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Atmospheric Phenomena

Rainbows and Other Colorful Phenomena

When does the green flash phenomenon occur?

On rare occasions, as the last tip of the Sun is setting, the Sun may look bright green for a moment. This green flash occurs because the red rays of light are hidden below the horizon and the blue rays are scattered in the atmosphere. The green rays are seldom seen because of dust and pollution in the lower atmosphere. The phenomenon is best seen when the air is cloudless and when a distant, well-defined horizon exists, such as an ocean view.



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