Strange Lights In Sky Before Morocco Earthquake Baffles Internet, Spark UFO, Other Theories

Unverified videos of 'strange lights' flashing in the sky above Agadir in Morocco, hours before a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck have baffled onlookers.

Some have suggested that the lights could be UFOs, while others have speculated that they may be earthquake lights, a rare phenomenon that is believed to occur in times of seismic stress.

However, the cause of the lights remains unknown, and scientists are still trying to determine whether earthquake lights even exist.

Theories abound

The videos of the lights have gone viral on social media, sparking a frenzy of speculation about their origins.

Some people have suggested that the lights could be UFOs, while others have speculated that they may be caused by lightning, Saint Elmo's fire, or other natural phenomena.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support any of these theories.

Earthquake lights: A possible explanation?

Another possible explanation for the lights is that they may be earthquake lights.

What Exactly Are Earthquake Lights? Earthquake lights are a rare phenomenon that is believed to occur in times of seismic stress. Nevertheless, there is no conclusive evidence to elucidate this mysterious phenomenon. Earthquake lights have been reported in association with earthquakes of all magnitudes, but they are most commonly seen before or during large earthquakes.

The lights can appear in a variety of shapes and colors, including blue, white, red, and yellow. They can also be seen at different altitudes, from the ground to the upper atmosphere.

The exact cause of earthquake lights is unknown, but scientists believe that they may be caused by electrical discharges in the Earth's crust.

Friedemann Freund, Professor at the SETI Institute/NASA Ames Research Center, who examined 65 accounts of potential "earthquake lights," proposes a complex form of static electricity as an explanation. He theorises that the friction generated when tectonic plates rub against each other might produce sufficient electrical current to trigger a luminous discharge, thus accounting for the brilliant flashes.

Cautious Interpretation by USGS:

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) approaches these occurrences with caution, acknowledging the divergence of opinions among geophysicists regarding the validity of individual reports of unusual luminosity near the time and epicenter of an earthquake.

Other plausible explanations for these luminous bursts include the possibility of early tremors jolting power lines, resulting in electric arcs. Despite the uncertainty, the possibility of a connection between these luminous flashes and earthquakes is not entirely ruled out.