AJC
AJC

Mysterious glowing red lights spotted in skies over West Texas

An unusual weather phenomenon caused the skies over Midland, Texas, to glow with a weird red light Tuesday night, similar to this shot of a sunset.

Credit: Pixabay

Credit: Pixabay

An unusual weather phenomenon caused the skies over Midland, Texas, to glow with a weird red light Tuesday night, similar to this shot of a sunset.
By Shelby Lin Erdman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Jan 9, 2019

Residents in West Texas noticed mysterious glowing red lights in the skies over Midland Tuesday night.

>> Read more trending news

People started calling into news stations reporting the unusual occurrence.

Turns out the odd lights were an unusual weather phenomenon.

Light from gas flares in the area refracted off ice crystals in the clouds causing the weird red lights, according to the National Weather Service in Midland.

About the Author

Shelby Lin Erdman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
More Stories

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.