Rare Green Flash Appears At Sunset: Photos Of The Day

SAN DIEGO, CA— The Green Flash is a great breakfast spot on the Pacific Beach boardwalk in San Diego. It is also an optical phenomenon seen shortly after sunset or before sunrise.

"It happens when the sun is almost entirely below the horizon, with the upper edge still visible," according to Earthsky.org. "For a second or two, that upper rim of the sun will appear green — sometimes blue —in color. It’s a brief flash of the color green, and quite exciting to see, especially if you’ve been looking for one!"

Green flashes do play a role in some legends, Earthsky.org says. For instance, it is believed that once you've seen a green flash, you will never again go wrong in matters of the heart.

The photos above were taken Jan. 3 in San Diego as the sun dipped below the horizon and a green flash appeared. It was my first green flash. Fortunately, my Nikon cooperated. I am officially a believer.

It's Your Shot: Pictures You Take And We Share

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