Triple Sun Over China
A “triple sun” was spotted in Northeast China, above Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, on Jan. 8. Two smaller suns were visible on either side of the main sun, each one-tenth in size of the main sun, with a circular and rainbow-like halo around the main sun and a strong light on top.
This has been claimed by experts, to be the "phantom sun" astronomical phenomenon, unofficially called “ice halo,” caused by refraction in the atmosphere.
Refraction is the change in direction of an electromagnetic wave, such as light, due to a change in speed upon passing through a different medium.
The refraction has been attributed to ice crystals that form relatively higher clouds called cirrus clouds. These clouds are more prevalent in winter than summer.
The scene has been captured on cameras and cell phones by many people who view it as a very rare occurrence. Chinese culture believes that a "triple sun" is a manifestation of significant social phenomena.
This is not the first time a "triple sun" has appeared over China. In 2010, three suns were seen in Leshan, Sichuan Province. The image was captured at around 8 p.m. on July 26.
However, the configuration of these suns was triangular, and this cannot be explained by the "phantom sun" phenomenon, which can only cause three suns to appear on the same plane, or 'side-by-side'. This phenomenon has yet to be explained, and has been described as UFOs by some observers.
The “triple suns” phenomenon is deemed as proven astronomical phenomenon, though its mere an allusion. The illusion is created when the sun is shadowed by the other two smaller suns.
The total effect in science circle is known as “phantom sun” also known as “ice hole”. It usually appears in the winters when the ice crystals form higher clouds. The clouds in China were absolutely at the correct position to create this effect.
The site was visible to the residents since the morning till the noon, when the sun is 58 degrees or higher and above the horizon, along with the light passing through high terrain cirrus clouds.
This has been claimed by experts, to be the "phantom sun" astronomical phenomenon, unofficially called “ice halo,” caused by refraction in the atmosphere.
Refraction is the change in direction of an electromagnetic wave, such as light, due to a change in speed upon passing through a different medium.
The refraction has been attributed to ice crystals that form relatively higher clouds called cirrus clouds. These clouds are more prevalent in winter than summer.
The scene has been captured on cameras and cell phones by many people who view it as a very rare occurrence. Chinese culture believes that a "triple sun" is a manifestation of significant social phenomena.
This is not the first time a "triple sun" has appeared over China. In 2010, three suns were seen in Leshan, Sichuan Province. The image was captured at around 8 p.m. on July 26.
However, the configuration of these suns was triangular, and this cannot be explained by the "phantom sun" phenomenon, which can only cause three suns to appear on the same plane, or 'side-by-side'. This phenomenon has yet to be explained, and has been described as UFOs by some observers.
The “triple suns” phenomenon is deemed as proven astronomical phenomenon, though its mere an allusion. The illusion is created when the sun is shadowed by the other two smaller suns.
The total effect in science circle is known as “phantom sun” also known as “ice hole”. It usually appears in the winters when the ice crystals form higher clouds. The clouds in China were absolutely at the correct position to create this effect.
The site was visible to the residents since the morning till the noon, when the sun is 58 degrees or higher and above the horizon, along with the light passing through high terrain cirrus clouds.
