An unusual atmospheric phenomenon puzzled residents of Formby, Merseyside, on the evening of Sunday, October 12, 2025, after several community members reported observing a vast, inky shadow ascending into the sky. The spectacle lasted for approximately fifteen minutes, beginning around 9:30 PM, and has since become a subject of local discussion.
The initial sighting was made by Marc Evans and his family as they were finishing unloading their vehicle following a day trip. Mr. Evans’ daughter first drew attention to the anomaly. The family watched a colossal dark form that appeared to rise directly from the ground, stretching upward. Mr. Evans later described the shadow’s unnerving closeness to the surface, noting the absence of any discernible object that could account for such a profound lack of light. The environmental conditions were also reported as atypical, with an unusual faint luminescence in the sky and a distinct, palpable static charge in the air, suggesting non-standard atmospheric activity.
The event concluded abruptly around a quarter past the hour, dissolving as quickly as it materialized. The incident quickly generated conversation across local digital forums. While some speculation leaned toward the fanciful, a more grounded theory gained traction: the phenomenon might have been an optical illusion. Observers suggested that powerful artificial lighting positioned behind structures, interacting with low-lying mist or fog, could have projected an exaggerated, seemingly unattached shadow.
This explanation aligns with known principles of coastal atmospheric optics. Meteorological studies indicate that Formby, due to its coastal location, frequently experiences weather patterns involving sea mist and temperature inversions. These conditions are known to significantly distort light and perspective, sometimes creating towering, seemingly solid shapes when illuminated by distant urban light pollution. The collective experience, moving from initial alarm to shared contemplation, remains a compelling local narrative of perception momentarily reshaped by subtle environmental shifts, with no official commentary issued by local governing bodies.