---|---|
| [[|250px]] N/A | |
| Background | |
| Type | Phenomena |
| Continent | Asia |
| Country | Thailand |
| One-Time? | No |
| Theories | · Swamp gas · Plasma orbs · Tracer rounds |
Naga Fireball, also known as Mekong Light, are a strange light in phenomenon observed annually along the Mekong River, particularly in the Nong Khai province of Thailand and Vientiane, Laos. These glowing orbs are reported to rise from the water into the night sky, typically during the end of Buddhist Lent in late October. Witnesses describe them as reddish balls of light that can vary in size from small sparkles to basketball-sized orbs. They can ascend to heights of several hundred meters before disappearing.
Description[]
Naga fireballs are most commonly seen during a festival that coincides with Wan Ok Phansa, marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The phenomenon has been reported over a 250 km stretch of the Mekong River, with sightings occurring not only on the river but also from smaller bodies of water in the region. Historically referred to as “ghost lights,” they were officially named “phaya nak lights” in the mid-1980s.
Local folklore attributes these fireballs to Phaya Naga, a mythical serpent believed to inhabit the riverbed. According to legend, these serpents rise from their underwater lairs to pay homage at this significant time.
Possible Explanations[]
There are several explanations as to what the creature could be. Theories include:
- A swamp gas
- A plasma orbs
- A tracer rounds