The Shroud of Turin: «Solar» image formation mechanism

Abstract. The author views the possible mechanisms of «image» formation on a linen cloth of the Shroud of Turin, widely discussed in scientific literature. The author shows how the «image» on the cloth was formed in a natural way and how much energy it required. Oil traces of the body imprint on the white cloth which contain particles of myrrh plant ointment and hydrophilic substances from aloe juice, which could fall on the cloth together with the oil from the liniment applied for the body when buried, under the influence of the energy of the southern solar rays, caused oxidation and dehydration of the cellulose fiber of the shroud cloth. This gave the appearance of the visible effects of the «image» formation on the cloth. The author appeals to the experimental data of linen cloth heating, on which a handprint (oiled with the liniment) was previously carried. The results of the heating of such cloth with the light energy of xenon lamp (which is an analogue of solar rays) have shown that the «image» of the palm consisting of vague yellowish spots without visible borders has come out. This image was caused by slight darkening of the cloth fibers surface.