© Raimundas Stonkus
Nida, Neringa, Lithuania
Latitude: 55° 18' 12'' N
Longitude: 20° 58' 31'' E
23 September 2014 1724 (Local Time)
Camera direction: towards SW
Image P/S code: P.13.11.4.3
Image I.D.: 5133
CL = 2, CM = /, CH = /
The term “crepuscular rays” normally refers to the dark bluish streaks and light beams observed radiating from the Sun across the twilight sky. However, the name is perhaps more commonly used in reference to the shadowed bands and light beams which may be seen diverging from the Sun at any time of day when it is hidden behind broken cloud cover.
This picture from Neringa, Lithuania shows crepuscular rays (seen at 1 and 2) cast by Cumulus clouds over the Baltic Sea. The Cumulus in the picture is mostly of the species mediocris. However, a recent light rain shower had occurred at the location and precipitation can also be seen in the distance, so at least some Cumulus congestus or Cumulonimbus must have been present in the area.
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Crepuscular rays cast by the shadows of tree branches in Haldon Forest, near Exeter in south-west England, UK. A corona can be seen around the Sun. The fog formed during a clear, cold night under anticyclonic conditions and was sufficiently thick to obscure the Sun over low ground. However, the summits of the Haldon Hills (about 250 m above sea level) were just below the level of the top of the fog, so strong sunshine penetrated the fog locally.
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Viewed beneath Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak (957 m), is a layer of Stratus. The upper surface of Stratus generally shows undulations (usually of short wavelength) and sometimes displays protuberances. In strong winds the undulations become more pronounced.
At the top of the picture is a layer of Stratocumulus. The extensive nature of the cloud identifies the species as stratiformis. The layer of large rounded masses is sufficiently opaque to mask the Sun (variety opacus); however, some sunlight can be seen penetrating through gaps between elements, suggesting also the variety perlucidus. The dark, bluish streaks and light beams are a form of crepuscular rays.
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