Hämäräsäteiksi

Hämäräsäteiksi is a Finnish term that translates to "twilight rays" or "crepuscular rays" in English. These are shafts of sunlight that appear to radiate through gaps in clouds or from behind objects like mountains or trees. They are most commonly observed during twilight hours, either just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky.

The phenomenon occurs because the sun's rays are being scattered by atmospheric particles, such as dust, water droplets, or ice crystals. When these rays pass through openings in clouds, they become visible as distinct beams. The scattering of light makes these rays appear to diverge from a single point in the sky, even though the sun's rays are actually parallel.

The dark, shadowy areas between the bright rays are caused by other clouds or objects blocking the sunlight. From the observer's perspective on the ground, these dark areas create the illusion that the light rays are spreading outwards. Hämäräsäteiksi can be a beautiful and striking visual display, often enhancing the dramatic atmosphere of sunrise and sunset. They are a common sight in many parts of the world and are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal.