Marfa sits on a highland plateau in a region of southwestern Texas known as the Big Bend. That name comes from the bend in the course of the Rio Grande where its direction changes from southeasterly to northeasterly. (See map.) Called the Rio Bravo by Spanish explorers, this mighty river forms the southern border of the Texas Big Bend. The area is among the most magestic in Texas. Isolated by rugged mountains that are punctuated by flat plains, the region is rich in history — both human and geological. The town of Marfa was founded in 1883 — the year after the southern transcontinental railroad established a watering stop by that name on the banks of Alamito Creek. Marfa lies on the southwest corner of a triangle that includes Alpine to the east and Fort Davis to the north. (See map.)
As the lyrics of the song say, "the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas". In fact, the skies of this region are among the darkest in the continental United States which is why the University of Texas located its McDonald Observatory on Mount Locke northwest of Fort Davis. The McDonald Observatory hosts regular star gazing parties as well as educational programs and tours of its facilities.
The darkness also creates ideal conditions for viewing mysterious lights at the Marfa Lights Viewing Center on US67/90 about eight miles east of Marfa. The Center has a large viewing platform with binoculars for public use. People gather there after sunset to watch the mysterious lights to the southwest. But, those aren't the only lights. Lights can also be seen to the south and east of the viewing center. Many of the lights appear to be moving. Others appear to be stationary. But, stare at the stationary ones. And, you may think they move also. Whether you want to watch the mysterious lights or experience the stars emerge and the moon rise, the Center is an ideal place. Isolated from urban pollution, the canopy of star light is awe inspiring. | What are the Marfa lights?Scientist Robert Wagers and his wife, Judy, set out to answer the question that has baffled experts from as far away as Japan. Some say the lights are cosmic rays. Others postulate that they're telluric currents. Still others claim they're produced by ball lightning.
Perhaps the lights are simply headlights as the skeptics contend. Could they be all of the above? None of the above? Or ... are they something else entirely? See if you can imagine any explanations other than those in our book as you watch the lights from the Marfa Lights Viewing Center. |
