Mysteries of the Marfa Lights Revealed

by Robert Wagers, Judy Wagers

Overview

Eyewitnesses to the mysterious lights around Marfa, Texas report that they may appear out of nowhere, move up and down, change colors, merge, separate, and even chase cars. What are they — UFOs, atmospheric anomalies, optical illusions, or something else? For over 100 years, these so-called Marfa lights have baffled experts and amateurs alike — until now.

Mysteries of the Marfa Lights Revealed is the first book to present a detailed examination of light phenomena and their applicability to mysterious light displays seen throughout the world — including those of the famous Marfa lights in the Big Bend region of southwest Texas.

Scientist Robert Wagers and his wife Judy explore the history, science, geography, and meteorology contributing to these mysterious light phenomena. Their entertaining book traces the history of the mysterious lights from the earliest reports in the late 1800s up to modern times. Elements of science are combined with first-hand accounts of unexpected light behavior to unravel the truth.

Written in a conversational style that assumes only basic scientific knowledge, Mysteries of the Marfa Lights Revealed is for everyone who is curious about mysterious lights no matter where they appear on earth. The book is exceptionally well illustrated. Thirty-three magnificent color* pictures graphically illustrate the subjects being discussed, and provocative vignettes introduce each chapter. Eight color* maps present unique details of the Marfa environs as well as the Big Bend region of Texas.
* Requires color-enabled device for color images.
Learn more at www.marfalightsmysteries.com

Product Details

BN ID:	2940016513218
Publisher:	R & J Books Unique
Publication date:	04/01/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	262
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Robert Wagers holds a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University. He spent most of his professional career developing technology for optical and electrical signal processing systems.

Two of his research activities are specifically relevant to the subjects investigated in this book. His three years of postgraduate research in plasma physics at the Institute for Plasma Research at Stanford University position him well to assess the common assertion that “ball lightning” is responsible for the Marfa lights. Similarly, sixteen years of research on ultrasonic wave phenomena in piezoelectric crystals enable a critical evaluation of the assertion that the Marfa lights come from crystals under pressure. Dr. Wagers has technological experience in two other areas that are particularly relevant to this book. He spent two years developing imaging systems that utilize charge-coupled devices, and he served as technical leader in the design of a hyperspectral imaging satellite for the U.S. Air Force.

Dr. Wagers is a Rhodes Scholar and Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He has 56 critically-reviewed scientific publications and 12 U.S. Patents. He is retired and conducts investigations, such as the ones in this book, for the pure joy of discovery.

Judy Wagers has master’s degrees in both English and business administration. She began her professional career as an editor and project manager for a California publisher of children’s educational materials.

Subsequently, Judy joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she worked for the next 36 years. As department manager, her primary responsibilities involved oversight of all business operations for this department of 300 faculty, staff, residents, and fellows. Since her retirement, she has been writing about the history of the department for the UT Southwestern website.

Intrigued by mystery and adventure, Judy was eager to participate in the field trips and historical research needed to understand the mysterious lights. As the illustrator and editor-in-chief of this twosome, she was charged with the challenge of translating the technical subjects into lay terms in a way that will capture the reader’s interest.