SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Spring is here, and as summer approaches, the sunrise and sunset become popular subjects. During these events, one can witness an optical phenomenon known as the green flash. The green flash is a brief occurrence visible just after sunset or before sunrise. It's typically observed where there's a clear sky and an obstructed horizon, such as over the ocean. This distinct phenomenon appears as a green hue right after the sun sets or rises, when it's mostly below the horizon, lasting only a few seconds. There are four types of green flashes, each dependent on the type of mirage present. Mirage, an optical phenomenon where light rays bend through refraction, creates displaced images of distant objects in the sky. Inferior Mirage: These reflections produce an oval, flat green flash over the ocean when the water is warmer than the air above, lasting one to two seconds. Mock Mirage: Higher in the sky, these green flashes occur when the surface air is cooler than the air above, appearing thin and pointy, lasting one to two seconds. Subduct: Atmospheric inversion traps a layer of warm air over a layer of cool air near the ground, creating an hourglass-shaped sun and potentially extending the green flash to 15 seconds. Green Ray: The rarest form, occurring in hazy skies, manifests as a beam of green light shooting up like a ray, lasting a few seconds. To observe the green flash, it's best to wait until the sun is almost completely below the horizon, avoiding looking directly at the bright sunrise or sunset beforehand as it could mess up your vision. It is also best to look over an obstructed horizon like the ocean, but it could also be seen up in the sky on a plane. A clear sky is best so that no clouds get in the way.  Witnessing this natural spectacle requires patience and careful observation, as it's a fascinating event that adds a touch of magic to the transition between day and night.