I have heard that sometimes the sky can flash green immediately prior to sunset?

Question

Apparently this phenomen occurs in tropical locations. Is this true or false, and what would explain such an occurance?

Answer 1

This is called 'the Green Flash'. It occurs just as the sun drops below the horizon. It can be seen almost anywhere where you have a clear view of the horizon. I have seen it in northern California, Hawaii, & Mexico.

Answer 2

I have actually witnessed a green sky. However it was in the middle of an afternoon just before two tornados were about to hit the area. I was surprised by the color of the sky and by the time I got home, tornados already touchdown north and south of where I was. In fact the effect caused the cloud to swirl countclockwise. When the tornados passed the temperature down by more than 20 deg. F. That was one crazy day.

Answer 3

When you stare at the red setting sun for a few minutes and it disappears below the horizon, all that is left is a green haze anywhere you look because you've temporarily burned out the receptors for red in your eyes due to the brightness. (And therefore see the opposite color which is green). I suppose tropics because it is more likely to have a red sunset, but it can happen anywhere...

Answer 4

the "green flash" occurs at sunrise, not at sunset...

it is not confined to the tropics...

it is a phenemenon caused by refraction of light...

Answer 5

over here in perth, western australia, in summer sometimes, just before sunset, the sun can cast a pinkish orange shadow over everything for bout 30mins. awesome

Answer 6

Not sure...when the sky is green around here (Ohio), you know a tornado's coming.

Answer 7

that is true--it is a scientific occurrence known as "green flash" (for obvious reasons

Answer 8

That "green" is simply the spark you see momentarily when someone flips the light switch off. (thanks for the two points)