Quck answer
Earthquake lights, also known as earthquake-induced lights or seismic lights, are a rare phenomenon that occur before, during, or after an earthquake. They are described as luminous flashes, glowing orbs, or streaks of light that appear in the sky or near the ground. These lights can vary in color, intensity, and duration. While the exact cause of earthquake lights is still not fully understood, there are several theories. One theory suggests that the lights are produced by the release of energy during the seismic activity. Another theory proposes that the lights are a result of electrical charges generated by the movement of rocks and minerals. Further research is needed to fully comprehend this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Imagine you’re enjoying a pleasant spring evening in a local park. Your family is sitting on a blanket, finishing the dinner you brought for a picnic. The sun has just set on a beautiful day. Suddenly, you notice blue orbs of light in the distance. You watch, puzzled, as they float near the horizon. That’s when you feel the ground start to tremble. It’s an earthquake!
The earthquake is over quickly. Your family members are safe. Everyone gathers up the leftovers and the picnic blanket to go home. But you’re still curious—what were those orbs of light? Where did they come from? Were they related to the earthquake?
You have just witnessed a phenomenon known as earthquake lights. People have reported these sightings for thousands of years—since at least 89 B.C.E. However, scientists were skeptical for many years. After all, think about it—mysterious lights in the sky? It sounds more like something from a science fiction story than reality.
In the era of technology, though, it is harder to deny the existence of earthquake lights. They were captured on camera for the first time in 1965 during an earthquake in Japan. Since then, other videos have continued to emerge. They were recorded just before a 2008 earthquake in China. Similar sightings were reported in Italy in 2009 and New Zealand in 2016.
What do these lights look like? Their appearance varies. Sometimes, they are floating orbs, like the ones mentioned earlier. Other times, they appear as streaks of green cloud-like formations. Sometimes, the light even seems to move across the sky like lightning. A few witnesses even claimed that the lights originated from the ground.
How can earthquake lights be explained? Could they be an excess of electricity? Are they a reflection? Could they be a warning sign from the Earth that an earthquake is about to occur? Experts have conducted extensive research to understand earthquake lights and they may have a possible explanation.
Experts propose that prior to an earthquake, the tension in the ground may cause groups of negatively charged oxygen atoms to separate. When this happens, these atoms rush to the surface and form clusters that create a charged gas, emitting light.
This explanation may account for the source of the light, but what determines its shape? Experts are not entirely sure. They continue to study this phenomenon and new information may become available in the future.
In addition, earthquake lights do not appear with every earthquake. In fact, they are quite rare. You may have learned that most earthquakes occur near fault lines, where two tectonic plates meet. While this is true, some earthquakes occur within a tectonic plate near a continental rift. Scientists have discovered that 85 percent of reported earthquake lights were observed during earthquakes in these zones.
What about the remaining 15 percent? They occurred during earthquakes where two tectonic plates slid past each other, rather than colliding or one being beneath the other. Experts believe this is significant, but they are not yet certain about its exact meaning.
What are your thoughts? Why do earthquake lights sometimes resemble orbs? What causes others to appear as lightning? Why do they occur during certain earthquakes and not others? Continue to investigate—perhaps you will be the one to uncover the answers!
Try It Out
Find an adult who can assist you with one or more of the activities below:
- Find out more information about earthquakes. What did you discover? How do tectonic plates contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes? How often do earthquakes happen? Summarize your findings for a friend or family member.
- A seismologist is a person who specializes in studying earthquakes. Would you consider a career as a seismologist? Explain your reasons for being interested or not interested in a letter or email to a friend or family member.
- Have you ever witnessed earthquake lights? If not, imagine what they might look like. Would they resemble glowing orbs or streaks similar to lightning? How would you ensure your safety during an earthquake? Create a comic strip that narrates the story.
References for Further Reading
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-do-lights-sometimes-appear-in-the-sky-during-an-earthquake-180948077/ (accessed on March 19, 2020)
- https://www.newscientist.com/article/2147401-mysterious-lights-in-the-sky-seen-after-mexicos-huge-earthquake/ (accessed on March 19, 2020)
- https://www.livescience.com/43686-earthquake-lights-possible-cause.html (accessed on March 19, 2020)
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