The Sun's Brief Green Trick

A green flash is a meteorological optical phenomenon at sunset or sunrise. A distinct green spot appears.

Earth's atmosphere separates sunlight into different colors via refraction. Blue scatters away, leaving the remaining light appearing green.

The green appearance usually lasts no more than 2 seconds. Barely time to check your watch.

Byrd's party saw a green spot on and off for 35 minutes in 1934.

D.J.K. O'Connell produced the first color photograph of the green flash in 1960 while working at the Vatican Observatory.

A green rim is present at every sunset. It is too thin to see with the naked eye.

Airline pilots regularly see green flashes flying westward.

James Prescott Joule noted the last glimpse as bluish green in 1869. He didn't explain it.