Surveillance Cameras Capture Mysterious Light Pillars Over Popocatépetl Volcano

In the early morning hours of January 20, 2026, monitoring equipment stationed at Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano recorded a striking visual anomaly: vertical columns of light ascending directly above the crater. This footage quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking intense debate among the scientific community, meteorologists, and paranormal enthusiasts. While the imagery appears otherworldly at first glance, experts are working to provide rational explanations even as others suggest a possible connection to unidentified flying objects.

Popocatépetl, a massive stratovolcano standing 5,426 meters tall, is situated approximately 70 kilometers from Mexico City. Its name, derived from the Nahuatl language, translates to "Smoking Mountain," a title it consistently earns through frequent emissions of ash, gas, and incandescent fragments. According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), the volcano exhibited moderate activity throughout early January 2026, characterized by several daily explosions, ash plumes reaching 6,100 meters, and localized volcano-tectonic earthquakes.

By January 20, the volcanic situation remained relatively stable despite the visual spectacle. Authorities maintained a yellow alert level, which serves as a warning for potential ash fall in the surrounding communities. This status indicates that while the volcano is active, there is no immediate threat of a major eruption, though residents are advised to remain vigilant regarding environmental conditions.

Video recordings shared widely online show bright vertical rays emerging from the crater around midnight local time. These beams were observed flickering, elongating, and eventually fading, creating an aesthetic similar to light pillars or high-altitude electrical discharges. Online observers have proposed various theories, including the possibility that these are "red sprites"—rare atmospheric phenomena typically occurring in the upper layers of the atmosphere during intense electrical activity.

Interestingly, this event coincided with a powerful G4-level geomagnetic storm that struck Earth on January 19. This solar event was triggered by a coronal mass ejection from an X1.9-class solar flare. Such storms are known to intensify atmospheric effects, including sprites, which are brief luminous flashes occurring in the mesosphere at altitudes of 50 to 90 kilometers. The volcanic activity at Popocatépetl, which often generates lightning within ash clouds, may have provided the necessary conditions for these discharges to manifest.

Another scientific perspective suggests a more terrestrial optical effect known as "light pillars." This occurs when ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere reflect light from a bright source on the ground—in this case, the glowing, incandescent crater of the volcano. Many users on social media have pointed out that this is a natural meteorological occurrence. While typically seen in much colder climates, the unique combination of volcanic gases and heightened solar activity could have facilitated the phenomenon in Mexico.

Despite these scientific explanations, the event has reignited long-standing paranormal theories. Popocatépetl has a storied history of unexplained sightings, ranging from "exploding spheres" to reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) seemingly entering the volcanic vent. Some commentators have gone as far as to suggest the volcano serves as a base for a "Galactic Federation," claiming the light pillars represent "frequencies" or signals transmitted from extraterrestrial forces. Other theories mention "portals to other dimensions" and signs from alien civilizations.

These speculative views are deeply rooted in the local cultural landscape, drawing on Aztec legends that have long depicted Popocatépetl as a sacred dwelling for gods and spirits. However, modern scientific endeavors have sought to demystify the mountain's interior. In December 2025, researchers produced the first 3D images of the volcano's internal structure, revealing a complex magma plumbing system but finding no evidence of artificial structures or hidden bases.

Nevertheless, the frequent occurrence of such anomalies ensures that Popocatépetl remains a focal point for global interest. The intersection of geological power and unexplained visual phenomena creates a fertile ground for both scientific study and modern folklore. Each new sighting adds a layer to the mountain's enduring mystery, keeping the public captivated by its unpredictable and majestic nature.

In its official reports for January 20, CENAPRED did not highlight any specific atmospheric anomalies, focusing instead on the primary volcanic activity and safety protocols. For the scientific community, these events offer a valuable opportunity to study the interaction between Earth's geological processes and space weather. For local residents and the global audience, the phenomenon serves as a reminder of how science and myth continue to intertwine around the world's most iconic natural landmarks, prompting further observation and wonder.