Ghost light

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the Doctor Who serial, see Ghost Light (Doctor Who).

A ghost light is any one of many unusual visual phenomena that appear in specific areas around the world. This describes the appearance of lights where one presumes there should be none. There is no single explanation for what causes ghost lights, but possible causes are mirages, refracted light from automobile headlights, swamp gas, ball lightning, St. Elmo's fire, Will o' the wisp or the piezoelectric effect from underground quartz crystals.

1 In the theater
2 Phosphorous
3 In popular culture
4 Examples

[edit] In the theater

Another meaning of the term comes from the theater. There is a superstition that a ghost might take up residence if an empty theater is ever left completely dark. To prevent this, a single "ghost light" is left burning on-stage when the theater is empty. For that use, see theatrical superstitions.

[edit] Phosphorous

Bones glow in dark due to oxidation of white phosphorous. That's why it is called Ghost Light. The phenomenon is called chemiluminiscence.

[edit] In popular culture

It is also the name of an etherial being that haunts the area in and around Radiator Springs in the animated film Cars, and plays a central role in the associated short film Mater and the Ghostlight. It is rumored to be a floating orb of blue light that preys upon unsuspecting vehicles, leaving only their license plates behind.