What Exactly Was Seen?
According to pilots who captured the phenomenon, the red glow covered large areas of the ocean surface and remained visible for several minutes during their flight. The light appeared to rise through the clouds, painting the night sky in shades of crimson and orange.
The surreal view stunned observers and set social media ablaze with speculation. Some users compared the sight to scenes from apocalyptic movies, while others wondered whether it signaled volcanic or extraterrestrial activity.
However, oceanographers and meteorologists soon weighed in, offering a more grounded explanation supported by science.
The Science Behind the Glow: Deep-Sea Fishing Lights
Experts believe the glow originated from fishing fleets using red light to attract squid and other marine life to the surface. These vessels use high-powered lamps that emit a distinct red wavelength, known to be particularly effective in drawing squid toward their nets.
When numerous fishing boats operate close together, their combined lights can produce a visible glow powerful enough to pierce through clouds — visible even from airplanes flying tens of thousands of feet above.
Although the effect is rare, similar events have been reported over other oceans where squid fishing is common, such as the Pacific near Japan and South America.
Why Use Red Lights?
Red light penetrates water efficiently while causing minimal scattering, making it ideal for deep-sea fishing. Squid are naturally drawn to red wavelengths, allowing fishermen to catch them more effectively at night.
From the sky, this creates a glowing, red-tinged patch of ocean — beautiful yet eerie. For pilots unaccustomed to such sights, it can appear like an unexplained celestial event rather than the result of human activity.
