New evidence about the Brown Mountain Lights has emerged in recent months, prompting local officials to host a second symposium on this natural phenomenon.

The symposium, titled "Brown Mountain Lights: What Does Our Government Really Know?" takes place Saturday, Nov. 3, at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (COMMA).

Following February's first symposium, well-known North Carolina photographer Charles Braswell Jr. has come forward with never-before-seen photos and video of the mysterious lights.

Braswell, a credentialed photographer for the NASA Space Shuttle program, will speak at the second symposium and unveil some of the most detailed photos ever captured. The photos and video were shot in 2001, after years of occasionally observing the lights.

"When Charles showed me these photos, I was taken aback," said Burke County tourism director Ed Phillips, organizer of the symposiums. "People will definitely to want to see these and hear what Charles has to say about his encounters."

Additional evidence about the Brown Mountain Lights will be presented by retired U.S. Forest Service enforcement officer Clarence Wayne Smith. Smith regularly patrolled the Linville Gorge and areas surrounding Brown Mountain during a career that spanned more than 20 years.

"C.W. Smith will share his personal experiences with the lights during his career," said Phillips.

The third presenter at the symposium will be noted author and paranormal researcher Joshua P Warren, of Asheville.

Warren returns to the symposium with updated info about possible government research and past military activity in the Brown Mountain area, which many believe is directly related to the Brown Mountain Lights.

The symposium runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, 401 South College St.

Tickets are $12 per person and may be purchased at the box office or online at www.commaonline.org.

Call (828) 433-6793 for info.