Green Flash

[Allanbc]

As others have said, you need really clear skies and no land between you and the horizon. I've seen it a number of times when I lived in Hawaii. I used to watch the sunset almost every night from my lanai. I've never seen it but supposedly you can see a green flash at sunrise, too. It is much harder to see because immediately after it, the sun rises.

The green flash is caused by light being refracted as it goes through the atmosphere. The atmosphere acts like a prism and splits the light into different colors. The green flash is the last part of the light you see.

[Insails]

[canadianseamonkey]

I have seen the green fairy after drinking Absente, but never the green flash.

[Sialia]

Thank you all for your help. If I has a little less gray hair, I could probably just remember the name of the boat in question! It's really gotten me thinking and I am not ready to give up just yet. If I remember, or, more likely, if one of my sons remembers, we'll be sure to post it here on SailNet.

BTW, I have seen the green flash 5 times, myself. The most impressive time was near Spanish Wells the evening following a near disaster for a Friend aboard their boat. They thought the boat was lost after hitting, and going aground, on a rock in the narrow pass - can't remember what it's called - there's a surprise! Anyway, after a local fisherman stayed with them all night and re-set anchors; etc., we had cocktails together the following night and - you guessed it - saw the green flash. Unlike the previous times I have seen it, which were split-second events, this one seemed to last for a full second or even two. Quite impressive!

Thanks again.

Chris

[camaraderie]

Sialia...rock pass...Spanish Wells...Devil's Backbone!
Just call whenever the Alzheimer's kicks in!! (g)

[speciald]

I have seen the "Flash" off-shore on more than one occasion. Last year We saw something unusual. While sailing to Puerto Rico last December with a full moon and scattered squalls, we saw a black and white rainbow at night. There must have been enough moonlight to project the spectrum.

[eryka]

Dan once woke me up to show me a "moon-rainbow," though I remember it as more silvery pink and pearly green than black and white? Astonishing sight nevertheless, and well worth the lost sleep.

[retclt]

Originally Posted by canadianseamonkey

I have seen the green fairy after drinking Absente, but never the green flash.

I think I saw the same fairy in CZ last year.

[msimpson1319]

It is no myth. I've seen it twice - once in the Keys and the other in the BVI's. From what I understand, the conditions need to be right for it to occur.

Alcohol does not add or detract from the experience, but is recommended...

[Sialia]

Cam,

I think it already did!