r/nextfuckinglevel • u/Dexter_Naman • 20h ago

Rare Devil Sunrise appears in multiple countries across earth

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u/Nayzo 18h ago

Is this caused by a partial solar eclipse at dawn? Does this mean you can also have a Devil's sunset?

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u/NuclearThane 17h ago

Surprised I had to go this far down to find someone asking. Yeah you nailed it that's exactly what causes it. Unclear whether the same phenomenon can happen with a sunset, but my assumption is that it would be the reverse effect-- i.e. the sun would start to look more like an arch with the points touching the horizon.

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u/Fauster 15h ago

Actually, either an arch or horns could appear at sunset, depending on the timing. First, the Earth, Moon and Sun are roughly in the same plane. Second, the apparent arc of the through the sky, including at sunrise and sunset, is on this plane (though the Earth is slightly tilted, visible in the asymmetry of the horns. Third, during an eclipse, the Moon begins to cover up one side of the Sun, following this arc, covers it up, and ends up covering the other side. Hence, it should be possible to get horns at sunset during any total solar eclipse if you put yourself in the right place at the right time.