Star jelly, also known as astral jelly, astromyxin, or star rot, is a gelatinous substance that is often reported to appear on the ground or on plants, usually after meteor showers. Historical references to this enigmatic substance date back to the 14th century. The earliest known mentions describe it as a translucent, gelatin-like material that was believed to fall from the sky during meteor showers.
The term “star jelly” itself comes from medieval Latin “stella terrae,” meaning “star of the earth.” In folklore, star jelly was often considered a supernatural substance with mystical properties. John of Gaddesden (1280–1361) was a prominent medieval English physician renowned for his medical text, Rosa Anglica. This comprehensive medical compendium, written around 1314, was among the earliest medical textbooks in England and covered a wide range of treatments and remedies.
Interestingly, John of Gaddesden mentioned star jelly (referred to as “sterre slyme” or “sterre slubber”) in his work, noting its mysterious appearance and potential medicinal uses. He considered it to have fallen from the sky and suggested it could be used in treating abscesses and inflammations,
reflecting the period’s blend of empirical observation and folklore in medical practice. Despite its historical presence, star jelly remains a scientific enigma. Various analyses have been conducted to determine its composition and origin, but conclusive evidence is still lacking.
William of Newburgh (1136 – 1198), an English historian and monk, documented an instance of “a certain mucilaginous substance” falling from the sky in his work Historia rerum Anglicarum (History of English Affairs). He described it as a celestial substance that was found in the fields after a meteor shower. Conrad Gesner, a Swiss naturalist and bibliographer, mentioned star jelly in his work Historiae animalium (1551–1558).
He referred to it as “nostoc” and suggested that it was a type of gelatinous fungus or algae that appeared after rainfall. The English writer and diarist John Evelyn noted the appearance of star jelly in his diary. In an entry dated October 4, 1695, he described finding a gelatinous substance in his garden, which he believed had fallen from the sky during a meteor shower. In his work Pseudodoxia Epidemica (1646), also known as Vulgar Errors, Sir Thomas Browne discussed the phenomenon of star jelly. He examined various contemporary beliefs and theories about its origin,
including the idea that it was a byproduct of atmospheric conditions or the remains of frogs and toads. Charles Fort, an American writer and researcher known for his collections of anomalous phenomena, included numerous references to star jelly in his books. In The Book of the Damned (1919) and New Lands (1923), Fort compiled accounts of star jelly sightings from around the world, often highlighting the mysterious and unexplained nature of the substance. In his book Letters on Natural Magic (1832),
Scottish physicist David Brewster described an incident where star jelly was found in large quantities after a meteor shower. He discussed various scientific explanations and theories, including the possibility of the substance being a form of organic matter from space.
Theories
- Cyanobacteria: Some researchers suggest that star jelly could be a type of cyanobacteria, specifically Nostoc, which can form gelatinous colonies that swell when they absorb water.
- Amphibian Remains: Another theory posits that star jelly might be the remains of the reproductive organs of frogs or toads, regurgitated by predators.
- Myxomycetes (Slime Molds): These organisms can form gelatinous masses and might be mistaken for star jelly.
- Fungi: Some fungi produce jelly-like substances that could be confused with star jelly.
Modern scientific analysis has often been hampered by the transient nature of the substance, which tends to disappear or degrade quickly, making it difficult to study.
Examples
- Lancashire, UK (1950): Reports of star jelly appeared after a meteor shower.
- Scotland (1983): Found near the River Dee after a meteor shower.
- Texas, USA (1979): Sightings reported after a meteor shower.
- Northumberland, UK (2009): Discovered in a nature reserve.
- Oakville, Washington, USA (1994): Gelatinous blobs fell during a rainstorm.
- New York, USA (1997): Reported after a meteor shower.
- Australia (1997): Found after a meteor shower in Queensland.
- Wales, UK (2008): Discovered in a garden after a meteor shower.
- New Zealand (2013): Reports following a meteor shower.
- Norway (2012): Found after a meteor shower.
- England (2008): Discovered in the Lake District.
- Chile (2007): Reports of star jelly after a meteor shower.
- Canada (2001): Sightings reported in British Columbia.
- Ireland (2009): Discovered after a meteor shower.
- South Africa (2014): Found following a meteor shower.
Star jelly has also captured the imagination of writers and filmmakers, appearing in various works of fiction: H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Colour Out of Space”: This short story describes a mysterious, gelatinous substance that falls from space, causing havoc on a farm. “The Blob” (1958 film): A classic sci-fi horror film where a gelatinous alien life form consumes everything in its path. “Doctor Who” (TV series): The episode “The Stones of Blood” features a gelatinous alien creature.
“The X-Files” (TV series): In the episode “The Rain King,” a gelatinous substance falls from the sky. Arthur C. Clarke’s “A Fall of Moondust”: This novel includes a mysterious, jelly-like substance encountered by lunar explorers.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Star jelly” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_jelly
- New Cryptozoology Wiki “Star Jelly” https://new-cryptozoology.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Jelly
- IFLScience “A Certain Mucilaginous Substance”: What Is The Mysterious Star Jelly? https://www.iflscience.com/a-certain-mucilaginous-substance-what-is-the-mysterious-star-jelly-74079
- Exploration Journal “The Mystery of Star Jelly” https://www.explorationjournal.co.uk/articles/the-mystery-of-star-jelly/
- HowStuffWorks “What is star jelly?” https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/unexplained-phenomena/star-jelly.htm
