3 Sun Miraget & Flash

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Exploring the Phenomenon of 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash

Have you ever witnessed a mesmerizing sunset where the sky seems to play tricks on your eyes? One captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon that can occur during such moments is the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this fascinating event and uncover the science behind it.

The key to understanding the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash lies in temperature inversions. These inversions create mirages and enhance the visibility of this optical spectacle. If you observe carefully, you will notice a darker zone extending from the horizon up to the flash. This darker zone is a result of the temperature inversion. It occurs when cold offshore ocean currents meet warm Santa Ana winds, causing the air to cool significantly.

Now, let's take a closer look at the three suns that appear during this phenomenon:

1. Sun .1: This is the lower descending sun, which takes on a pancake-like shape. It sits below the other two suns and contributes to the mirage effect.

2. Sun .2: The inverted rising image of the sun appears as a fragmented yellow line at the top of the dark layer. It adds to the illusion of multiple suns in the sky.

3. Sun .3: Just above the dark layer, the descending sun .3 exhibits vibrant colors that are vertically stretched, resulting in an intense flash of green. This green flash is one of the most captivating aspects of the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash.

But the mirage doesn't stop there. Even the island itself can undergo a mirage transformation, appearing as a towering mountain in this atmospheric spectacle.

To witness such a phenomenon, timing is crucial. The conditions for a 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash are specific and require a combination of factors to align perfectly. It is essential to have a temperature inversion present, which occurs when the air near the ground is cooler than the air above it. This temperature gradient causes light rays to bend, creating the mirage effect.

It is worth noting that the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash is not exclusive to sunsets alone. While sunsets provide an ideal backdrop for observing this phenomenon, it can also occur during sunrise or even in the middle of the day, depending on the atmospheric conditions.

To capture the awe-inspiring 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash, many photographers eagerly await the perfect moment. These photographers understand that patience and a keen eye are necessary to witness and document this elusive event. Each occurrence of the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash is unique and offers a captivating experience for those fortunate enough to witness it.

In conclusion, the 3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash is a remarkable atmospheric optics phenomenon that occurs during temperature inversions. It creates the illusion of three suns in the sky, with the descending sun exhibiting an intense flash of green. Whether it's during a sunset, sunrise, or any other time of day, this spectacle never fails to captivate and leave observers in awe of the wonders of our atmosphere. So keep your eyes peeled, as you never know when you might catch a glimpse of this extraordinary event unfolding before your eyes.

3 Sun Mirage & Green Flash imaged by John Cesarek near San Francisco last November 3rd. ©John Cesarek, shown with permission.

Temperature inversions give us miraged sunsets and green flashes. The inversion is visible as the darker zone from the horizon up to the flash. A combination of air cooled by the cold offshore ocean current and warm Santa ana winds produced it.

A mock-mirage made the three suns: Sun .1 is the lower descending pancake shape. Sun .2, an inverted rising image, is the fragmented yellow line at the top of the dark layer. Finally, descending sun .3, just above the layer, has its colors vertically stretched to show the intense flash of green.

Even the island is miraged into a towering mountain.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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