What Are Earthquake Lights? When The Earth Trembles, The Sky Responds

Last Updated:March 28, 2025, 18:02 IST

During the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, residents reported flashes of multicoloured lights illuminating the sky.

Lights have been seen for centuries, appearing before or during earthquakes. (AFP Image)

It is a moment of primal fear – the ground beneath us, assumed to be steady and unwavering, suddenly shudders. Earthquakes are among nature’s most terrifying displays of power, sending shockwaves through cities and landscapes. But while most eyes remain fixed on the trembling ground, some witnesses report a strange and eerie phenomenon above – mysterious lights flickering across the sky.

According to CNN, these so-called “earthquake lights" have been documented for centuries, with sightings recorded as far back as ancient Greece. These luminous displays, often appearing in hues of blue, white, or red, have been spotted moments before, during, or even hours before a major quake. In the digital age, the proliferation of security cameras and smartphones has provided researchers with unprecedented visual evidence of this elusive occurrence.

During the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, residents reported flashes of multicoloured lights illuminating the sky, a scene reminiscent of past quakes. Similar phenomena were captured on video during Mexico City’s earthquake in 2017, further fuelling scientific intrigue.

The leading theory, as suggested by geophysicists, attributes these spectral displays to tectonic stress. As the Earth’s plates grind against each other, immense pressure builds within underground rock formations. Some researchers propose that this stress could trigger electrical discharges, ionising the air and producing ghostly glows visible to the naked eye.

Eyewitness accounts also describe sudden lightning-like flashes during major quakes, even in the absence of storm clouds. Scientists theorise that these bursts of energy result from electromagnetic disturbances caused by shifting tectonic plates. While these explanations remain largely hypothetical, ongoing research aims to unlock the true mechanics behind this spectral phenomenon.

Beyond the lights, other peculiar skyward anomalies have been reported in connection with seismic activity. Some observers claim that the sky takes on unusual hues—pink, blue, or yellow—before an earthquake. Additionally, uniquely shaped clouds, distinct from ordinary atmospheric formations, have been spotted before significant tremors.

Scientists caution, however, that atmospheric conditions and environmental factors may also contribute to these visual anomalies. Despite centuries of folklore linking such changes to impending earthquakes, definitive proof remains elusive.

The possibility of using earthquake lights as an early warning signal is an exciting yet uncertain prospect. While some geophysicists hope that identifying patterns in these phenomena could improve earthquake prediction, current models remain inconclusive. More studies are required to determine whether these glowing harbingers can provide reliable forecasts for seismic events.

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