Bizarre colorful (luminous/glowing) cloud phenomenon in the sky was observed about 30 mins before the May 12, 2008 Sichuan earthquake took place. This was recorded in Tianshui, Gansu province ~450km northeast of epicenter, by someone using a cell phone. These clouds seemed to be glowing or somewhat luminous and seemed to resemble some characteristics of the Auroras.

Japanese tourists are visiting Alaska this time of year to see the aurora borealis, helping to create a lucrative winter tourism market in a cold, cold state that is primarily a summer destination, and their number is growing. Japanese culture is fascinated with natural wonders, and the aurora borealis is a luminous phenomenon produced when charged solar particles strike the upper atmosphere near the North Pole, is celebrated in travel and adventure shows in Japan. Many Japanese save for years or take out loans to see the aurora. For some, it is almost a spiritual quest. "Some of them have