The green ray or green flash occurs shortly after sunset or even at dawn. Just as the sun sets/rises, a green ray shoots up. This is a rare optical phenomenon.

Its explanation lies in refraction of light in the atmosphere and is enhanced by atmospheric layering . It is usually observed from a low altitude where there is an unobstructed view of the horizon, such as on the ocean. Whilst we would expect to see a blue light, the blue is dispersed (this is why the sky is blue) and the green flash is visible from a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds duration.

With slight magnification the effect can be seen on the top limb of the solar disk on most clear-day sunsets. However the flash effect requires a stronger layering of the atmosphere.

Jules Verne, the early French science-fiction writer, wrote a book named "Le rayon vert" ("The green ray") whose hero is chasing this elusive phenomenon.

External links

• Straight Dope Article on the Green Flash from Cecil Adams
• A Green Flash Page, Andrew T. Young's page with comprehensive explanations.
• Green flash
• Astronomy Picture of the Day from NASA
• Green Flash Pictures