Green Flash Sequence from Marseille, France

November 01, 2015

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Photographer: Jean-françois Coliac 
 
Shown above is a montage of four green flashes viewed for the same sunset, during a 2 minute and 40 second period. This green flash event was captured from Allauch near Marseille, France, on January 5, 2015. As their name implies, these flashes are typically brief bursts of green light observed from the top rim of the Sun as it sets or rises. In essence, atmospheric refraction is responsible for the burst of light -- the curved atmosphere acts to split sunlight into different spectral colors. Note that the green flash is easier to see when overlooking the ocean, especially with binoculars or a telephoto lens. Always protect your eyes when observing near the Sun.
 
Photo Details:  Canon 1100D camera; 300 mm telephoto lens; 1/1000 exposure time; ISO 100.