Home / Editor's Pick /

Amazing sky photos: What are crepuscular rays?

09:00 AM
February 3, 2023

Amazing sky photos
What are crepuscular rays?

Crepuscular raysCrepuscular rays seen in the United Kingdom this week. - © Elaine High

A Weather & Radar user submitted a picture of crepuscular rays shining overhead this week, they are visually stunning but do you know what they are?

It is very simple, as the sun rises or sets each day rays of light shine through the sky. At times clear pillars of light appear.

These are crepuscular rays, sometimes called God rays, and appear as sunlight shines through or over clouds catching dust and smoke particles which make the beams more visible.

In addition to this phenomena, there are also anti-crepuscular rays. These rays converge toward an anti-solar point away from the sun.

These are dimmer than their regular counterpart, and you can see them by looking in the opposite direction of the sun.

Just like crepuscular rays these are more visible at sunrise or sunset as the sun passes the horizon.

If you see either of these solar illusions, be sure to snap a shot and send it our way via the image uploader!

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
rip current
Saturday, July 12, 2025

As more head to the coast

Rip currents & safety tips
Stonehenge during the June 2020 summer solstice.
Friday, June 20, 2025

Longest day of the year

Today marks the summer solstice
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Why & how does it work?

High pressure & extreme heat
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday, July 18, 2025

Daily briefing

Moisture, instability meet & impacts eastern half
Saturday, July 19, 2025

You can be ready

When severe storms strike...
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daily briefing

Severe weather moves to the Midwest, NE flash flood
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement