There is apparently a phenomenon that happens right before and perhaps during an earthquake that is very similar to the auroras in the northern and southern hemispheres. This phenomenon, somewhat regarded as make-believe until recent history, is referred to as earthquake light. Apparently right before and during an earthquake (or perhaps more accurately, places of tectonic stress, seismic activity, or volcanic eruptions), aurora-esque luminous activity in the sky has been reported all over the world.
http://www.jimonlight.com/2010/01/16/the-phenomenon-of-earthquake-lights/
SEE VIDEO
Thanks Fred Nerks!