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Located in a remote area -

Marfa is a compact Texas town boasting a population of roughly 1,900 inhabitants and covering an area of 1.62 sq mi (4.22 km²).

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Distant area -

This little town is situated in West Texas, also referred to as El Despoblado ("The Uninhabited"). The closest large airport is located 200 miles (321 km) away.

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If you are in Mafra... -

Marfa is truly one-of-a-kind, as its slogan suggests: "Tough to get to. Tougher to explain. But once you get here, you get it."

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Solo traffic signal -

Mafra is such a small town that a single traffic signal is enough (pictured)!

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Popular spot -

Marfa has become a haven for artists and the hipster scene, giving the town a distinct and quirky vibe. Yet, it is the enigmatic lights that truly define Marfa's fame.

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Marfa lights phenomen -

For more than 135 years, mysterious lights have emerged from the night sky, and their origin continues to evade researchers. 

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Mysterious lights phenomen -

The Marfa Lights, also referred to as the Marfa Ghost Lights, are luminous orbs that pulsate and move randomly, appearing almost like a captivating dance in the nocturnal heavens.

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When -

The appearance of the lights cannot be predicted, and occurs less than 30 times per year. It can happen anytime between sunset and sunrise during any season, and the locations vary. 

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Shape and movement -

The lights are typically circular in shape and can either dart swiftly or stay in place while flickering and/or pulsating.

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Color -

Observers have noted variations in the colors of the mysterious orbs, including red, blue, yellow, and white hues.

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Where -

The lights are visible in the empty grassland located southeast of Marfa, known as the Paisano Pass, towards the Chinati Mountains.

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Initial sighting -

The first sighting occurred in 1883 when Robert Reed Ellison, a young cowhand, first observed the phenomenon.

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Visitors -

Since the 19th century, people have been drawn to the region to witness this strange occurrence. Today, tourists can visit the Marfa Lights Viewing Area along the road for the best perspective. 

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Distinguished fan -

James Dean filmed the movie 'Giant' there in 1956. The actor had a fascination with the lights and kept a telescope in his hotel room to observe them.

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Explanation -

Throughout the years, numerous theories have emerged, including UFOs, apparitions of Spanish conquistadors, and vehicle headlights, among others. Nonetheless, the mysterious lights continue to defy explanation.

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Search for a solution. -

James Bunnell, a former NASA aerospace engineer who was raised in the area, dedicated 12 years to unraveling the mystery.

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Research -

Bunnell placed 10 infrared cameras in the region and examined the recordings in an effort to understand the situation. Ultimately, he determined that "no pattern emerged." 

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Results -

The engineer authored a book on the Marfa Lights and proposed several theories, including one suggesting that electromagnetic lights are generated by underground friction on Earth. Nonetheless, he couldn't find a conclusive scientific explanation for this strange phenomenon.

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Attraction -

Over the years, the Ghost Lights have been beneficial for business. “For years, we didn’t have anyone here except the people who wanted to see the lights. I was afraid Marfa would turn out to be a ghost town, but this was very good because it helped to keep our town alive,” said local guide Armando Vasquez.

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Marfa Lights Festival -

Since its inaugural event in 1986, the Marfa Lights Festival has drawn thousands of people each September.

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Mafra is more than just lights -

Marfa's appeal extends beyond the Ghost Lights, as it has drawn artists since the 1970s. Presently, Marfa remains a unique hub for artistic people.

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Art installation -

In 1971, Donald Judd, a minimalist artist, moved from New York City to Marfa, sparking an art revolution that featured his distinctive creations: the Judd cubes.

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The Chinati Foundation -

Judd established the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, a contemporary art museum that concentrates on "works in which art and the surrounding land are inextricably linked."

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Prada -

This faux Prada Marfa boutique set up on a deserted highway is an interesting example of their work. 

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Target -

This mini Target in the middle of the desert is also quite a surreal sight! 

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The Wrong Store -

This gallery is owned by local artists Camp Bosworth and Buck Johnston and is located in a former church.

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Marfa Film Festival -

The town has also hosted the Marfa Film Festival since 2007, created by Robin Lambaria and Cory Van Dyke. 

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Playboy installation -

The installation was constructed in 2013 for the Marfa Film Festival, in collaboration with artist Richard Phillips.

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The truth is there to be seen -

Longtime local resident, Aurie West, expressed his perspective on the matter, stating, “My parents and grandparents saw [the lights]. It’s always been here. I hope they never find out about what’s out there. Mysteries make life interesting.”

Sources:(BBC)

See also: This glacial lake hides a dark secret

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