Crepuscular Rays with the Moon as the Light Source
October 26, 2023
Photographer: Alessandra Masi
Summary Authors: Alessandra Masi; Jim Foster
Crepuscular rays are formed when a cloud or landform on the viewer’s horizon partially blocks light coming from the low hanging Sun. Because of perspective, these rays, though parallel, appear to converge toward the Sun. Dust and or aerosols in the atmosphere facilitate the scattering of sunlight, enhancing the projection of the beams across the sky.
Although in most instances crepuscular (Latin for twilight) rays originate from the Sun, the photo above shows them emanating from the nearly full Moon (hidden by clouds) of November 17, 2016. Photo taken at 10.15 p.m. local time from Col Drusciè in the Dolomites of northern Itay.
Photo details: Canon 5D mark lll camera; 24 mm; 640 ISO; f/4; 30 second exposure.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites Mountains, Italy Coordinates: 46.5369: 12.1390
Related Links:
Crepuscular Ray over Abilene, Texas