Observers reported bright blue flashes lighting up the night sky just before a powerful earthquake shook Morocco on Saturday evening, a 6.8 magnitude event that left communities stunned. Clips circulating on social media captured the phenomenon, drawing attention from viewers and researchers alike.
Experts described the glowing skies as what is commonly called earthquake lights, or EQL, a term used to describe luminous displays linked to seismic activity. These rare visuals have been noted in different parts of the world, including Mexico City in 2021 and Japan on the eve of a major tremor in 2022, with scattered historical accounts dating back centuries. Before modern photography and video evidence, such sightings were often dismissed as folklore rather than fact.
Despite the long-standing curiosity about EQL, scientists have not reached a consensus on how these lights form. Geophysicists from the SETI Institute in the United States suggest that intense movement of tectonic plates could generate a local electrical current. This current might ionize the air at the eventual epicenter, producing a visible glow ahead of shaking. Yet researchers from the University of North Carolina challenge this explanation, arguing that rock friction alone would not release enough energy to create a dazzling sky event.
Another plausible explanation points to electrical discharges triggered by the infrastructure network. Short circuits in high voltage lines could theoretically produce brief flashes of light as early, minor tremors ripple through power grids and infrastructure before full shaking begins.
If these EQL displays are reliable signals of impending earthquakes, they could inspire new early warning research. Scientists envision systems that monitor atmospheric luminescence as a potential clue to upcoming seismic activity, offering precious seconds to minutes for preparations and safety measures.
As investigations continue, researchers emphasize caution and rigor. They acknowledge the excitement around striking visuals while underscoring that a clear, tested link between EQL and imminent quakes still requires robust, reproducible evidence. In today’s data-driven environment, Canada and the United States stand committed to advancing seismic science, learning from past events, and refining predictive models to better protect communities.
Recent discussions among seismologists highlight the importance of cross-disciplinary studies that combine atmospheric science, geology, and electrical engineering. By pooling observations, instruments, and archival records, scientists aim to determine whether EQL can become a reliable part of earthquake monitoring or if the lights reflect a more complex interaction of geophysical processes. The pursuit continues as researchers weigh theoretical possibilities against concrete measurements from across the globe.