California, a state known for its seismic activity, may be on the brink of a major earthquake, according to geophysicist Stefan Burns. The signs are ominous: a magnitude 7 quake in Alaska, a magnitude 6.5 near Acapulco, and a rare sighting of “doomsday fish” in Monterey Bay—all within weeks of each other. Burns warns that these events, combined with a recent magnitude 5.7 antipodal quake off the coast of Africa, point to heightened earthquake risk for Northern California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area.

The concept of antipodal earthquakes, where seismic activity on one side of the globe is mirrored on the opposite side, has gained traction in recent years. Burns highlights a series of recent quakes that appear to follow this pattern, with activity “ping-ponging” between distant regions. For example, the Mexico quake was followed by a series of tremors on the opposite side of the globe at the mid-Indian ridge. Similarly, the Prince Edward Islands region experienced a magnitude 5.7 quake that aligns almost perfectly with the antipode of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Adding to the concern is the appearance of orfish, deep-sea creatures associated with Japanese folklore as precursors to natural disasters. On December 30, 2025, a scuba diver spotted an orfish in Monterey Bay. Burns notes that similar sightings occurred before major earthquakes, including a magnitude 8.8 mega-quake off Russia in 2025 and a magnitude 7 event near Cape Mendocino in 2024. While the connection between orfish and earthquakes remains speculative, Burns emphasizes the importance of historical records and folklore in understanding Earth’s subtle warning signs.

Beyond seismic activity, Burns points to planetary alignments as another factor contributing to the elevated earthquake risk. A rare alignment involving Mars, Venus, Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Neptune, and Saturn is currently active, creating harmonic aspects that have historically coincided with major earthquakes. Burns draws parallels to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which occurred during a similar alignment, and warns that the current configuration could amplify geophysical stress.

California’s fault systems, including the San Andreas, Hayward, Calaveras, Green Valley, and Rogers Creek faults, are under increasing strain. Burns highlights the Calaveras fault as a potential site for a magnitude 6 to 6.5 earthquake, noting its overdue status for significant seismic activity. The Bay Area has experienced only three major quakes in the 21st century—a magnitude 6 in Napa and two magnitude 5 events on the Calaveras fault—making the region vulnerable.

The Schumann resonances, Earth’s natural electromagnetic signals, also show anomalies that could indicate geophysical changes. High-power signals in specific frequency ranges have been detected, which Burns explains may precede major earthquakes. While these signals alone are not definitive, they add to the growing list of factors suggesting heightened seismic risk.

Burns urges residents of Northern California to prepare for the possibility of a major earthquake. He recommends having emergency supplies for at least three days, knowing evacuation routes, and practicing earthquake safety drills. While the timing and location of the potential quake remain uncertain, Burns emphasizes that the signs are too significant to ignore.

As the Pacific Ring of Fire continues to experience seismic activity, the San Francisco Bay Area remains a critical gap in the pattern. Burns warns that a high-magnitude earthquake could complete the stress relief building across the region, potentially triggering widespread damage. With recent data pointing to increased risk, the question is not if, but when California will face its next big quake.