Lîht

Lîht is a term in a fictional luminal studies tradition and refers to a diffuse, pale glow that appears in the atmosphere under specific meteorological conditions, typically at twilight or within coastal fog. Physically, lîht is described as a soft, broad haze with a color leaning toward pale blue or green, sometimes extending across the visible sky for several minutes to hours.

Its etymology traces to a Proto-Lum language root meaning soft light; the circumflex over the i marks vowel length and a slight tonal distinction in some dialects.

Causes include a combination of fine mineral aerosols, high humidity, and low-level electrical activity that excites atmospheric particles. In coastal areas, bioluminescent organisms in fog banks may contribute faint illumination.

Variants include nocturnal lîht and crepuscular lîht. Some observers note color variation with humidity and wind; intensity is influenced by air clarity and particle concentration.

Culturally, lîht is often interpreted as a weather sign, a sailor's omen, or a threshold between dream and waking. In literature, it serves as a mood-setting phenomenon and a symbol of liminality.

Scholars use sky photography, spectrometry, and atmospheric modeling to distinguish lîht from aurora and other glows. In-universe sources include field journals, maritime logs, and ethnographic records.

Related phenomena include aurora, bioluminescence, and sky glow.