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
In 2001, Kerala experienced a bizarre phenomenon: red rain that stained clothes and shocked locals. From July to September, sporadic downpours carried millions of red particles, with similar rains recorded in 1896, 1957, and even in Sri Lanka in 2012, adding to the mystery.
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) December 12, 2024