Shadow effect, question?

[Rustynailer]

I have a question.

On the way home this afternoon i stopped and photographed this strange shadow effect at sunset.

My question is what is it and why does this happen?

Thank you.

Russ

[flagpole]

Isn't it just that the sun is below the level of the cloud and therefore the shadow is cast upwards?

Lovely picture though

[SP1986]

I think its probably to do with the scattering of the photons just your eyes uses to see. The way it appears is much like a rainbow, once you got up to that point it wouldn't be there. As FP as said the sun is below/behind the cloudline and if you have a look at the 'silver lining' to the cloud, the photons have scattered, reflecting the darker colour of the cloud above the 'silver lining'

[pottyprof]

The suns rays above are called crepuscular rays..

These are caused by dust/ice/water in the atmosphere.. because the sun is low on the horizon and the light is projecting upwards, you also have the clouds projecting shadows onto the dust/ice/water.. a beautiful effect..

You also have the opposite effect caused by breaks in the cloud and the rays are down to earth..

[Rustynailer]

Thank you for the answers and comments, now i know and i am glad you liked it.

Russ