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The reason for a green flash lies in refraction of light (as in a prism) in the atmosphere: light moves more slowly in the lower, denser air than in the thinner air above, so sunlight rays follow paths that curve slightly, in the same direction as the curvature of the Earth. Higher frequency light (green/blue) curves more than lower frequency light (red/orange), so green/blue rays from the upper limb of the setting sun remain visible after the red rays are obstructed by the curvature of the earth. Green flashes are enhanced by atmospheric inversions, which increase the density gradient in the atmosphere, and therefore increase refraction. A green flash is more likely to be seen in clear air, when more of the light from the setting sun reaches the observer without being scattered. We might expect to see a blue flash, but the blue is preferentially scattered out of our line of sight and remaining light ends up looking green.

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When does the green flash happen?

The green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just after sunset or just before sunrise, when the top rim of the sun briefly turns green as it touches the horizon. This happens because the Earth's atmosphere acts as a prism, separating light into its different colors. The green flash is most commonly observed over bodies of water with a clear, unobstructed horizon.


Why is the sky sometimes green during twilight?

The green color in the sky during twilight is caused by a phenomenon called "green flash." This occurs when the light from the setting sun is refracted and scattered through the Earth's atmosphere, with specific conditions such as clear air and low humidity. The green flash is more likely to be seen over a clear horizon, like an ocean or flat land.


What should the photo title be for the image of a beautiful sunset over the ocean?

The photo title for the image of a beautiful sunset over the ocean could be "Golden Horizon: A Serene Sunset."


Can you see the sunset over the ocean in New Jersey?

Technically, no. But it depends on your definition of ocean borders. You can see the sunset over the Delaware Bay from Cape May. At this point you can only see the water and sunset from New Jersey.


What is the green flash on the horizon at sunset time?

The Sun's light is "white" - a mixture of all colors. When the Sun is high in the sky, the light looks "white" - the light isn't colored. The Earth's atmosphere acts like a prism; the atmosphere bends, or refracts, the Sun's light. You have probably seen similar things on the edge of a crystal, when sunlight is split into a rainbow. When the Sun is on the horizon - actually, just a little BELOW the horizon - the atmosphere refracts the light like a prism, and as the sun sets, we see for a split second all the colors of the rainbow in sequence. One of those colors is green. You can see the "green flash" if you are looking over a water horizon such as the Pacific Ocean (or, from Florida, the Gulf of Mexico) or from a ship. You can only see it if the western sky is clear, without clouds or fog.


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