Subject: Fwd = Thailland's Naga Fireballs Declared Not Supernatural
From: Frits Westra <ufonet@...>
Date: 16 Oct 2003 22:59
Farshores News
http://www.100megsfree4.com/farshores/02awards.htm
THAILAND'S NAGA FIREBALLS DECLARED NOT SUPERNATURAL
Posted Oct 12.03
Original headline: Science Ministry solves Naga fireballs mystery
The mystery behind the appearance of the Naga fireballs on the Mekong
River has been finally solved, and it is a natural occurrence, the Science
Ministry said yesterday.
"The phenomenon is caused by flammable phosphine gas," deputy permanent
secretary Saksit Tridech said.
The ministry launched a scientific expedition on Friday to measure and
observe the annual manifestation in Nong Khai province.
A thermo-scanner was set up near the riverbank in Rattana Wapee
sub-district and five teams of specialists were stationed at various
vantage points along the river, including at Thai Temple in Phon Phisai
district, where thousands of curious spectators had gathered to witness
the event.
The Naga fireballs appear at the end of Buddhist Lent, leading many to
believe it is not the result of natural causes but something more mystical.
But Saksit said the scanning equipment picked up the movement of the gas
floating off the water surface before people could catch with their eyes
the glowing orange bubbles igniting into fireballs.
Their timing depends on the build-up of the marsh gas on the riverbed,
which often peaked in October.
Fireballs have been sighted at various times throughout the year in the
Mekong and nearby areas with a high concentration of phosphine, he said.
.:Story originally published by:.
The Nation / Thailand | Napanisa Kaewmorakot - OCT 12.03
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