Residents in Tameside have joked that aliens may have tried to make contact last night after a mysterious purple glow was seen across the sky.
The purple glare was spotted around the Dukinfield area, including Dukinfield Park and Ridge Hill, at around 10pm on Monday evening by a number of residents.
One resident suspected the purple glow might be 'a laser pen thing', while some went other-worldly suggesting it could be a UFO or even Batman lighting up the Bat-Signal.
'Aliens coming for you', said another resident on social media.
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In fact, there is perhaps a more reasonable explanation for the purple glare.
The lights are similar to those seen last year in the Stalybridge area, which were associated at the time with a 'tamping train' which is used to carry out repair work.
The tamping train is laser-guided, which would explain the mysterious purple light.
According to Network Rail, tamping trains are track maintenance machines that ensure tracks are correctly aligned and have a smooth level.
Tamping trains can also be used to treat switches and crossings.
The Railway Gazette reported that automatic laser alignment controllers provide improved control of rail lifting.
Data from lasers are used to control cylinders and align the lifting clamps.
Manchester Evening News has approached Network Rail for comment.
