What can explain this sky?

[Daniela1982]

It's pretty flat in this area with no mountains, so what is causing this sky effect?

[Massageman]

It's the result of a reflection of sunlight through under-the-horizon showers. The phenomenon is called “anti-crepuscular or anti-solar rays".

[Daniela1982]

Wait, are you making that up?

[Massageman]

Nope. Look it up. The visual effect to our eyes is a shadow being cast from beneath the horizon at a high enough altitude (so that the curvature of the Earth doesn't block the sight line), to be seen ABOVE the horizon. If it happens at a low altitude, the curvature would block the sight line and the blue shaft of (blocked) light would NOT be visible. Wikipedia explains it but uses the term when the sun is ANYwhere, which falls short of the true meteorological info/definition.

[Massageman]

Thanks for the MHO.

[Likes2drive]

Something in the distance low near the horizon is only letting the blue rays through and creating that effect

[sage2021]

Maybe some jets flew directly through the clouds and made an imprint.

[dustybiker2]

Someone is really turned on.

[NathanDavis]

dad's sneeze...

[exitseven]

UFOs are flying in formation just over the rise.

[Daniela1982]

Oh shit! Call Space Force pronto!

[exitseven]

You won't be laughing when you have to learn Klingon.

[Daniela1982]

On one Star Trek a Klingon called it Klingonese.

[exitseven]

Yes, that is right

[electromagnetic]

I cannot explain but it is beautiful

[Jennz6]

Tornado 🌪️ warning

[gorydetails]

shadows from a cloud.