Red Crepuscular Rays from an Eclipse

What’s happening behind that island? Things both expected and unexpected.

Expected, perhaps, the pictured rays of light — called Crepuscular Rays — originate from the Sun. Unexpected, though, the Sun was being partially eclipsed by the Moon at the time — late last month.

Expected, perhaps, the Sun’s rays are quite bright as they shine through gaps in below-horizon clouds. Unexpected, though, the crepuscular rays are quite red, likely the result an abundance of aerosols in Earth’s atmosphere scattering away much of the blue light.

Expected, with hope, a memorable scene featuring both the Moon and the Sun, superposed. Unfortunately, from this location — in Uruguay looking toward Argentina — clouds obscured the eclipse — which wasn’t completely unexpected.

However, after packing up to go home, the beauty of bright red crepuscular rays emerged — quite unexpectedly.

Oh — and that island on the horizon — it’s really two islands.