The unsolved mystery of Ladakh's Magnetic Hills

New Delhi: In the past few decades, man has made many advancements in science and technology. Many things have been explored and conquered but there still remain certain phenomena that lie beyond the grasp of human intelligence. One such unsolved mystery of India is the Magnetic Hills in Ladakh. Located in the Ladakh region of Kashmir, these hills can pull a car uphill when parked in neutral on a marked spot on the hill, which slopes down. The car instead of sliding down will move up at a speed of 20 Km/hr or more depending on the model of the car. However its not just cars but planes too are attracted by the Magnetic Hills. The local administration of this region has also put up a bill board marking the hill, to help tourists recognize the Magnetic Hill. The board clearly states the whole phenomenon allowing you to be a part of this one of a kind experience. Locals and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel claim that the helicopters and aircrafts that pass through the area have to fly at a greater speed to avoid the magnetic impact of the Magnetic hill. And if the aircraft comes within the radius of Magnetic Hill, it starts to jerk. In fact, the Indian Air Force pilots always steer clear of the Magnetic Hill. Many claim that natural or even supernatural forces are at work here causing the magnetic attractions. However, there is some scientific reasoning to this phenomenon as well. The Magnetic Hill is a place where the layout of the surrounding land produces the optical illusion that a very slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope. Thus, a vehicle left out of gear will appear to be rolling uphill. The slope of gravity hills is an optical illusion, although a completely or majorly obstructed horizon is the most important factor contributing to the illusion. As, in the absence of a horizon it becomes difficult to judge the slope of a surface. If the horizon cannot be seen or is not level, then we may be fooled by objects that we expect to be vertical but that really are not. Another theory is that false perspective might also play a role. Objects far away may seem smaller or larger than they really are. This is a remarkably common illusion that is found in numerous locations around the world. Usually it is a stretch of road in a hilly area where the level horizon is obscured. Some researchers say this happens because the hill possesses magnetic power while some claim it is nothing but an optical illusion. The mystery is yet left unanswered.