Completely random question; green sky

Posts: 288

Ok, so I was driving with my wife last night and she said, "Hey, did I ever tell you about the time I saw the sky turn green?" I said no, and asked when it happened. She didn't remember specifically, but maybe about 12-13 years ago, looking out her window she saw the sky glow green for a flash. No one else saw it.

So, this jogs my memory of sitting outside with my friends, about 12-13 years ago, and us ALL (seven or eight of us) seeing the sky flash green. She lived in southern NJ at the time, I lived in LI, NY. I asked one of the guys that was there and he remembers it even now.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this around that time?

Posts: 8221

I'd guess that it was something that affected your perception of the sky rather than the sky turning color. I've at times changed my perceptions of colors, but I'll also lose focus.

Posts: 288

I can't really verify exactly when my wife's story happened, so I can't say if it was the same. But I was with 7 or 8 other people who also saw this, so I know it wasn't just me. What could cause changes of perception of color in a group of people?

Posts: 499

I see opinions about this on the the internet, but no scientific research or explanations. It is considered to be a sign of bad weather approaching, such as a tornado. I haven't seen this happen myself.

http://weathersavvy.com/Q-Green_Sky1.html
http://www.weathernotebook.org/transcripts/2004/08/02.php
http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF2/262.html
"Green Sky and Severe Weather" thread in sci.geo.meteorology

Posts: 508

Well, there are certain times when the night sky gives an Aurora (northern lights) show. Even as far as NY, NJ.

Was this day or night when she saw this?

I've personally seen the night sky turn green, among other pale colors from the Aurora. The first time I saw it, I thought I was hallucinating! lol But then realised what I was seeing was freaking cool.

Posts: 288

We both saw it at night. But it was only a flash. The weather links are interesting, thank you TS. I don't recall any bad weather following this, but it was so long ago I can't be sure. Although my wife said she saw it during a snow storm.

Posts: 2699

I recall a green sky a few years ago myself. 12 or 13 years ago sounds about right. I didn't go outside but it looked like a storm was ready to pummel the city. However I don't remember the weather that followed. It could have been aurora since it was approaching the evening.

Posts: 37

It can happen when a low sun shines beneath a high "table" of clouds over a lush green landscape.

The green light reflected upwards from the vegetation is reflected back downward again.

This back-and-forth reflection can produce a very green result...