A recent sighting of a brief flash of green light coming from Venus has left astronomers and skywatchers in awe. The colorful shimmer, a rare phenomenon, was captured by photographer Peter Rosén in the night sky above Stockholm on Jan. 8. The stunning green flash lasted for around a second, adding an unexpected bonus to the celestial spectacle.

Green flashes, although more commonly associated with sunrises and sunsets, are occasionally observed in connection with celestial bodies like Venus. The phenomenon occurs when light from the celestial object is refracted as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the individual wavelengths of light to separate. Under specific conditions, such as clear skies and the position of the object near the horizon, shorter wavelengths, particularly green, become more prominent, creating the mesmerizing green flash.

This rare event has sparked interest and excitement within the scientific community, offering a unique opportunity to study the atmospheric conditions and light refraction around Venus. The captivating footage captured by Rosén provides valuable insights into the optical phenomena associated with the planet, contributing to our understanding of the complex interplay between light and atmospheric elements.