Sun looks weird today
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Unusual Solar Phenomena: Understanding Why the Sun Looks Weird Today
Unusual Cloud-Glow After Sunset
One of the most striking phenomena that can make the sun appear unusual is the presence of unusual cloud formations and atmospheric conditions. A detailed observation described an extraordinary sunset effect where cirrocumulus clouds were illuminated with pink and deep red colors immediately after sunset. This was followed by a peculiar greenish and white opalescent haze near the horizon, which later turned pink and created a sheaf-like spread of colors in the sky. The phenomenon was characterized by the persistence of the colored reflected sunlight for an extended period and a second illumination occurring more than an hour after sunset1.
Peculiar Shadows During Solar Eclipses
During partial solar eclipses, shadows cast by the sun's rays can exhibit peculiarities that are not commonly observed. These unusual shadow effects are often overlooked as observers tend to focus on the sun itself. Such phenomena can contribute to the perception of the sun looking strange during these events2.
Pinkish Appearance of the Sun
The sun can sometimes appear with a pinkish hue, which is considered unusual. This effect has been observed when the sun shines through a thick haze of low cirrostratus or rain clouds. The presence of these clouds at a relatively low elevation can cause the sun to appear as a round disc with a pinkish color, which is not typically seen under normal atmospheric conditions3.
Distortions of the Setting Sun
The setting sun can appear distorted due to atmospheric refraction. Layers of atmosphere with different densities can cause the sun's rays to bend, leading to a distorted image. This effect is more pronounced when the sun is near the horizon, where the lower limb of the sun appears more elevated than the upper limb, resulting in an oval flattening of the sun's disc. Such distortions are common during summer months and are influenced by the density variations in the atmosphere4.
Solar Halos and Parhelia
Solar halos and parhelia (sun dogs) are optical phenomena that can make the sun appear unusual. These halos are typically caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. Unusual solar halos, such as parabolic-shaped halos or halos with additional smaller halos and sun pillars, have been observed and can create striking visual effects around the sun. These phenomena are often faint and can continue to be visible even after sunset8 9.
Apparent Enlargement of the Sun
The sun can appear larger when it is near the horizon due to an optical illusion. This phenomenon occurs because we perceive the sky as a shallow inverted bowl, making the horizon seem much farther away than the zenith. As a result, the sun, which has the same angular diameter regardless of its position, appears larger when it is near the horizon10.
Conclusion
The sun can look weird due to a variety of atmospheric and optical phenomena. Unusual cloud formations, peculiar shadows during eclipses, pinkish hues caused by low clouds, atmospheric refraction leading to distortions, and optical illusions such as solar halos and the apparent enlargement of the sun near the horizon all contribute to these unusual appearances. Understanding these phenomena can help demystify the strange and beautiful displays we sometimes observe in the sky.
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APPARENT DISTORTIONS OF THE SETTING SUN
The setting Sun's distorted appearance is due to layers of haze and stratified atmosphere of varying density, rather than high temperatures, and is most noticeable during the summer months.
Appearance-based interventions to reduce ultraviolet exposure and/or increase sun protection intentions and behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analyses.
Appearance-based interventions positively impact UV exposure and sun protection intentions and behaviors, potentially playing a role in health promotion.
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