Anti-Crepuscolar Rays

From the photographer: “Anti-crepuscular rays (or antisolar rays) are an atmospheric optical phenomenon similar to crepuscular rays, but appearing in the opposite direction to the Sun. The phenomenon typically occurs at sunrise or sunset, when the Sun is close to the horizon. Layers of the atmosphere with varying densities (different temperatures) create shadow zones, often generated by clouds, mountains or other obstacles. Sunlight passing through gaps in the clouds or between obstacles illuminates the atmosphere, while the shadows cast appear as parallel rays. Although these rays are parallel in reality, they appear to converge towards a point on the horizon opposite the Sun called the “antisolar point” due to a perspective illusion.

In this image, the anticrepuscular rays seem to converge above the village of Giuliano, in perspective towards Mount Etna. Just beyond the horizon was the Moon, ready to rise and align with the Sun and Earth to create the eclipse. The fan of light opens like an embrace, enveloping the landscape and warming it with the last glimmers of twilight. In my imagination, these rays become paths of light that guide the viewer’s gaze beyond the visible boundaries, projecting it towards the immensity of the sky.”

Technical details:
Canon 6dmod, Sigma 50mm, f/4, 1/125 sec x 16, iso 400