Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Plan for Your Perfect Green Flash Sunset

Now, thanks to the Meteorological Department Curacao, there is an easy way to plan the perfect sunset, always with the hope of seeing Bonaire’s memorable green flash.

Sunrise and sunset for Bonaire for the entire year of 2013 is available on-line at their web site, or by clicking here (in PDF format).  Additionally, times have been calculated for moonrise and moonset, including highlighted days for full or new moons, and these are also available on their web site or by clicking here (in PDF format).

For those not familiar with the green flash, they are optical phenomena that occur shortly after sunset, when a small green spot, or “flash,” is visible, usually for no more than a second or two, above or over the sun.  These unusual sightings stem from different causes, and some are more common than others.  They usually are seen on the horizon, just as the sun sets without clouds and a calm sea.

Summer and fall on Bonaire usually offer a greater opportunity to experience a green flash, but some have already been seen this year.  So, before your next visit to Bonaire, print out the sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset schedules, and sit and enjoy the moment.  And if you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous Bonaire green flash!  (Source:  Meteorological Department Curacao)