Illusion in a Brazilian cave: water seems to fall from a halo around the sun
A video from a cave in Brazil has spread on social media, showing what looks like a stream of water falling from the sun's coloured halo. Specialists explain the effect as an interplay of sunlight, water droplets and atmospheric conditions.
A video from Brazil showing an optical illusion has drawn wide attention on social media: water appears to pour straight out of the sun's coloured halo, even though the area was not overcast and no rain was falling. The footage has been described as surreal and almost unbelievable.
Where it was filmed
The scene was captured by eyewitnesses at the Alto Ribeira tourist park in the state of São Paulo, in south-eastern Brazil. The illusion was recorded inside the huge Casa de Pedra cave. The park is widely known for its unique cave systems and primeval forest trails.
What the video shows
The frames show a glittering stream of water falling against a lush green forest backdrop, while a vivid circle of colour shines around the sun. From a certain vantage point, it looks as if the water flows directly out of that halo.
How specialists explain it
Specialists say the effect results from an ideal combination of sunlight, water droplets and atmospheric conditions. Seen from a particular angle deep inside the cave, this interplay of light and water creates the unusual optical trick of rain falling from the sun's circle.
The video was made at a tourist park that attracts visitors with its caves and nature trails, although the source does not say exactly when the footage was recorded.
