Venezuela's Capital Caracas Witnesses a Red Sky

Just days after powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, the capital city of Caracas witnessed a deep red sky at sunset. Images that spread on social media sparked speculation about a connection to the earthquakes. However, atmospheric scientists say this reddish glow is a known atmospheric phenomenon. With the death toll from the earthquake rising to 1,943, the extraordinary sight over Caracas turned neighborhoods red.This intense red-orange sunset, known as 'candilazo' in the region, is a common occurrence in Venezuela and Northern South America. While its name is local, its scientific basis is clear: Rayleigh scattering. According to scientists, the presence of fine particles like dust, smoke, sea salt, or aerosols in the atmosphere enhances this effect. Experts note that 'earthquake lights,' a rare phenomenon, appear as short-lived glows or flashing lights on the horizon. The widespread, homogeneous red sky in Caracas bears no resemblance to this, they say.