Why Are Some Street Lights Suddenly Turning Purple?

In many major metropolitan cities around the U.S., there is a mysterious change in some of the street lights where the light being emitted is suddenly a hue of purple for some reason. But why is this?

Aliens? Social commentary? A deeper conspiracy?

Apparently, it’s a manufacturing issue with certain defective LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LED’s come with three colored filters (red, blue, and yellow) that turns light white when it passes through all three of them. However, it is believed that the yellow filter in these bulbs is defective. So when light passes through only red and blue, the end result is purple.

While approximately 1% of LED street lights are deemed defective, it is estimated that 5,000 bulbs are painting cities in purple light.

LED’s have grown to be the standard in homes, headlights and taillights in cars, and street lights because they are able to emit bright light without overheating. They also have a long life expectancy and are more environmentally friendly.

Evergy, the company which produces LED bulbs used in street lights, is claiming responsibility for this and will be making an effort to replace all of the bulbs within the next 4-6 months.