''The Green Ray'' (french: Le Rayon vert) is a novel by the French writer

Jules Verne Jules Gabriel Verne (;''Longman Pronunciation Dictionary''. ; 8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. His collaboration with the publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel led to the creation of the ''Voyages extraor ...

published in 1882 and named after the optical phenomenon of the same name. It is referenced in a 1986 film of the same name by

Eric Rohmer The given name Eric, Erich, Erikk, Erik, Erick, or Eirik is derived from the Old Norse name ''Eiríkr'' (or ''Eríkr'' in Old East Norse due to monophthongization). The first element, ''ei-'' may be derived from the older Proto-Norse ''* ain ...

Plot summary

The heroes are trying to observe the green ray in Scotland. After numerous attempts are obstructed by clouds, flocks of birds or distant boat sails, the phenomenon is eventually visible but the heroes, finding love in each other's eyes, don't pay attention to the horizon.

Scientific basis

Green flash The green flash and green ray are meteorological optical phenomena that sometimes occur transiently around the moment of sunset or sunrise. When the conditions are right, a distinct green spot is briefly visible above the Sun's upper limb; ...

es and green rays are rare

optical phenomena Optical phenomena are any observable events that result from the interaction of light and matter. All optics, optical phenomena coincide with Quantum mechanics, quantum phenomena. Common optical phenomena are often due to the interaction of ligh ...

that occur shortly after sunset or before sunrise, when a green spot is visible for a short period of time above the sun, or a green ray shoots up from the sunset point. It is usually observed from a low altitude where there is an unobstructed view of the horizon, such as on the ocean. The idea in the novel that one can predict where and when to observe the green ray has no scientific basis. The rays are regularly sighted by airplane pilots because they often can see the true horizon in mid flight, more often when flying west because the sun's relative motion is slightly slower. Cited in Eric Rohmer's 1986 film, the green ray is used as a leitmotiv, providing meaning and guidance for the film's troubled main character, Delphine. Verne's book is discussed at length in the film as a "fairytale love story" whose protagonists are consumed in their search for the rare meteorological phenomenon. Believed to give a heightened perception to those who view it, one of the characters further explains that "when you see the green ray you can read your own feelings and others too". Seizing on this idea, Delphine uses her search for the to help overcome her fear of intimacy.

Illustration from the book

File:Jules-verne-de-wonderstraal-1.png File:Jules-verne-de-wonderstraal-2.png File:Jules-verne-de-wonderstraal-3.png

References

External links

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The Green Ray on Google Books

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(in French) 1882 French novels 1882 science fiction novels Novels by Jules Verne Novels set in Scotland French novels adapted into films Nautical novels {{1880s-adventure-novel-stub