Earthquake lights – real or not?
When an earthquake strikes, people usually think of shaking ground, falling buildings, and emergency alerts. But in Mexico City, another strange and almost magical phenomenon has captured people’s attention: mysterious flashes of light in the sky. Known as “earthquake lights”, these glowing streaks often appear during or immediately after seismic activity, resembling thunderbolts or glowing flashes of blue and green. Some witnesses even compare them to the northern lights, the aurora borealis.
These unusual lights have puzzled scientists, intrigued locals, and fueled conspiracy theories for centuries. So, what exactly are they, and why do they happen?
A phenomenon observed for centuries
Reports of earthquake lights are not new. In fact, they have been described for hundreds of years and were once called “ghost lights of the earthquake.” Before science tried to explain them, people associated the phenomenon with supernatural forces or divine warnings.
In modern times, conspiracy theories took root. Some skeptics suggested that the lights were linked to secret U.S. government projects, especially DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which has long been rumored to experiment with weather and climate manipulation. While these ideas remain in the realm of speculation, they highlight just how mysterious and rare the lights appear to the human eye.
Earthquake in Mexico City: a sky show
On September 19, Mexico City experienced an earthquake. Luckily, this particular quake was not catastrophic—no major damage or mass casualties were reported. Yet, just as in past quakes, residents witnessed a dazzling display of earthquake lights across the horizon.
Some onlookers mistook the flashes for storm lightning, while others assumed the lights were sparks from power lines clashing after the shaking damaged cables. Still others speculated about OVNIs (the Spanish acronym for UFOs). Whatever their first impression, many were mesmerized by the glowing spectacle above.
What the science says
Scientists, of course, quickly dismissed theories about aliens or hidden weapons programs. Instead, they looked for explanations grounded in geology and physics.
The most widely accepted theory is that earthquake lights are linked to tectonic activity itself. When tectonic plates rub against each other deep beneath the earth’s surface, they release enormous amounts of energy.
Decades ago, a NASA researcher proposed that when two large rocks suddenly fracture, they can generate a burst of electromagnetic discharges. These discharges, when released into the atmosphere, create glowing effects that appear as flashes of light. This theory—while not fully confirmed—remains the most plausible explanation so far.
Some scientists even believe that if we analyze these lights carefully, they could one day help predict earthquakes up to 24 hours in advance. Imagine being able to evacuate or prepare before the ground begins to shake—that knowledge could save thousands of lives.
There are also anecdotes of older generations who claimed they could read these “dancing lights” in the sky as warnings of an impending earthquake. While such observations are unverified, they reflect how closely people have connected natural signs to disaster preparedness.
Do earthquake lights have a scientific name?
Yes—they do. The scientific term for this phenomenon is triboluminescence, which literally means “light produced by rubbing.” The concept is not unique to earthquakes; for example, when you crush sugar crystals or even bite into certain hard candies, tiny flashes of light can be produced, though invisible to the naked eye in most cases.
In the case of earthquakes, triboluminescence happens on a massive scale. As tectonic plates slide and crack, energy is released, sometimes resulting in visible bursts of light. Scientists note that these flashes usually occur with earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher, when the forces at play are strong enough to generate significant discharges.
Interestingly, earthquake lights can sometimes be observed before the actual quake begins, since the energy release starts during the buildup of stress in the earth’s crust. This makes them not just a fascinating natural spectacle, but also a potential early-warning signal.
A mysterious gift of nature
Whether seen as a scientific puzzle, a warning sign, or simply a beautiful display in the midst of chaos, earthquake lights remain one of nature’s most mysterious gifts. For the people of Mexico City, they are both a reminder of the earth’s power and a source of awe.
While scientists continue to study them, the phenomenon still sparks wonder, fear, and even myth. Perhaps in the future, understanding earthquake lights will move from mystery to practical science, giving humanity a new tool to live more safely on our restless planet.
Until then, the next time the ground shakes and the sky glows, witnesses will once again look up in amazement—wondering if they are seeing a storm, an omen, or the Earth itself lighting up its warning signals.
