What's Happening?
A stunning photograph of a green flash at sunset was captured at Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes by NOIRLab Audiovisual Ambassador Petr Horálek. The green flash is an atmospheric optical phenomenon that occurs when the sun is near the horizon, and its
light is refracted by the Earth's atmosphere. This rare event creates a brief green rim at the top of the sun's disk, visible for just a second or two. The image highlights the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics.
Why It's Important?
The green flash is a captivating example of atmospheric optics, providing insights into the Earth's atmospheric conditions and the behavior of light. Studying such phenomena helps scientists understand the vertical structure of the atmosphere and its impact on astronomical observations. The knowledge gained from these studies can improve the accuracy of telescopic observations and enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes.
