Introduction

This paper is a summary of our observations and research in regards to the 'ghostlight' and various other 'strange' phenomena occurring on Scugog Island, Ontario between the period of April 2000 to July 2001. It also contains our conclusions in regards to the same.

Please note that the use of the terms 'spooklight', ghostlight, 'lights' throughout denote the same phenomena.

Appearance - Behaviour

The light displays witnessed by us include amber, white, and red lights. They appear spherical in shape, and the larger amber and white lights are approximately the size of a basketball at approximately a ½ km distance from the field. The smaller red light, referred to in the legend of Ghost Road as the tail light appears as ½ the size of the larger lights at the same distance.

From the 1/2 km and 1/4 km points on 'Ghost road' the 'ghostlight' appears as one solid light with the naked eye as well as through optical devices such as telescopes, binoculars, etc. Occasionally it appears as if more than one light is merging together to result in a larger light that pulses.

The luminosity, frequency of, and duration of the lights vary considerably between each separate observation. Location and apparent path of the lights seem to follow a set pattern with the occasional variance, such as the light travelling further, and making an erratic movement not normally sighted.

The red light usually follows directly behind the larger white and amber lights and has been observed on several occasions independent of these other lights.

We have observed the light phenomena during different weather and visibility conditions such as fog, snowstorms, rain, severe thunderstorms, cloudy and clear sky conditions without any apparent bearing on the display of lights. With the possible exception to the above statement being the increase and frequency of light displays during intense electrical activity overhead and increased humidity. We have observed a light exit the field, race up the road, in an apparent attraction to the location of an impending lightning strike. This observation was made with both the naked eye and while using binoculars. We have deemed this a separate event from the 'ghostlight' and speculate that this may have in fact been ball lightning. Differing phases of the moon do not have an effect on the appearance, behaviour of the lights either.

We have observed both a slow fading out of, and a quick wink out with the eventual disappearance of the lights.

The light phenomenon has been observed from the ½ km mark on Ghost Road (Mississaugas Lane), and the ¼ km mark. Attempts to view the light from the crossroads of Pine Point Road and Ghost Road have been unsuccessful. On October 3rd, 2000 we carried out an experiment which involved splitting up with two observers stationed at the ½ km mark, which is higher in elevation and two others positioned at the stop sign and flush with the field. Signaling with their high beams from the ½ km mark while the light phenomena was occurring in their perspective, the two observers at the south end had no visual on the lights'.This included with and without binoculars and from the vantage point of the roof of a mid-sized car, which gave a clear view of the surroundings.This is due to the fact that you are removed from the line of sight at this position.

We have been informed that observations of the lights can be made from a specific spot on Pine Point Road slightly west of the stop sign on a slight rise in the road. However, we have not made any observations from this point. I also wish to note that this particular location is dangerous to park in due to the lack of visibility of vehicles traveling westward on Pine Point Rd.

Attempts at viewing the phenomena at a closer range were successful on July 24th, 2001. These observations were made from within the field located to the south, nearby the lake, approx. 2km south of the intersection at Pine Point. The 'ghostlight' appeared as one solid light at this location. However, this observation gave us an idea as to the exact location of origin, which was found later that evening.

Past eyewitness reports include the light passing within 6 ft. of one individual and in front of several others, whom appear to be credible, as well as the light displaying some form of possible intelligence by following a witness at a close range. These reports are to be considered as separate events from the phenomena commonly referred to as the 'ghostlight'

Sound

No sounds are connected with the display of ˜lights. We feel that sounds such as a motorcycle revving, native drumbeats etc occasionally mentioned by other witnesses are the simple, and wholly understandable misidentification of the natural sound made by pheasants, which we have heard frequently during our observations on 'Ghost Road'. The sounds of horses galloping within nearby fields may also result in this type of misidentification.

Animal Reactions

Observations in an attempt to gauge a pet dog’s reaction to the ghostlight and location in general remain inconclusive.

Photographs

'Ghostlight' - Taken 19/06/01

Notes:
-the camera used is a Canon Rebel G 2000 with a 28/80mm zoom lens.The pictures were taken without the use of a flash.The camera was set on landscape mode and at 80mm zoom. An external shutter release was used.Film was Kodak Max Zoom 800.

-the shutter speed for this picture was shot at 6 seconds - aperature set at 8.0

-photo scanned as is with no enhancements made.

Photo Courtesy: Steve Dietrich

True origin of 'ghostlight' as verified by our repeatable experiments conducted 24/07/01. This photo was taken approx. 2km south of Pine Point Rd. and Mississauga's Trail.

Photo Courtesy: Steve Dietrich

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