The Mystifying Red Rain of Kerala

A Phenomenon Across Decades

Red rain has been reported in Kerala since 1896, most famously from July to September 2001. The rain, which sometimes turned yellow, green, or black, stained clothes and alarmed locals. A similar event occurred in Sri Lanka in 2012, adding to the intrigue of the phenomenon.

Unusual Characteristics

The 2001 rain began in Kottayam and Idukki, often accompanied by loud thunder and flashes of light. Rainwater contained millions of microscopic red particles, estimated to total over 50,000 kilograms. The particles stained the ground and clothes pink and exhibited striking physical features.

Scientific Analysis

Early theories linked the rain to meteor debris, but studies identified the particles as spores of Trentepohlia, a local algae. The bright orange color was due to carotenoid pigments. The spores likely entered the atmosphere during heavy monsoon winds before falling with the rain.

Lingering Mysteries

Despite identifying the spores, questions remain about how they dispersed so widely and entered clouds

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