In Saint Petersburg, Russia, an extraordinary optical phenomenon known as paraselene created the illusion of four moons in the night sky. Although Earth has only one moon, observers were captivated as videos of this phenomenon circulated widely on social media platforms. The paraselene phenomenon occurs when light from the moon is refracted by ice crystals present in cirrostratus clouds, creating duplicate images of the moon that appear alongside the actual moon.

Meteorologist Mikhail Leus explains the science behind this interesting occurrence. He notes that when photographing a bright object, like the moon, through a window, the light reflects between the window panes, leading to the formation of multiple duplicate images. In this case, these duplicates appear to stack and align in a way that they are adjacent to the main moon rather than appearing symmetrically on either side. These visual effects can be fascinating for both amateur and professional photographers trying to capture such fleeting moments.

The widespread sharing of these videos not only highlights the beauty and peculiarity of natural phenomena but also emphasizes the capabilities of modern technology to capture and share experiences instantly. Such occurrences can inspire interest in atmospheric sciences and may lead to increased public engagement with meteorological phenomena, showcasing the connections between technology, nature, and public fascination with the skies.