Taustakohinana

Taustakohinana, also known as the "tail of the sky," is a celestial phenomenon observed in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. It is a rare and mesmerizing optical illusion that appears as a luminous, vertical band of light extending from the horizon to the zenith, often accompanied by a greenish or whitish hue. The term "taustakohinana" is derived from the Māori language, where "tauta" means "sky" and "kohinana" means "tail."

The phenomenon is typically associated with the presence of high-altitude clouds, such as cirrus or cirrostratus, which are thin and wispy. These clouds scatter sunlight at high angles, creating the distinctive vertical band of light. The illusion can sometimes be accompanied by a green flash, a brief appearance of green light at the upper edge of the sun's disk as it sets or rises.

Taustakohinana is most commonly observed during the morning or evening twilight, when the sun is below the horizon but its light is still illuminating the atmosphere. The exact conditions required for its appearance are not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by atmospheric conditions, such as temperature inversions and the presence of ice crystals.

Despite its rarity, taustakohinana has captivated observers for centuries, inspiring various cultural interpretations and folklore. In Māori culture, it is often seen as a sign of good fortune or a message from the gods. In modern times, it remains a subject of scientific study and a popular topic for photographers and sky watchers.