Anyone know what causes this in a sunset?

[DrRobin]

Hi,

This strange pattern was seen on two consecutive nights, 1st and 2nd August just after sunset.  The images were taken from the south west of Corfu with a camera phone, but the pattern was real and could be seen with the eye.  My initial thought was it is caused by a mountain or mountain range, but in that direction there aren't any and it is heading out over the med rather than land.  The next land mass is Italy, so may be the Dolomites or the Alps? However, perhaps it is atmospheric?

Night of the 1st August

The night of the 2nd August.

Interesting that the line between blue and orange is reversed.

I am sure we saw the same thing a few nights previous but I didn't bother taking a photo.  There was too much cloud/haze tonight to see it.

All suggestions are welcomed?

Robin

[PhotoGav]

Beautiful views of a rarity in this country - wall to wall blue sky!

Perhaps the shadows are cast by clouds beyond the horizon? The pictures certainly show a similar effect to the rays of sunlight through broken clouds when the sun is visible in the sky. You know the sort of a sky, what I would call a 'Jesus Sky'!

[Peter Drew]

I think they are most likely to be crepuscular rays, sunlight filtering through clouds below the horizon or possibly a mountain range in the far distance as mentioned. 

[Stub Mandrel]

Brings to mind a very different picture I took in early 1983 when the dust from El Chichon was giving an endless series of spectacular sunsets - but I think this was the best one over Cardigan Bay.

[Paul M]

I'm with Peter and Gav, actually quiet common sight for me overlooking the Irish Sea at sunset.

Lovely view by the way

[PhotoGav]

Obviously it could also be giants battling with light sabres just over the horizon....

[Davey-T]

The Bat signal. you can just see it at the top of the second pic' 

Dave

[laudropb]

Very nice images. I too would guess at cloud filtered sun rays.

[DrRobin]

Thanks guys, we will put it down to clouds and/or mountains then.  I haven't really seen the colours so well defined before, especially on two separate nights, but then living on the east coast sunsets over the sea are a rarity.  Actually seeing the sun back home became a bit of a novelty in June and the first half of July.

Robin

[xtreemchaos]

Robin ,i dont know whats the cause but it sure is a lovely pic. thanks  charl.

[Beulah]

Yes, it's a pretty rubbish summer so far in the UK. Enjoy the rest of the holiday if you are still out there and safe journey back.