A mesmerizing meteorological occurrence called a “crown flash” has taken social media by storm after a rare video of the phenomenon was shared online. This unique event arises when the electrical fields in a thunderstorm cause ice crystals above the cloud to realign and reflect sunlight like spotlight beams. Despite the prevalence of cameras today, there have been only a handful of documented instances of this phenomenon, first described in 1885.
Spotted over Miami Beach today… video from Leland Randleman. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/2BBiFCyC6g
— James Spann (@spann) April 28, 2023
The video, captured over Miami Beach, Florida, by meteorologist James Spann, depicts a beam of light seemingly shining over the clouds, captivating viewers and leading to a flurry of excitement on social media. Meteorologists have confirmed it as a legitimate crown flash, with some expressing disbelief at this unusual optical effect. The video has since received over 618,000 views on Twitter, demonstrating the widespread fascination and awe generated by this rare meteorological event.
While the precise cause of crown flashes is still debated, meteorologists suggest that it involves plate or needle-shaped ice crystals realigning during changes in the electric field of a cumulonimbus cloud, subsequently reflecting sunlight preferentially. Despite its rarity, a few other documented instances of crown flashes have occurred in the past, including over Texas in May 2022 and in Florida in August 2020. In any case, the natural world continues to captivate and inspire us with its unique and stunning displays.
