{"id":4585,"date":"2017-07-22T14:44:02","date_gmt":"2017-07-22T13:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lovesail.com\/ls-news\/?p=4585"},"modified":"2026-05-25T15:30:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T14:30:10","slug":"the-green-flash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/the-green-flash\/","title":{"rendered":"The Green Flash"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Green Flash: How to Spot This Rare Sunset Phenomenon<\/h1>\n

Even in February, sunsets can be some of the most beautiful of the year – crisp horizons, clear air, and longer evenings just around the corner. So next time you find yourself watching the sun sink below the sea, keep your eyes peeled for the green flash<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that happens when the sun dips below (or rises above) the horizon. For a brief moment, a vivid green light appears at the very top edge of the sun.<\/p>\n

Not many people have seen one, and its rarity can wrongly lead some to believe it\u2019s just an old wives\u2019 tale or an urban legend. In reality, the green flash is very real – it\u2019s just that atmospheric conditions are often not quite right.<\/p>\n

Below are some tips to give you the best chance of spotting one, along with a little of the science behind how they occurs.<\/p>\n

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What Is the Green Flash?<\/h2>\n

The green flash<\/strong> occurs at sunset or sunrise when the atmosphere bends and separates sunlight into different colours.<\/p>\n

When conditions are perfect, a small green spot becomes visible above the upper rim of the sun\u2019s disk just as it disappears below the horizon.<\/p>\n

The green appearance usually lasts only a second or two.<\/p>\n

Rarely, the green flash can even resemble a green ray shooting upward from the sunset point, an unforgettable sight for anyone lucky enough to witness it.<\/p>\n

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Best Conditions to See a Green Flash<\/h2>\n

The best opportunity to see one is at sunset (or sunrise) when you have:<\/p>\n