Green Flash Photography
The Green Flash
The green flash is a rare atmospheric optical phenomenon that occurs briefly at sunset (and occasionally sunrise) when conditions are right. For a second or two, a vivid green spot appears at the very top of the sun’s disk as it slips below a clear ocean horizon. Many people spend years watching sunsets without ever seeing one.
Raskin’s Observations
Living in Pacifica, California, with its unobstructed Pacific Ocean views, Raskin was well-positioned to observe and photograph the green flash. He documented multiple occurrences with the patience and precision that characterized all his work. Capturing the green flash on film requires anticipation, proper equipment, and a willingness to watch many sunsets that produce no result.
The Physics
The green flash results from atmospheric refraction — the bending of sunlight through layers of air at different temperatures and densities near the horizon. The atmosphere acts as a prism, separating sunlight into its component colors. Green light, being refracted slightly more than red or orange, remains visible for a moment after the rest of the sun’s disk has disappeared. Raskin, with his background in physics and optics, understood and could explain the phenomenon in precise scientific terms.
Photography and Science
These photographs represented a convergence of Raskin’s interests: visual art, scientific observation, and the careful documentation of natural phenomena. They demonstrate his ability to bring technical rigor to aesthetic pursuits.