Multiple Suns Appear in China Sky—Or Do They?
A mind-bending video out of China seems to show not one, but seven suns blazing in the sky. However, experts say what viewers are seeing is a fascinating optical illusion.
Viral Video Sparks Debate
Shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Daily Loud, the video shows what appears to be seven suns aligned. Their brightness varies, creating a scene reminiscent of a science fiction film. The post’s caption indicated experts attributed the phenomenon to merely an optical illusion.
7 suns appeared in the sky in China but experts say it was merely an optical illusion. pic.twitter.com/rUtKlfCj7B
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 15, 2024
Social Media Reactions
The video ignited a flurry of reactions online. One user commented, “Nature always has a way of reminding us how small we are in its grand design. This illusion must’ve been breathtaking to witness, like the universe showing off for a fleeting moment.”
Others called the sight “beautiful,”
while some speculated the clip was AI-generated or a glitch in the Matrix.
The Science Behind the Illusion
According to a NY Post report, the clip actually dates back to August 2024, when a woman named Wang recorded it from a hospital in Chengdu. The phenomenon is known as a “sun dog” or “parhelion,” caused by refraction. In this case, the layered glass window created the multiple suns. Atmospheric refraction is the deviation of light or other electromagnetic wave from a straight line as it passes through the atmosphere due to the variation in air density as a function of altitude.
Optical Illusions: More Than Just Fun
Optical illusions are not only captivating but also serve a purpose. They challenge our brains, testing memory, focus, and creative thinking skills. They demonstrate that our perception isn’t always reality, highlighting how our brains interpret visual information. Studies show that engaging with optical illusions can improve cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities (National Institutes of Health, 2021).