
Sunglint column over Bay of Bengal
10 April 2016 04:55 UTC


During its daytime orbit on 10 April 2016 the MODIS instrument registered an almost perfect sunglint column over the Bay of Bengal.
Last Updated
07 October 2022
Published on
10 April 2016
By HansPeter Roesli (Switzerland)
For the sunglint to appear the sea must have been exceptionally calm, due to low wind, plus possibly some oily film on the surface.
North and south of the column, waves blur the Sun's reflection. The column's diameter is just over 40km.
Morning sunglint occurs every day on reflective surfaces, usually water. It is dependent on the relative position of the Sun, reflective surface and the satellite.
When the angle of the Sun is in the perfect position then total reflection occurs.