Creepy green flash lights up the sky as the sun sets over the ocean - as witnesses brand it 'paranormal'

A creepy green flash illuminated the sky as the sun set over the ocean in Oregon. 

The bizarre moment was captured by Craig Hayslip, a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University. 

Hayslip posted a picture of the sunset and the snap of the green light, which some have branded 'paranormal,' to his Instagram last week. The photo left people stunned at the sight and offering explanations for what they were seeing. 

'Tonight's sunset west of Bandon, Oregon and then a green flash behind a cloud at the end,' he said. 

Craig Hayslip, a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University, captured a creepy green flash lighting up the sky as the sun set over the ocean in Oregon 

Hayslip graduated from the University of Washington in 1982 with a degree in zoology. He now works for Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport

The 'elusive' green flash occurs when the sun is almost entirely below the horizon, while its upper edge remains visible. 

In that moment, the upper rim of the sun can turn a vibrant shade of green or even electric blue. 

Oregon Live reported that staff at the Marine Mammal Institute said they have witnessed the flash 'quite frequently' while at sea. 

According to Earth Sky, the best time to see the phenomenon is during a clear, non-hazy day with no clouds on the horizon. 

Besides being visible from the ocean or beach, the green flash can also be seen from the top of tall buildings or mountains, the outlet said.  It is recommended that those who witness the spectacle should not look directly at the sun as it could cause eye damage. 

In the first photo that Hayslip posted, a portion of the sun was seen setting below the horizon as dark orange clouds hovered over. 

Commenters flocked to his post as one said: 'I have tried so many years to see the green flash.' 

In the first photo that Hayslip posted, a portion of the sun was seen setting below the horizon as dark orange clouds hovered over

They added: 'So great to at least see it here. Thanks for capturing the moment!' 

Another commented: 'Amazing and beautiful photo, thank you for sharing with everyone!' 

According to his website, Hayslip graduated from the University of Washington in 1982 with a degree in zoology. 

He now works for Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, where he photographs documentation of tagging efforts and manages the media library. 

Hayslip said he has also had the chance to work 'other interesting jobs,' like building satellite tags and working on research boats. 

In 2020,  a sunset near the Golden Gate Bridge created a momentary green flash of light. 

In 2020, a sunset near the Golden Gate Bridge created a momentary green flash of light

A time-lapse video of the mysterious optical phenomenon was captured by Eric Sterman in 2015. 

Sterman was making a video of a Hawaii sunset on the north shore of Oahu when his Panasonic GH4 camera caught the rare green flash.

The time-lapse footage showed the sun descending from a bank of dark clouds and gradually dipping into the ocean as a pod of whales jumped out of the water.

Just before the sun entirely vanished below the horizon, a sliver of the ocean's surface and the darkening sky were illuminated green for a brief moment.

The green flash occurred just before the last part of the sun disappeared from view at the end of the 15 second clip.