Residents in West Texas noticed mysterious glowing red lights in the skies over Midland Tuesday night.

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People started calling into news stations reporting the unusual occurrence.

Turns out the odd lights were an unusual weather phenomenon.

Light from gas flares in the area refracted off ice crystals in the clouds causing the weird red lights, according to the National Weather Service in Midland.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC