The Enchanting Green Flash: A Rare Optical Phenomenon

The green flash, a captivating optical event, can be witnessed briefly after sunset or just before sunrise, when the sun is almost entirely below the horizon, leaving its top edge still visible. This mesmerizing phenomenon occurs when the sun's upper rim appears green for a fleeting one or two seconds, presenting a spectacular sight for observers.

The formation of the green flash is attributed to the increasing thickness of the atmosphere near the horizon. As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, yellow and orange colors are absorbed, while violet light is scattered. This process allows red and blue-green light to travel directly toward the observer. The remarkable green flash emerges due to the significant deflection or refraction of sunlight close to the horizon, creating an illusion of two suns - one red and one blue-green - partially overlapping each other. As the red sun is always closer to the horizon, only the blue-green disk becomes visible during the green flash.

To catch a glimpse of this rare and enchanting optical spectacle, seek out a clear, haze-free day with a distinct and distant horizon, preferably over the ocean or an unobstructed landscape. Remember not to look at the sun until it's almost entirely below the horizon to safeguard your eyes. Be prepared to be awestruck by the captivating beauty of the elusive green flash.

Photo: reddit@sipthestreets