The fascinating meteorological phenomenon of the three suns

  • The three suns are an optical phenomenon known as parhelion.
  • This phenomenon occurs when ice crystals in clouds refract sunlight.
  • Parhelia are more common in cold areas and may be accompanied by halos.
  • This phenomenon has been documented throughout history, surprising those who observe it.

Three suns in Russia

No, we are not talking about two more suns appearing, but about a meteorological phenomenon that occurs quite oftenHowever, this wonder of nature often goes unnoticed, as looking directly at the sun can damage our eyesight.

The three suns are a spectacular example of how extraordinary nature is.Many people may come to believe that these are alien spacecraft, an appealing idea for many, including those writing this. However, The truth is that it is a curious meteorological phenomenon that powerfully draws our attention..

What are the three suns?

At the heart of the clouds are tiny ice crystals. When sunlight comes into contact with these crystals, an optical effect known as parhelion occurs., which is a meteorological phenomenon involving three suns. This visual phenomenon can make us believe that the star has multiplied. Typically, the 'two additional suns' appear about 22 degrees on either side of the true sun, as can be seen in the photograph at the beginning of this article. Occasionally, they can appear closer together, forming a very low triangle.

Sometimes the three suns are accompanied by halos., structures reminiscent of rainbows that surround the sun, forming in the same way as the parhelion. These halos are more common in colder regions of the Earth; however, if you live in a place with frigid winters, you may be lucky enough to enjoy this beautiful spectacle! Also, if you want to learn more about clouds, you can read our article on cirrus clouds.

Halo

The three suns around the world

This phenomenon has been photographed in various locations around the world, including Argentina, China, and various European locations. A notable case occurred in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk on February 17, where residents were able to observe this impressive spectacle and, without a doubt, they were astonished.

However, the phenomenon is not exclusive to Russia. On February 25, 2014, 'three suns' also surprised residents and tourists in El Chalten, Argentina during sunset. This phenomenon, although fleeting, lasted a few minutes before slowly fading, leaving a memorable impression on those who witnessed it. To better understand these conditions, you can consult our article on cloud formation.

Parhelia can be observed under a variety of conditions, but they require certain atmospheric conditions to occur. When high clouds, specifically cirrus clouds above 6,000 meters, are present, the phenomenon is more likely to occur.These ice crystals in the clouds act like tiny prisms, refracting sunlight and creating visual artifacts that show us multiple suns in the sky.

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Why do the three suns occur?

Parhelia and halos are formed as a result of the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is more common in cold regions, where cirrus clouds are abundant. As the temperature drops and ice crystals accumulate, the likelihood of seeing this phenomenon increases. The effect can be especially observed at dawn or dusk, when the sun is low on the horizon.

During the day, when the sun is at its highest point, sunbeams may appear less obvious; however, they are often visible under specific conditions. This phenomenon is also related to other atmospheric optical phenomena, such as halos, which appear around the sun, creating a stunning visual spectacle. For those who want to learn more about the subject, we suggest reading about the ozone layer formation process.

Three suns in China

A phenomenon mentioned throughout history

The phenomenon of the three suns has been documented throughout history. In ancient times, it was mentioned by philosophers such as Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Seneca. It has even been referenced in fictional stories, such as in 'The Sun-Dog Trail' by British writer Jack LondonThese testimonies from throughout the years show how the phenomenon has fascinated humanity, generating both wonder and fear, depending on the cultural context.

This rare phenomenon has sparked the curiosity of scientists and meteorologists, who are dedicated to explaining its causes and formation conditions. Although it may seem like an extraordinary event, it is simply another manifestation of the complexities of our atmosphere. For example, Greenhouse It is another phenomenon that has also been widely studied.

Observing the three suns

If you're in a region with favorable weather conditions, keep your eyes on the sky, because you might witness this phenomenon. Remember that while it's tempting to look directly at the sun to see the three suns, it's best to observe with caution to avoid damaging your eyesight.

Would you, the reader, like to experience this fascinating phenomenon? Or perhaps you've already been lucky enough to observe it? Tell us about your experience.

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     Ignacio Pasrano said

    December 16, 2015 in the morning hours this phenomenon was observed in a state where the average annual temperature is between 23 ° to 30 °, the three suns were seen accompanied by inverted rainbows

     Carlos Casas said

    August 05, 2016 the phenomenon of parhelion was presented in the city of Plato Magdalena (Colombia) and we are close to the Equatorial zone which is very rare to see this show, but beautiful

     Rodrigo said

    I think that the alien spaceships have nothing to do with this article and ensure that they do not exist, you must be open to all possibilities, otherwise good.