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

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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.

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Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez