El earthquake that has strongly shaken southern Mexico has been accompanied by some unusual lights in the skyMany internet users have rushed to report them, overwhelmed by their peculiarity and the strangeness of not having seen them before. Each one, unfamiliar with their situation, has attributed the lights to a cause. There have also been jokes about them, such as "Tom Cruise already said what they were like in War of the Worlds." Others have associated it with HAARP, and some even with power outages or sparks that were occurring in the city.
The truth is that this phenomenon, although unusual, is closely related to the great earthquake that has been suffered in the area. For this reason, so many people have been able to witness it, since it has been seen from many kilometers around. This phenomenon has also been documented for hundreds of years.. The term by which these lights are known is "triboluminescence." Very difficult to know what it is, considering that it can be witnessed very rarely.
Earthquake lights, also known as "seismic lights" o Earthquake Lights (EQL) In English, they are a luminous phenomenon that has been observed in multiple seismic events around the world. Although not fully understood, cases have been documented throughout history, from the 4th century BC to modern measurements. This phenomenon has sparked both the curiosity of scientists and the astonishment of the public.
Triboluminescence: The strange lights in the sky
Triboluminescence is the light emission after deformation or fracture mechanical or thermal way. The great pressure and tension caused by the movement of tectonic plates during the earthquake was the main cause. This is why it could be observed before and even after the earthquake.
The flashes of these lights are the result of slipping in the cracks of the tectonic plates, which generate large electrical charges. According to a study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in the United States, although these discharges occur, they don't always result in flashes of light whenever there's an earthquake. Furthermore, the higher the magnitude, especially magnitude 5 or higher, the more likely they are to occur.
Experts say that although interpreting these light signals would not prevent an earthquake, Identifying them would help a lot to prevent and anticipate one to protect themselves. The phenomenon has received attention not only for its uniqueness, but also for the implications it could have for earthquake prediction.
Did you also know that there are more types of unusual lights in the skyEarthquake flashes can take different forms, including blue glows, spheres of light, or flashes emerging from the ground. Their duration can vary, from brief moments to several minutes.
The enigmatic origins of the lights
Seismic light has been associated with different theories, ranging from static electricity generated by the movement of the Earth to chemical effects in specific rocks. Studies have compiled reports of seismic flashes since the Sanriku earthquake in Japan in 869. This phenomenon has been recorded in various disasters throughout history, displaying distinctive patterns and unique characteristics.
An analysis of 65 earthquakes that have occurred since 1600 showed that a 80% Some of the lights occur in earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater, and are visible more than 600 kilometers away from the epicenter. This indicates that the lights are associated with large seismic events, providing a potential clue for future research and potential uses in earthquake prediction.
As early as the 1755th century, lights in the sky were documented before major earthquakes, such as the Lisbon earthquake in XNUMX. In Japan, lights have been mentioned before earthquakes since ancient times. As technology advances, researchers have been able to capture increasingly clear evidence of these lights, contributing to a better understanding of the phenomenon.
The theories behind seismic lights
Several scientists have suggested that the lights are generated by defects or impurities in rock crystals that experience mechanical stress during tectonic movements. This stress can lead to electricity generation, which causes lights to appear before or during earthquakes.
Another theory supported by researcher Troy Shinbrot of Rutgers University suggests that the lights are a result of extreme friction between materials that generate voltage spikes and, consequently, light. During his experiments, Shinbrot used different types of sand to simulate conditions in the Earth's crust, demonstrating how the movement of grains can produce electricity.
Other theories point to the oxygen ionization in certain rocks related to stress, as well as the possible generation of electric fields during tectonic movements in quartz-bearing granite layers. It has also been proposed that sudden disruption of the magnetic field and ionosphere may contribute to the observed seismic flashes.
However, the lack of a clear consensus within the scientific community means the phenomenon remains a mystery and an area of active study, with the hope that this knowledge can one day be used to improve earthquake predictions.
Why are these lights important?
Earthquake lights are not only a curious phenomenon, they also represent a possible predictive tool for the future. Although not all major earthquakes are preceded by lights, and not all visible lights result in an earthquake, these signals could provide valuable warnings in the future.
During the L'Aquila earthquake, a witness observed unusual lights just before the quake, allowing him to evacuate his family to safety, turning this experience into a potential success story in damage prevention. By further investigating and recording these phenomena, patterns could be established that would allow for assessing the risk of a future earthquake.
Lights in the sky have become an increasingly popular topic in popular culture, the media, and social media, where their meaning and how they can be connected to seismic events are frequently debated. This interest can be positive, as it raises awareness about earthquakes and the importance of preparedness.
With the help of modern technology, such as security cameras and smartphones, documentation of this phenomenon has become easier over the years, which can contribute to a deeper and more accurate understanding of the phenomenon. Historical and recent records will continue to play a crucial role in developing theories about these mysterious phenomena.