sunturn

Sunturn is a term used to describe the phenomenon where the sun appears to turn or rotate in the sky. This optical illusion is often observed during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is near the horizon. The apparent rotation can be caused by several factors, including atmospheric conditions, the observer's perspective, and the sun's position relative to the horizon.

One common explanation for the sunturn effect is atmospheric refraction. As sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, it is bent or refracted, causing the sun to appear slightly higher or lower in the sky than its actual position. This refraction can create the illusion of the sun turning or rotating, especially when viewed from a low angle.

Another factor that can contribute to the sunturn effect is the observer's perspective. When the sun is near the horizon, its position can appear to change rapidly, creating the illusion of rotation. This is often enhanced by the observer's movement, such as walking or driving, which can make the sun appear to turn more dramatically.

The sunturn effect can also be influenced by the sun's position relative to the horizon. When the sun is directly above or below the horizon, it may appear to turn or rotate more noticeably. This is because the angle of the sun's rays changes more rapidly as it approaches or leaves the horizon, creating a more pronounced illusion of rotation.

In summary, the sunturn effect is an optical illusion that can be observed during sunrise or sunset. It is caused by a combination of atmospheric refraction, the observer's perspective, and the sun's position relative to the horizon. While the effect can be visually striking, it is important to remember that it is an illusion and does not represent the sun's actual movement in the sky.