Answered Question

und3rtow4...

M$1.00 Funded By Mahalo ? | April 16, 2009 05:55 AM

What is the technical term for being able to see the suns highly defined surface by a thin cloud perfectly blurring its harsh brightness?

I was staring into the clouds and I saw them rapidly moving apart. They separated and I found myself looking at the sun's surface so crystal clear I almost thought it was a mid-day moon! What I'm wondering is the term for such a happening, or if it happened to anyone else?

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leesybee

April 16, 2009 09:58 AM

Hi!

I've never witnessed it myself, but to allow the sun to be visible, a certain type of cloud is common: Altostratus. "Altostratus can develop into a thick or thin layer. As a thin layer, the sun can be observed through the cloud" (from http://australiasevereweather.com/techniques/moreadv/class.htm). However, it is also possible to view the sun through the thinner spots of other clouds.

You may also be referring to the sun photosphere. Here is a link to some pics of the sun: http://www.kashtro.com/sun/sun_home.html

Asker's Rating:

• If it's possible I believe what I saw was even more clear than those pictures. But very helpful and informative answer anyway. Thank you.
Any Idea how rare this occurrence is?

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leesybee

April 17, 2009 07:57 AM

Thanks! Not too rare I wouldn't think. Just requires the right cloud conditions. I think it probably happens quite often, but in today's hectic society, no one really stops to smell the roses or look at the sky!

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