By Kanak Shah | 2025-06-20
Solstice Splendor: Capturing the Summer Sun's Radiance & the Elusive Green Flash
On 06/20/2025 07:37 pm by Jelieta Walinski Ph.D | Website | Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, Arizona, USA
On the Summer Solstice, my husband and I ventured to Kitt Peak National Observatory, 6,000 feet above sea level, to witness the sun's majesty. After scouting the perfect location, I was thrilled to capture the sun's splendor with a unique twist – the elusive Green Flash!
Using my 800mm Canon lens with a 1.4 tele-extender, I snapped this breathtaking shot with precise settings: 1/2500 shutter speed, aperture f/11, and ISO 100. The result is a stunning circle sun with a silhouetted mountain foreground. The sun's gradient colors, from reddish hues at the bottom to yellow and a hint of green at the top, showcase its breathtaking beauty.
The pièce de résistance? The Green Flash, a rare and fleeting phenomenon, adds an extra layer of magic to this already spectacular shot. What a bonus to capture this elusive moment! A truly unforgettable experience, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM +1.4x III, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, GIT203 Grand Series2 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod, Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3
Image downloaded to Adobe Bridge, Processed in Photoshop for cropping, and sharpening.