The weather forecaster explained the nature of the rare phenomenon of the "false sun"

In the winter months, an unusual optical phenomenon can be observed in the sky — a "false sun". It occurs due to the refraction of sunlight in the smallest ice crystals floating in the upper atmosphere. Tatiana Pozdnyakova, a leading specialist at the Meteonosti news agency, told Izvestia about this on January 15.

According to the expert, a rare combination of circumstances is necessary for the effect to form: the air must be sufficiently dry in the surface layer, and water vapor crystallization must occur at altitude. The rays of the low winter sun, especially at sunrise or sunset, are refracted in these crystals, creating the illusion of a second luminary next to the present one. The phenomenon is often accompanied by other optical phenomena, for example, a halo — a luminous ring around the sun.

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"Predicting a "false sun" is extremely difficult, as it requires detailed atmospheric sounding. It is not indicated in operational weather forecasts, as it does not pose any danger. However, its appearance is possible in the frosty morning hours during the formation of ice fog, when ice needles are concentrated in the air," explained Pozdnyakova.

The forecaster added that conditions for this beautiful phenomenon have been developing infrequently lately due to the changeable weather — alternating snowfalls and clouds. For its occurrence, a specific atmospheric structure and a certain humidity are necessary at different altitudes when the sun is low.

On October 27, BBC Science Focus magazine reported the discovery by astronomers of an unusual quasi-moon 2025 PN7, which accompanies the Earth as it moves through outer space. It was clarified that the object does not revolve around the planet directly, but only is nearby and follows it on its way around the Sun.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.