8 Unexplained Natural Phenomena That Science Can’t Fully Explain

Thanks to modern technology, we can easily comprehend most natural phenomena. Take lightning, for instance; it is widely known that it is caused by static charges in a rain cloud. The same principle applies to rainbows, thunderstorms, germination, erosion, and floods. However, there are still a few natural phenomena that remain a mystery to scientists and the wider world. These include:

1. Star Jelly

Also known as astral jelly or astromyxin, star jelly is a blob of gooey substance often seen in the early mornings. It has been spotted in various locations, such as open fields and occasionally on driveways. Star jelly has been around for quite some time, with records dating back to the 14th century.

The most fascinating aspect of this natural phenomenon is its association with different possible origins. It was once believed that star jelly was a residue from a meteorite shower, as it often appears following a meteor sighting.

However, a 17th-century scientist, Christopher Merrett, suggested that star jelly was the remains of frogs that had been chewed and spat out by cows. To this day, there is no widely accepted explanation for the origins of star jelly.

2. Hessdalen Lights in Norway

Reports of sightings of the Hessdalen Lights date back to the early 1900s. Over a valley in Norway, glowing orbs of light appear both at night and during the day. These lights can be seen as frequently as ten to twenty times a week. Despite extensive research, their cause remains unknown.

In 1983, a research project was launched by Østfold University College, which proposed six different theories. One theory suggests that the Hessdalen Lights are caused by radon decay, while another links them to tectonic stress. Other theories point to cosmic radiation, natural battery effects, and electrochemical models. Scientists have yet to reach a definitive conclusion on the cause of the Hessdalen Lights.

3. Crooked Forest

Pines, like all other plants, grow towards the sun. As a result, most of them grow straight upwards. However, in Poland, there exists a forest of over 400 pine trees with unusually crooked shapes. What makes this Crooked Forest particularly mysterious is that it grows among perfectly straight pines.

There are several theories as to why these pines have taken on such unusual shapes. Some locals believe that the trees were deliberately bent when they were young to produce timber for furniture. Others attribute the bending to heavy snowfall that weighed the trees down. There are also claims that the pines were flattened by German tanks during World War II. Some even suggest that witchcraft is responsible.

4. Ball Lightning

Lightning typically appears as jagged bolts of electricity. However, on rare occasions, it can manifest as a glowing sphere, earning it the name ball lightning. This phenomenon is extremely rare and highly unpredictable, making it a mystery for scientists and researchers attempting to determine its cause.

Numerous theories have emerged to explain ball lightning. Some suggest that it is caused by charged meteorites, while others believe it to be the result of storm-induced hallucinations. Certain scientists argue that ball lightning is produced by gases behaving in an unusual manner. Despite these theories, its true cause remains uncertain.

5. Singing Sand Dunes

Across more than 30 deserts worldwide, there are singing sand dunes. Scientists have yet to determine the exact origin of these sounds. The noise produced by singing sand dunes resembles the hum of a bee and is often generated when sand grains collide with the air, releasing a whistling sound. The pitch of the hum depends on the size of the sand dunes and the speed of the wind. The most fascinating aspect is that nearby sand dunes can synchronise their sounds, creating a continuous loop.

6. The Taos Hum

In Taos, New Mexico, there was a persistent low-frequency hum heard by a small group of locals. Reports of this mysterious noise began circulating in the early 1990s, with its frequency ranging between 30 and 40 Hz. To this day, scientists have not been able to determine its exact cause.

Various theories have emerged regarding the Taos Hum. Similar to the case in Kokomo, some believe the hum in Taos may have originated from a nearby factory. Others suggest it could have been caused by drug-induced hippies. More speculative theories associate the Taos Hum with an underground UFO base or even secret government mind control experiments.

7. Rogue Waves

Waves are primarily caused by wind. As the wind blows across the ocean, it creates a continuous disturbance that generates waves. This makes it challenging for meteorologists to fully understand the nature of rogue waves. Unlike regular waves, rogue waves appear suddenly without warning and can reach heights of up to 30 metres.

Rogue waves defy conventional wave theory. What makes them particularly intriguing is that they can form even in calm seas with minimal wind. Researchers have identified factors such as wave overlap and energy exchange as potential causes of rogue waves, yet there is still no definitive explanation.

8. Earthquake Lights

Reports of earthquake lights date back centuries. However, it was only with the advent of smartphones and CCTV cameras that people were able to capture this mysterious phenomenon on record. These unexplained lights appear before and during earthquakes.

Several theories attempt to explain the occurrence of earthquake lights. Some geologists suggest that the immense stress caused by earthquakes generates electrical charges within rocks, which then emit light. Others propose that the disruption of Earth’s magnetic field leads to ionisation in the affected area, resulting in glowing lights. Despite these theories, scientists have yet to reach a consensus on the exact cause of earthquake lights.