Lightfalls

Lightfalls are a natural phenomenon observed in certain atmospheric conditions, primarily during twilight hours. They are characterized by beams of sunlight that appear to descend from a point in the sky and spread out as they approach the ground. This effect is often seen when sunlight passes through gaps in clouds or other obstructions. The scientific term for this phenomenon is crepuscular rays.

The appearance of lightfalls is due to a scattering of light by particles in the Earth's atmosphere, such as dust, water droplets, or aerosols. When the sun is low on the horizon, its rays travel through a longer path of the atmosphere, encountering more of these particles. These particles then scatter the sunlight, making the beams visible. The angle of the sun and the presence of clouds are crucial for the formation of lightfalls. Clouds can act as a backdrop, highlighting the illuminated beams of light that filter through breaks in their formation.

Lightfalls are most commonly observed during sunrise and sunset, though they can occur at other times if suitable atmospheric conditions are present. They are often mistaken for rays of light emanating directly from a celestial body, but are in fact a visual illusion caused by perspective and light scattering. The apparent convergence of the rays at a point in the sky is a result of perspective, similar to how parallel train tracks appear to meet in the distance.