Explanations based on known phenomena include: • Some types of spiders are known to
migrate through the air, sometimes in large numbers, on cobweb gliders. • In
Évora, Portugal, on November 2, 1959, a substance described as angel hair was collected and analyzed under a microscope by a local school director and later by armed forces technicians and scientists of the
University of Lisbon. The scientists concluded that the angel hair was likely produced by a small insect of an unknown species or perhaps some kind of single-celled organism. •
Atmospheric electricity may cause floating dust particles to become
polarized, and attraction between these polarized dust particles may cause them to join together, to form long filaments. • On two occasions, samples were sent for testing. On October 13, 1917, a sample found at
Cova da Iria was sent to Lisbon and on October 17, 1957, another sample found at Cova da Iria was examined. The analysis found this to be natural, consisting of white flakes. When put under a microscope it was found to be a vegetable product, not animal. Explanations based on folklore include: • During the ascension of the
Virgin Mary, her veil was torn and spread throughout the air, leading to the title of Mary's yarn. ==Angel grass==