City Rays, Calgary Crepuscular Rays and Shadows

Last updated on September 16, 2023

City Rays, Calgary Crepuscular Rays and Shadows

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is known for its stunning display of atmospheric optics phenomena, including the captivating City Rays and Calgary Crepuscular Rays. These optical illusions occur when sunlight filters through the gaps between buildings, creating the illusion of a giant pyramid of light beams encompassing the city. The phenomenon can be observed during late afternoons when the sun is low in the southwest.

Unlike the more common crepuscular rays, which are typically associated with clouds, the Calgary rays are formed by the interplay of sunlight and the urban landscape. As the sun's rays penetrate through the narrow spaces between buildings, they appear to radiate outwards like bars of a cage. However, it is important to note that this is merely an illusion; there is no physical barrier enclosing the city.

The sun's rays are nearly parallel, but their spread is slightly widened by their 0.5° diameter and occasional atmospheric refraction. As these slanting rays reach the ground between the buildings and aircraft, perspective comes into play. Just like a straight road or railway track appears to converge at the horizon, the Calgary rays seem to diverge due to the effects of perspective.

One fascinating aspect of City Rays and Calgary Crepuscular Rays is that they can be observed at any time of day, not just during crepuscular hours. This sets them apart from other atmospheric optics phenomena like rainbows or halos. Moreover, these rays are not elusive spectacles that can only be admired from a distance; they can be experienced up close by walking or flying around them.

To fully appreciate the beauty of City Rays and Calgary Crepuscular Rays, it is helpful to understand the science behind them. The phenomenon arises from the interaction between sunlight and the urban environment, with the sunlight filtering through the gaps between buildings. As a result, the rays of light appear to converge and diverge, creating the illusion of a radiant pyramid or cage.

It is worth mentioning that the term "crepuscular" is not entirely accurate when describing these rays since they can be observed throughout the day and sometimes even at night. However, the term has become widely used due to its association with similar phenomena observed during twilight hours.

To witness City Rays and Calgary Crepuscular Rays in their full glory, one can find vantage points in the city that offer unobstructed views of the urban landscape. These viewpoints provide an opportunity to marvel at the interplay of light and architecture, as the sun's rays cast intricate patterns and shadows through the gaps between buildings.

In conclusion, City Rays and Calgary Crepuscular Rays are captivating atmospheric optics phenomena that grace the skies of Calgary. These illusions are created by sunlight filtering through the gaps between buildings, giving rise to the appearance of a radiant pyramid or cage. Unlike other atmospheric optics phenomena, these rays can be observed at any time of day and allow for a closer interaction, making them a unique spectacle to behold. So next time you find yourself in Calgary, keep an eye out for these mesmerizing displays of light and shadow.

Scene: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Late afternoon, the sun is low in the southwest, December 2019. Photographer: Justin Bishop, passenger on an aircraft approaching the airport.

A giant pyramid of light beams surely cages central Calgary. They radiate from a sun just 2-300 feet above the city. Clouds that form 'conventional' crepuscular rays are replaced by massed buildings. Sunlight filtering through their interstices makes the cage bars. Yet it is all an illusion, there is no cage!

Sun rays are very nearly parallel. Only its 0.5° diameter, and occasionally atmospheric refraction, spreads them a little.

The slanting Calgary rays reach the ground between the buildings and airplane. Perspective makes them appear to diverge in the same way that a straight road or railway track appears to converge to a point at the horizon.

Sun rays (crepuscular is not a good term because they can be seen at any time of day and sometimes at night) are unlike most atmospheric optics phenomena. They exist. We can walk or fly around them. We can never do that with a rainbow or a halo.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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