Question about the green flash at sunset

I was watching a video from an astronomy channel last night and they mentioned the green flash you can sometimes see just as the sun dips below the horizon. The host said it's a real thing caused by light refraction in the atmosphere, not just a camera trick. I always thought it was a myth or a Photoshop effect. Has anyone here actually managed to capture a photo of it? I'd love to see one if you have.

3 comments

3 Comments

felix_jones7d ago

My uncle tried to photograph it for years from his beach house. He says the conditions have to be perfect, way more rare than those videos make it seem.

richardfox7d ago

So what exactly is the "it" @felix_jones? Green flash at sunset? Always heard about that but never seen it myself. Your uncle's experience tracks with what I've read. Those perfect conditions need a totally flat horizon and super clear air, right? Seems like most videos online are either fake or just a lucky camera trick. Makes you wonder how many people actually witness the real thing.

johnson.lee6d ago

Richard's right about the flat horizon, but it's also about temperature layers in the air acting like a prism. Your uncle's story about trying for years sounds about right, most claims are just wishful thinking or camera sensor issues. It makes the real sighting, which lasts a second or less, feel almost mythical. Have you ever met someone who swears they've genuinely seen it?