Spooky sunrise captured during eclipse in Qatar

Let's face it, the first thing that comes to mind when looking at this photo is "devil's horns" as that is probably what you will notice at first glimpse. In fact, that is exactly what Greek astrophotographer Elias Chasiotis thought when he snapped this photo of an annular eclipse in Qatar. 

“The dark circle near the top of the atmospherically-reddened Sun is the Moon, but so is the dark peak just below it. This is because along the way, the Earth’s atmosphere had an inversion layer of unusually warm air which acted like a gigantic lens and created a second image. The annular phase was blocked by clouds, but the red crescent sunrise was the most awesome sunrise I’ve ever seen!” Chasiotis shared on social media.

This unique example of the annular eclipse and in it's process was captured directly from Chasiotis's lens last month. Only recently, it has gone viral. Not because it is extremely creepy looking in a beautiful way, but because many are speculating this photo was shot in Iran just today. The image had perfect timing luckily, but why are people speculating that this was taken in near Iran just today, when this photo was taken in Qatar last month? 

What is referred to as the "devil's horns eclipse" or "sinister sunrise" was actually taken in December of 2019 by amateur astrophotographer Elias Chasiotis in Qatar and uploaded directly onto his Flickr account yesterday, January 8, 2020. 

Comments

Kathy Balmores said…
It does look like the devil's horn. What a great capture. This photo has a story to tell.
Nature really is remarkable - it offers such beauty and opportunity to pause. Thanks for this!
Bella B said…
so interesting, what a great share and i don;t like scary things at all lol!!
Milica said…
Hahah this really looks weird! Great timing and capture. Devils horn indeed.
Jethro Ugiagbe said…
Really not sure what it is, but the view is great.
Krysten Quiles said…
Oh my goodness that is so creepy! It would definitely make me look twice! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Michael said…
I just experience a sunset at the beach yesterday and this article is interesting, Never heard of this yet until now.
Owen G said…
That is a remarkable picture Sarah. It does indeed look like the horns of the devil. Incredible!
Jasmine M said…
It could be pretty spooky as the devil's horns for sure... but it also looks very pretty as well.
That is so freaky. I would have thought for sure that it was photoshopped or something. Really cool. Thanks for sharing!
Tweenselmom said…
Looks creepy but this is a natural phenomenon, so amazing!
mail4rosey said…
People try to change things to meet their need for drama. It's good when it gets called out. The photo is for sure unique!
Ceci Rey said…
That is a great photo...we watch sunrises all the time...wish I could have seen this one!
Kimberly Caines said…
That is really unforgettable moment. Such a beautiful and relaxibg view you got there.
Ellie said…
That is really spooky! It makes a brilliant photo though, doesn't look real
Seadbeady said…
It looks amazing but kinda weird at the same time no matter where or when it was taken :)
Whoa that is freaky... wouldn't know what to think if I saw that!
Ann said…
haha oh yes, devils horns it is! :D
Did you ever figure out what it was?