OPOD - Miraged Sun, California

Last updated on September 16, 2023

OPOD - Miraged Sun, California: A Fascinating Atmospheric Phenomenon

Have you ever witnessed a distorted setting sun that seemed to be playing tricks on your eyes? This captivating occurrence, known as a miraged sun, can be observed in various locations around the world. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing miraged sun phenomenon, with a particular focus on its manifestation in California.

Understanding Miraged Suns

A miraged sun occurs when the sun's rays undergo refraction through multiple temperature inversion layers in the atmosphere. Temperature inversions are atmospheric conditions in which warmer air resides above cooler air, contrary to the typical vertical temperature gradient. In the case of miraged suns, these inversion layers stack upon each other, resulting in a complex variation of temperature with height and the creation of mesmerizing distorted images.

The Unique California Mirage

California is renowned for its mirages, and the state's geographic features play a significant role in their formation. The cooling effect of the California Ocean Current near the coast interacts with warm air masses originating from inland areas such as Utah and Nevada. This stark contrast in air temperatures creates the ideal conditions for the occurrence of mirages, including miraged suns.

Exploring Double and Triple Suns

While miraged suns are captivating enough on their own, there have been instances where double or even triple suns appear to grace the horizon. However, it is crucial to approach such sightings with skepticism and scientific analysis. The improbability of multiple suns stems from the fact that significant deflection of the sun's rays by air layers at different temperatures occurs primarily when the sun is near the horizon.

To understand why double and triple suns are unlikely natural occurrences, we must consider how temperature changes within the atmosphere. While temperature variations do occur vertically, they do not typically manifest horizontally. To observe horizontally displaced mirages, one would require strongly tilted or even vertical slabs of air with varying temperatures, which are not commonly found in the atmosphere.

The Role of Windows and Camera Filters

In the age of technology, it is crucial to be aware of potential distortions caused by windows and camera filters when photographing sky events, particularly when the sun is in the frame. Looking through glass or using camera filters can introduce unintended visual effects that may mimic mirages or multiple suns. To ensure accurate documentation, it is recommended to:

• Avoid looking through glass or using camera filters whenever possible.
• Take multiple images while moving the camera between each shot to capture different perspectives.
• Prefer still cameras over video recording for higher image quality.

Unusual Mirages: Documenting and Analyzing

While mirages and atmospheric phenomena can sometimes defy our expectations, it is essential not to dismiss unusual sightings without thorough examination. These extraordinary occurrences demand meticulous recording and documentation to facilitate serious analysis by experts in atmospheric optics. By meticulously documenting these phenomena, we can gain valuable insights into the complexities of our atmosphere and further our understanding of optical phenomena.

In conclusion, miraged suns are captivating atmospheric optical phenomena that grace the skies of various locations, including California. Understanding the mechanisms behind their formation, such as temperature inversions and air mass interactions, adds to the allure of these elusive spectacles. However, it is crucial to approach sightings of multiple suns with caution, as they are often artifacts or visual distortions caused by external factors. By employing proper photographic techniques and ensuring accurate documentation, we can contribute to the scientific study of these intriguing occurrences and expand our knowledge of atmospheric optics.

Miraged Sun, California

A much distorted setting sun caught by Kevin Baird near Palomar Airport, Carlsbad. ©Kevin Baird, shown with

The distortion was produced by refraction of the sun�s rays through multiple temperature inversion layers. A single inversion has abnormally warmer air above cooler. Here inversion layers have stacked to produce a complex variation of temperature with height and a multiple sliced mock-mirage.

California is well known for these mirages, the result of air close to the ocean cooled by California Ocean Current and overlain by warm air from inland Utah and Nevada.

Double and Triple suns?

Kevin Baird�s mirage above was well documented on several images. However, the Internet has recently been aglow with a video of a double sun sighting. The suns were well above the horizon and horizontally displaced. Why is this so improbable and almost certainly an artifact?

Firstly, significant deflection of the sun�s rays by air layers at different temperatures requires long atmospheric path lengths and this only occurs when the sun is near the horizon. Secondly, temperatures change in the vertical direction and not horizontally. Horizontally displaced mirages need strongly tilted or even vertical slabs of different temperature air. This does not happen although slight tilting does occur for example when air is driven over mountain slopes.

It is easy to generate double and triple suns. Take photographs through windows. The ones at left were deliberately made by atmospheric optics expert Claudia Hinz (site) by shooting through the aircraft control tower windows.

Avoid looking through glass or using camera filters when photographing sky events, especially when the sun is in the frame. Is the event visible to the unaided eye, i.e. not through the camera viewfinder? Take several images while moving the camera between each one. Use a still camera in preference to video - the quality is much higher.

Doubtless there are very unusual mirages indeed. Strange sightings that do not fit our preconceptions should not be dismissed. But by their very nature they demand very exceptional care in recording and documentation to allow serious analysis.

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