Lantern Effect

The green flash and lantern effect are caused by strong temperature inversions. The effect is seen when viewing the very low sun, right at sunset through the temperature inversion. In the case of the lantern effect there are several distinct layers with different refractive indexes distorting the sun, or moon, in a way to make it look like a paper lantern.

Lantern effect at South Pole

Lantern effect at South Pole

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