Jack-O'-Lantern Sun

October 30, 2011

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Photographer: Phil Lachman
Summary Author: Phil Lachman; Jim Foster

A freak pattern in the clouds as sunset approached produced this smiley Jack-O'-Lantern-like Sun as observed from a lookout over the Parramatta Valley of western Sydney, Australia. The reddened colors result from sunlight passing through a greater distance of atmosphere to reach the camera at this time of day as opposed to when the Sun is higher in the sky. In essence, the shorter wavelength blues and greens are removed almost completely, leaving the longer wavelength gold, red and pumpkin orange colors to paint the sky. Make sure to protect your eyes when looking toward the Sun. Photo taken on January 24, 2011.

Photo details: Camera Maker: Canon; Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D; Focal Length: 135.0mm; Aperture: f/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.0008 s (1/1250); ISO equiv: 100; Exposure Bias: -0.67 EV; Metering Mode: Matrix;
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto); White Balance: Manual; Flash Fired: No (enforced); Orientation: Normal; Color Space: sRGB. Software: Paint Shop Pro Photo 12.01.