Mysterious Lights Captured by Camera Trap in Chile’s Wilderness: What Researchers Are Discovering

On January 21, a camera trap set up in Chile’s remote Patagonia region captured something intriguing. At 12:22 a.m., it snapped three photos showing strange lights moving downward. Biologist Alejandro Kusch commented, “These lights, initially far away, seem to approach the camera and dazzle it.”

This discovery is part of the Public Baseline project run by the University of Magallanes (UMAG), which uses 65 camera traps to monitor wildlife, especially felines. Since starting in November 2023, the project has collected over 365,000 images. Yet, these three pictures capture a phenomenon that remains unexplained.

The images were shared with various organizations, from Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics to the La Serena UFO Museum. Researchers offered theories, ranging from an arachnid getting too close to the lens to something called a “plasmoid,” a brief form of plasma that might be responsible for unusual lights like ball lightning. Experts, however, agree there’s no clear explanation yet.

Rodrigo Bravo, a researcher at UMAG, pointed out that because these images come from a scientific project, there’s no chance of manipulation. The traps are designed with strict protocols to ensure authenticity. He noted, “This is not the first time such phenomena have been reported here, but it’s the first time they’ve been captured scientifically.”

Local Mapuche people tell stories of “bad lights,” seen as spirits in the fields. Could these lights be tied to that ancient lore?

One possibility is that these lights are unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Some declassified Pentagon files show similar characteristics in UAP reports. But many sightings lack quality data for confirmation. Allegations often include foreign drones or mere “airborne clutter” like birds or weather balloons.

Freddy Alexis, a UFO analyst, studied the photos and concluded there’s only one main light, not two. He posits it might be a plasmoid, suggesting such phenomena could manifest under specific electromagnetic conditions. However, the weather on that night didn’t support the presence of ball lightning, which typically occurs during storms.

Discussion continues online, with Twitter users speculating wildly about the lights. Memes about UFOs in Chile are spreading swiftly, reflecting a public fascination with the unknown.

Some tech experts suggest the lights might have been caused by an insect triggering the camera. Yet, Cristian Riffo from the La Serena UFO Museum argues that’s only part of the mystery. The rapid sequence in which the lights appear raises questions.

With plans for more camera traps in the future, researchers remain hopeful for another glimpse at this enigmatic phenomenon. Bravo summarized the scientist’s quest succinctly: “This is about discovering what happens in nature.” Until a solid explanation emerges, the mystery of the lights remains alive, continuing to pique the interest of scientists and curious minds alike.

For further insight, you can explore studies about UAP and their characteristics.

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