Ghost Lights on the Bog

The title ‘Ghost Lights on the Bog’ is actually based on science rather than any kind of paranormal activity. It is based on the illusive retreating magical lights that are seen in bogs and wetland areas late in the evenings during certain times of year.  Irish folklore refers to this phenomenon as Will-o-the-wisp, a fairytale creature that leads people astray, but the scientific reality is that these magical lights are caused by burning gases—called “swamp gas” or “marsh gas”—that develops from the breakdown of organic matter in persistently wet areas.  The lights were often seen hovering over swamps at night and look similar to flickering lanterns, with the light often being blue in color but sometimes red.