Astronomy Picture of the Day

Northern Green Flash


Bild Note: 4 (2 Votes)

⏴ previousBild Upload von 18.02.2016 21:42next ⏵
zorg.ch
#113687 by @ 24.06.2012 00:00 - nach oben -
Northern Green Flash

Explanation: As seen from Frösön island in northern Sweden the Sun did set a day after the summer solstice. From that location below the arctic circle it settled slowly behind the northern horizon. During the sunset's final minute, this remarkable sequence of 7 images follows the distorted edge of the solar disk as it just disappears against a distant tree line, capturing both a green and blue flash. Not a myth even in a land of runes, the colorful but ellusive glints are caused by atmospheric refraction enhanced by long, low, sight lines and strong atmospheric temperature gradients.

Credit & Copyright