Residents of St. Petersburg, Russia, were left in a state of wonder after having seen a rare and spellbinding natural phenomenon, when they saw what looked like four moons shining at once in the night sky.
The extraordinary sight caught the attention of locals, and photographs and videos were shared on social media, making the phenomenon a social media viral trend.
Experts said the dazzling display was the result of a phenomenon known as parselena, which causes multiple images of the moon appear as the result of the reflection and refraction of the moon’s light through ice crystals floating in the upper atmosphere.
These hexagonal-shaped ice crystals, generally found in thin cloud formations at high altitudes, will bend the rays of the moon and cause bright spots to appear on either side of the moon that create the illusion of another moon.
Parselena is normally seen at an angle of 22 degrees from the moon and is better seen when the moon is near the horizon.
The size and orientation of the ice crystals have an effect on the intensity and shape of the reflected light. Larger crystals in particular can create tall distinct pillars of light adding to the visual impact and increase the drama of the scene.
Residents described the event as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly”, with many coming out to take pictures of the phenomenon on their phones.
Scientists stressed that parselena is rare but is a natural optical illusion and a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the phenomena of our atmosphere.
The fascinating show has left St. Petersburg buzzing and given social media users around the globe a look at a truly magical night sky.
Also read: Did people in Russia really see two suns in the sky?
