Two Suns in Russia Explained by Scientists

Moscow: (Web Desk) – In a rare and astonishing sight, residents of Russia’s Sakhalin region reported seeing two suns rising simultaneously in the sky. A video of the event quickly went viral on social media, capturing widespread attention and curiosity.

Similar phenomena have been reported before in China, where people claimed to see three, five, or even seven suns at the same time.

Some social media users, particularly from Muslim communities, questioned whether this unusual occurrence could be a sign of the Day of Judgment. However, astronomers and religious scholars have dismissed such interpretations.

Islamic teachings mention that the sun rising from the west is a sign of the Day of Judgment, but there is no reference in the Quran or Hadith to two, three, or more suns appearing simultaneously. Experts have stressed that linking this natural occurrence to apocalyptic events is a misinterpretation of religious texts.

Scientists explain that the phenomenon is called a “sundog” or parhelion. It occurs when sunlight is refracted and reflected by tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere at specific angles, creating bright spots on either side of the sun. This gives the illusion of additional suns. Sundogs are most visible during sunrise or sunset when the sun is near the horizon.

Initial reports suggested that extreme cold in Sakhalin, ranging from -14°C to -20°C, caused the effect, but experts clarified that sundogs can occur in any region and are not dependent on temperature.

Pakistan, US join hands to crush Fake Visa Networks

Past instances include sightings in 2020 in Mohe, China, where three suns were reported, in Inner Mongolia with claims of five suns, and in August 2024 in Chengdu, where people claimed to see seven suns. Experts attribute these events either to sundogs or, in some cases, lens reflections from cameras.

Scientists emphasize that there is only one sun in the solar system, and multiple “suns” seen in these events are purely optical and atmospheric phenomena. They warn that linking such natural occurrences to mysterious or apocalyptic events only spreads unnecessary fear and misunderstanding.