valgussädemeid

Valgussädemeid, also known as light beams or crepuscular rays, are a meteorological phenomenon that appears as rays of sunlight radiating from a single point in the sky. This visual effect is caused by the scattering of sunlight by atmospheric particles such as dust, water droplets, or ice crystals. The point from which the rays appear to originate is known as the anti-solar point, which is directly opposite the sun in the sky.

These rays are most commonly observed when the sun is low on the horizon, either during sunrise or sunset. They become visible when clouds or other obstructions in the atmosphere create shadows. The gaps between these shadows allow sunlight to pass through, creating the distinct beam-like appearance. The rays themselves are not actually beams of light in the physical sense, but rather the illumination of air particles along the path of the sunlight.

Valgussädemeid can take on various appearances, including widely diverging rays or narrow, parallel shafts of light. The color of the rays can also vary depending on the amount of scattering and the presence of aerosols in the atmosphere. For example, rays appearing at sunrise or sunset may be tinged with red or orange due to the longer path sunlight travels through the atmosphere, scattering away blue light. This phenomenon is often photographed and admired for its aesthetic beauty.