Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
Home / Editor's Pick /

The sky comes alive: How to spot anti-crepuscular rays

06:00
16 April 2023

The sky comes alive
How to spot anti-crepuscular rays

crepuscular rays

We've seen a few examples of crepuscular rays in recent editions of 'Your weather - Your shots' but have you heard of anti-crepuscular rays?

Crepuscular rays are pillars of sunlight appearing to converge towards the sun on the horizon or bursting out of clouds, but if you face away from them, you may get to see something even more elusive.

The next time crepuscular rays light up the horizon, turn away from them. If you do, you might get to see some faint anti-crepuscular rays converging towards an anti-solar point, opposite the sun.

If you want to see some anti-crepuscular rays yourself, here are three tips to remember:

  • Turn around and face the opposite direction to the sun
  • Look carefully – remember anti-crepuscular rays are fainter than crepuscular rays
  • They will be most visible at sunrise or sunset, as the sun passes over the horizon.

See if you can see some for yourself and send us any pictures you take. Just click the little camera in the top corner or use the uploader.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Split weather graphic showing a low-pressure system with tight isobars over the UK on the left and a wind map on the right with strong gusts up to 90 mph, plus a windsock warning icon.
Thursday, 2 April 2026

Gales and blizzards

Storm Dave disrupts Easter weekend
UK and Ireland map shaded in warm tones showing UV levels, with values up to 22 in southern England and lower values in Scotland, plus a circular UV icon.
Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Sunscreen season

UV levels rising with the warmth
A harbour in Crete with a reddish-brown, overcast sky
Friday, 3 April 2026

Blood red skies

Dust storm in Crete
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday, 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList