Kerala, state located in southwest India, is now famous for it's bleeding sky or the Kerala red rain phenomenon. Bright red rain has occurred more than once in Kerala and most recently in June of 2012. Reports of yellow, green and black rain have occurred over the years as well. According to locals, the first colored rain was preceded by an extremely loud thunderclap and a flash of light, then followed by groves of trees shedding shriveled grey "burnt" leaves. It fell over small localized area where nearby rain was normal color. This lead scientists to believe initially the red rain was colored by the fallout of a meteor burst. However, days later, following a light microscopy evaluation, particles 'resembling' spores were observed. After allowing the particles to grow in Petri dishes for several days, it apparently showed they were consistent with a marine origin or terrestrial plant. Therefor, the red rain was a result of normal rain falling from the sky coming in contact with algae on trees, buidings, lamp posts, etc. coloring it bright red. All this being said, that doesn't explain for the unusually loud thunder clap and light that preceded the rain or the resulting burnt leaves. Some scientists do believe that a meteor disintegrated over Kerala releasing red particles which slowly fell to the ground. They also believe the particles are of biological nature, however they believe the cells are extraterrestrial in nature. They believe that the cells are a new biological species as a result of panspermia. Literally alien rain! What do you think... algae or new alien cell life?
No comments:
Post a Comment