Ben Carter
The sun candle is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically within cirrus clouds or ice fog. This phenomenon, also known as a subsun, creates a vertical beam of light resembling a candle flame. It is caused by sunlight reflecting off numerous tiny ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, acting as a large mirror. Sun candles are most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low, and the air is frosty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Subsun, Sub-sun, Lower Tangent Arc |
| Appearance | A glowing spot, a halo, a vertical beam of light, a candle flame |
| Cause | Sunlight reflecting off ice crystals, acting as mirrors |
| Conditions | Sun must be low in the sky, usually at sunrise or sunset |
| Ice Crystals | Small, flat, hexagonal, plate-like |
| Altitude | High-altitude clouds or ice-covered surfaces |
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What You'll Learn
Sunlight reflecting off ice crystals
Sun candles, also known as subsuns, are optical phenomena that occur when sunlight reflects off ice crystals. This rare occurrence happens when sunlight interacts with small, flat, hexagonal ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. These ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. The phenomenon is commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, and the air is frosty.
To explain the science behind it, when a region of hexagonal ice crystals fall through the air, they form plate crystals that orient horizontally with their hexagonal surfaces parallel to the Earth's surface. When these plate crystals are disturbed by turbulence, they "wobble", causing their surfaces to deviate from the ideal horizontal orientation. This deviation results in the reflection becoming elongated vertically, creating the appearance of a glowing spot or halo located just below the sun.
The sun candle phenomenon is a part of a family of halos, which also includes sundogs, that appear as bright circles around the sun or the moon due to the refraction of light from ice crystals. Sun candles are often witnessed from high altitudes such as mountain tops or even from planes.
The term "sun candle" is not an official term, but it has been used to describe this optical phenomenon due to its resemblance to a candle flame. The sight of a sun candle is often described as breathtaking and otherworldly, sparking awe and wonder in those who witness it. It is a reminder of the intricate and fascinating ways in which natural forces interact with our environment.
In conclusion, sun candles are rare optical phenomena that occur when sunlight reflects off ice crystals, creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This phenomenon is a result of the intricate interaction between sunlight and ice crystals, offering a glimpse into the fascinating natural forces that shape our world.
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Ice crystals acting as mirrors
The "sun candle" is a rare phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. These ice crystals, acting as mirrors, reflect sunlight and create a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This optical illusion, also known as a
The ice crystals responsible for the sun candle phenomenon are hexagonal in shape and oriented horizontally, with their hexagonal surfaces parallel to the Earth's surface. When they are disturbed by turbulence, the crystals wobble, causing their surfaces to deviate from the ideal horizontal orientation. This deviation results in the reflection of light upwards, creating the illusion of a vertical beam of light below the actual sun.
The occurrence of sun candles depends on the specific angle at which sunlight interacts with the ice crystals. This angle is crucial for the formation of the vertical beam of light. Sunlight passes through the ice crystals, bending and dispersing into a spectrum of colours, similar to the effect of a prism. The precise geometry of light's interaction with ice crystals gives rise to the sun candle's characteristic appearance.
Sun candles are not limited to the sun alone. Lunar halos can also grace the night sky, showcasing their ethereal beauty under the gentle glow of the moon. The same principles of refraction and reflection govern the formation of lunar halos, creating mesmerizing spectacles that mirror the sun's celestial counterparts. Sun candles, or subsuns, are part of a broader family of halo phenomena that includes sun dogs, light pillars, and circular halos.
While sun candles are rare, they offer a glimpse into the intricate ways in which natural forces interact with our environment. The phenomenon captivates observers with its ethereal and otherworldly appearance, sparking awe and curiosity among those who witness it.
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Sun candle as an optical illusion
The "sun candle" is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically within cirrus clouds or ice fog. This phenomenon is also known as a "subsun" and is considered an optical illusion. Sun candles are usually visible during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon and can be witnessed from high altitudes such as mountain tops or even from planes.
The ice crystals act like mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. To create this optical illusion, the sunlight must reflect off the ice crystals at a highly specific angle. The position of the sun is crucial, and the phenomenon is best observed when the sun is directly overhead.
In one instance, skiers in Austria witnessed this phenomenon and described it as "'breathtaking" and "otherworldly." The video of the event, captured by skier Lenka Lanč, quickly went viral on social media. Lanč described the experience as life-changing and expressed wonder at the possibility of it being a portal to another dimension or a parallel universe.
The sun candle is a natural occurrence that showcases the intricate ways in which natural forces interact with our environment. It is a testament to the beauty and mystery that can be found in nature, leaving those who witness it in awe and with a sense of wonder.
While the sun candle may appear supernatural or otherworldly, it is a rare but naturally occurring optical illusion that results from the unique interaction of sunlight and ice crystals in the atmosphere.
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Sun candle as a vertical beam of light
The "sun candle" is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically within cirrus clouds or ice fog. Sun candles are also known as "subsuns", and they appear as a glowing spot or halo located just below the sun. They are usually visible during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon.
To create a sun candle, the sunlight must reflect off the ice crystals at a highly specific angle to form a vertical beam of light. Each ice crystal acts as a tiny mirror, reflecting sunlight and giving the appearance of a candle flame. The phenomenon can be witnessed from great altitudes, such as mountain tops or planes.
In December 2024, a video of a sun candle was captured by skier Lenka Lanč at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental, Austria. The video quickly went viral, with viewers describing the phenomenon as "breathtaking" and "otherworldly". Lanč described the moment as "fascinating" and expressed a desire to "drive through that light". The skier also humorously speculated whether the sun candle was an entrance to another dimension or parallel universe.
The sun candle is a reminder of the intricate and fascinating ways in which natural forces interact with our environment. The phenomenon is a rare occurrence, and those who witness it consider themselves lucky. Sun candles offer a glimpse of the beauty and mystery that can be found in nature.
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Sun candle as a rare phenomenon
The "sun candle" is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs in snowy environments. It is also known as a "sub sun" or "subsun". This phenomenon occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals found in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. These ice crystals act like mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. Sun candles are most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low in the sky, and the air is cold.
The phenomenon is considered rare because certain conditions must be met for it to occur. The sun must be at a specific angle for its light to reflect off the ice crystals and form the vertical beam of light. The ice crystals themselves are also a rare occurrence, typically found in high-altitude clouds or ice-covered surfaces. When the conditions are just right, the sun candle appears as a bright spot or halo located just below the sun.
In recent years, a video of a sun candle captured by a skier in Austria went viral on social media. The skier, Lenka Lanč, described the experience as "breathtaking" and "life-changing". The video sparked widespread amazement and humour online, with many commenting on the otherworldly appearance of the phenomenon. Some even jokingly speculated that the sun candle could be a portal to another dimension or a parallel universe.
The scientific name for the sun candle phenomenon is a ""lower tangent arc" or a "subhorizon ice halo". It belongs to the family of halos, which are optical phenomena caused by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in the atmosphere. While sun candles may appear supernatural or otherworldly to observers, they are a natural occurrence resulting from the intricate interaction of sunlight with ice crystals under specific conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A sun candle, also known as a subsun, is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically within cirrus clouds or ice fog.
A sun candle appears as a glowing spot or halo located just below the sun. It resembles a candle flame and can be witnessed from great altitudes such as mountain tops or planes.
Sun candles are usually visible during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. Certain conditions must be met for the phenomenon to occur, including the angle of the sunlight reflecting off the ice crystals to form a vertical beam of light.
