“Will-o’-the-wisp” is a phenomenon that science has provided specific explanations for.
Concept of “Will-o’-the-wisp” in Different Cultures
From an Eastern perspective, will-o’-the-wisps are thought to be small spirits resembling a blue flame. They often tease passersby.
In contrast, Western interpretations suggest that will-o’-the-wisps are bright spots that roam widely, guiding the good to treasures while leading the wicked into bogs. For those who wish to flee, these lights will chase them, causing fear and even fainting. When encountering a will-o’-the-wisp, people believe that prayer is ineffective; instead, one must utter curses against them.
There are many legends about will-o’-the-wisps. However, researchers have provided a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. (Illustrative image)
The “Will-o’-the-wisp” Phenomenon from a Scientific Perspective
Will-o’-the-wisps are no longer a mystery to humanity with the light of science (specifically chemistry) shining upon them.
From a scientific viewpoint, “will-o’-the-wisps” are not any kind of supernatural entities. They certainly do not have the ability to harm humans.
The will-o’-the-wisp phenomenon is commonly observed in cemetery areas, where bright spots of fire appear to float in the air. According to modern chemistry, the essence of this phenomenon can be explained by the involvement of two gaseous substances: phosphine (PH3) and diphosphine (P2H4), which are substances capable of spontaneous combustion in the air. When they burn, they generate heat that can raise the temperature to about 150oC, after which PH3 continues to burn, resulting in the appearance of “phosphorescent flames,” also known as “will-o’-the-wisps.”
Phosphine can only ignite in the air at temperatures around 150 degrees Celsius. However, due to the presence of diphosphine, both can spontaneously ignite in normal atmospheric conditions.
PH3 and P2H4 arise from the decomposition of bones and plant and animal remains in areas such as swamps and cemeteries. These are significant sources of phosphorus that form PH3 and P2H4 through the activity of soil bacteria. They accumulate and ignite when conditions are right. Will-o’-the-wisps dance about, either due to the wind or because frightened passersby create wind by running away.
This is the reason we see those blue flames.
This chemical reaction occurs both during the day and at night. However, during bright conditions, it is difficult for us to notice this phenomenon. It is only clearly visible at night when it is truly dark.
Regarding the phenomenon of “will-o’-the-wisps” chasing people, some scientists argue that this is due to the gust of wind created by a person’s movement (running out of fear).
While many people still do not believe in the scientific explanation because they argue that in areas not near cemeteries, where human or animal remains are not buried, one can still frequently encounter “will-o’-the-wisps.” Others question why, if it is merely a chemical reaction, do will-o’-the-wisps float in front of people’s eyes and persistently follow them until another light appears to extinguish them.
These questions continue to puzzle scientists, but there is no need for you to worry too much. Just believe that this is a normal chemical phenomenon occurring in nature, and there are no mysteries or supernatural beings lurking behind them.
