There are two kinds of people on our planet – the ones that are early risers or the others who are night owls. And, there’s simply no in-between. I mean, you either get up early or you just don’t (Read: Simply can’t). Now, irrespective of whether you are a morning person or not, one thing that we all can agree on is that sunrises are beautiful. It surely is mesmerizing to watch the yellow-orange sun bloom in the rich blue sky.
However, recently people in China were greeted with a fascinating phenomenon in the morning sky. They woke up to see “five suns” supposedly hanging above the horizon of a province in Inner Mongolia, reports Hindustan Times.
Have a look at the magical video shared by one of the leading media outlets of China:
What a spectacular wonder! Five suns are seen shining in the sky in N China's Inner Mongolia pic.twitter.com/uvYydtCtYJ
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) February 14, 2020
The scientific explanation behind the natural phenomenon is that an optical illusion was created which requires temperatures of -20 degrees, reports NDTV. When temperatures are really low, ice crystals in the atmosphere act like prisms and refract sunlight. According to Daily Mail, a ‘sundog’ or ‘phantom sun’ occurs as spots of light are formed on either side of the sun.
Some people questioned whether the ‘5 suns’ were a result of pollution:
The reflection from pollution in the air. Maybe crematorium smoke?
— cjcfreedom (@cjcfreedom) February 14, 2020
Is this because of all the pollution?
— english (@global79619367) February 14, 2020
I find it cool to let us see that but you forgot explanation with it would have been really nice tho thanks
— Mahdeel 🏀 🎷💨💨💨💨🌬 ☄ 🏀 🕇🕆 (@Mahdeeeel) February 15, 2020
Others were aware of the phenomenon and pointed out that it was a ‘sundog’:
We call the "Sun-Dogs" here in Canada..
There are even "Moon-Dogs", as well..— Bill Stewart (@bill_bookersbay) February 15, 2020
It’s a sun dog, whippee!
— Bry (@BrytheEarthling) February 15, 2020
However, this is not the first time people have spotted a polar vortex. People in the US have also witnessed Sundogs. Honestly, I’d get up a little early to watch 5 suns! How about you? Would you sacrifice your sleep for it? Let us know in the comments below.