The story of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World in 1492 is well-known, but few are aware that Columbus and his crew may have witnessed an unexplained phenomenon during this historic voyage. Among the accounts in Columbus’s logbook is a mention of a mysterious light on the horizon that has puzzled scholars and UFO enthusiasts for centuries. But what exactly did Columbus see that night? Could he have spotted a UFO?
Columbus’s Tale: The Mysterious Light on the Horizon
On the night of October 11, 1492, the day before Columbus sighted the land that would later be identified as part of the Bahamas, he and his crew observed a strange light on the horizon. According to Columbus’s log, the light was described as “a small wax candle flame that rose and rose,” appearing intermittently. Columbus mentioned that the light seemed to rise and fall on the horizon, something that he and his men found quite unusual and frightening.
This sighting was recorded in the ship’s log, and Columbus interpreted it as a possible sign that land was near, boosting the morale of the crew, who had long been anxious to find dry land.
Interpretations Over Time
Since the account was discovered, there have been several interpretations of what Columbus and his crew might have seen that night:
UFO Theory: Some ancient astronaut theory enthusiasts and proponents of the idea that Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial beings in the past interpret Columbus’s account as a possible UFO sighting. They point out that the description of a light moving in a controlled manner, “rising and falling,” could indicate an unidentified flying object. This interpretation is widely accepted by some mainstream historians, as the account is similar to current UFO sightings reported by the Navy.
Natural or Terrestrial Phenomena: Many historians believe that the light observed by Columbus may have been of natural or terrestrial origin. One of the most widely accepted theories is that the light could have come from a campfire or torches carried by native inhabitants in a canoe. Another possibility is that the phenomenon was caused by atmospheric reflections or specific meteorological conditions, such as the refraction of light in clouds or on the surface of the sea.
Supernatural or Divine Interpretation: In the context of the time, which was heavily influenced by religion and spiritual beliefs, it is possible that Columbus and his men interpreted the light as a divine sign or omen. During the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, sightings of unexplained phenomena were often considered manifestations of divine or supernatural powers.
The Historical Context
The report of a light on the horizon, although strange, was not something that unusual for sailors of the time, who frequently observed unexplained phenomena on their voyages. There are several reports of phenomena that are still unexplained today recorded in ship’s logs from the time.
Conclusion: A Mystery That Persists
While Christopher Columbus’ account of the mysterious light is genuine, the interpretation that he saw a UFO is still hotly debated by researchers to this day. However, curiosity about what Columbus actually saw that night continues to fuel debates and theories, making this episode one of the many mysteries surrounding history’s greatest explorations.
