Anticrepuscular (Anti-solar) Rays at Gouda, The Netherlands - Atoptics Highlights OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Anticrepuscular (Anti-solar) Rays at Gouda, The Netherlands - Atoptics Highlights OPOD

Have you ever witnessed the captivating phenomenon of anticrepuscular rays? These elusive rays, also known as anti-solar rays, were recently captured in all their glory by Bert van Dijk in Gouda, the Netherlands. As an avid weather photographer, van Dijk was astounded by the prominence of these rays, a sight rarely seen in his country.

Instead of focusing solely on the setting sun, van Dijk turned his attention to the rising Earth Shadow during sundown. To his delight, he discovered the presence of exquisite anticrepuscular rays that grew increasingly intense with each passing minute. Armed with his camera and a 16mm lens, van Dijk managed to capture two stunning photographs showcasing these ethereal rays.

During this particular evening, altocumulus clouds gradually made their way into the sky from the northeast. In van Dijk's photographs, you can observe these clouds positioned on the left side. Unfortunately, a few minutes later, the cloud cover obscured the shadow rays, prompting van Dijk to conclude his photography session and head home.

But what exactly are anticrepuscular rays and how do they form? These enchanting rays and shadows are cast through the air by clouds or sometimes even mountains on the sunward side of the sky. Interestingly, these rays appear parallel to each other and recede into the distance. Due to perspective, they seem to converge at a point below the horizon directly opposite the sun, which is known as the anti-solar point.

If you're intrigued by this extraordinary atmospheric optics phenomenon, it's worth noting that anticrepuscular rays can occur under specific conditions. Here are some key points to consider:

• Anticrepuscular rays are primarily visible during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon.
• The presence of clouds or mountains is essential for casting these rays into the sky.
• The rays appear parallel due to their projection through the Earth's atmosphere.
• Perspective creates an illusion of convergence at the anti-solar point, which is below the horizon opposite the sun.
• Anticrepuscular rays can vary in intensity, ranging from subtle and delicate to bold and prominent, depending on atmospheric conditions and the position of the observer.
• Capturing these rays in photographs requires careful positioning and a keen eye for detail.

As with many atmospheric phenomena, anticrepuscular rays provide a beautiful reminder of the intricate workings of our atmosphere. They serve as a testament to the interplay between sunlight, clouds, and our vantage point as observers on Earth.

In conclusion, Bert van Dijk's remarkable photographs of anticrepuscular rays in Gouda, the Netherlands, offer a rare glimpse into this captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon. Through his lens, we are transported to a moment where nature's beauty takes center stage. So, keep your eyes peeled during sunrises and sunsets, and you might just be fortunate enough to witness the enchanting dance of anticrepuscular rays in the sky.

Bert van Dijk caught these intense antisolar, or anti-crepuscular rays at Gouda in the Netherlands. “I have been an avid weather photographer for many years, but have never seen these rays so prominent in my country.

I wanted to see the sundown from a polder near Gouda and took a camera with me. Instead of taking most pictures of the setting sun, I turned around to see the rising Earth Shadow as well. To my surprise some very nice anticrepuscular rays were visible and getting more intense every minute. These two photos were taken with a 16mm lens at 24mm and 16mm respectively.

During sundown a big area of altocumulus clous was slowly entering the sky from the Northeast. In the pictures you can see it at the left. A few minutes later the cloud covered the shadow rays and I went home.”

Anti-crepuscular rays and shadows are cast through the air by clouds and sometimes mountains on the sky’s sunward side. The rays are .arallel and recede into the distance. Perspective males them appear to converge at the point below the horizon directly opposite the sub - the anti-solar point.

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