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Merging Suns

17 October 2007

Sunset Mirage over Alexandria, Egypt
Sunset mirage is an optical phenomenon that occurs during sunset. Due to the mirage effect, an image of the Sun appears to rise from the sea, merging with the setting Sun. The observer views two merging Suns.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

On 16 October 2007, the western horizon of Alexandria was partly cloudy. However, breaks in the clouds allowed BA Senior Astronomy Specialist Aymen Ibrahem to capture interesting images of the spectacular sunset mirage phenomenon.

"I did not only observe the sunset mirage, but imaged colorful aircraft contrails as well," said Ibrahem. "Some contrails were near the setting Sun. I recorded their fascinating hues."

Ibrahem recorded a series of exciting images showing the stages of the sunset mirage phenomenon. He named his pictures "Merging Suns". Some of the pictures are in the gallery below.

"The view of the two Suns was reminiscent of artists' impressions of interacting binary stars, a system of two stars in which mass transfer occurs from one star to the other, or black holes devouring mighty stars," said Ibrahem with a grin. "Fortunately the Sun did not explode that day!"

Picture Gallery: Merging Suns

Fig (1)
Balloon Sun
This image was taken prior to sunset. The Sun is distorted into the shape of a balloon due to optical atmospheric effects.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (2)
Mock Star
The image shows the development of the sunset mirage. An image of the Sun begins to form beneath the Sun. The mirage is visible through a break in the clouds.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (3)
Emerging Star and Sinking Star
Due to the mirage effect, an image of the Sun appears to rise from the sea.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (4)
Merging Suns
The two Suns appear to colliding and merging.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (5)
Sun and Passing Ship
The distorted image of the Sun is sinking. A passing ship is seen in silhouette.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

Fig (6)
Colorful Aircraft Contrails
Aircraft contrails, which are artificial high altitude clouds, are visible beyond lower clouds. The contrails gleamed in fascinating hues during sunset and dusk.
Photo by Aymen Ibrahem, Senior Astronomy Specialist

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