Omega Sunrise — Raymond Hui photography

Omega sunrise

Arguably, the best-known Toronto sunrise phenomenon is TorontoHenge. But there is a more unique spectacle that occurs most often in the winter: the Omega sunrise. Here is a series of photos showing the formation of this solar mirage on one February morning in 2024:

Shortly after the crack of dawn ...

Shortly after the crack of dawn ...

The sunrise continues.

The sunrise continues.

The shape of the sun starting to take on an unexpected shape, with the omega shape becoming visible (see just above the water).

The shape of the sun starting to take on an unexpected shape, with the omega shape becoming visible (see just above the water).

The omega shape is unmistakable at this point.

The omega shape is unmistakable at this point.

The sun begins to separate from its lower mirage.

The sun begins to separate from its lower mirage.

As the sunrise continues, the lower mirage shrinks.

As the sunrise continues, the lower mirage shrinks.

There is only a vestige of a mirage remaining at this point.

There is only a vestige of a mirage remaining at this point.

The mirage disappears completely as the sun reaches a certain height.

The mirage disappears completely as the sun reaches a certain height.

Shortly after the crack of dawn ...

The sunrise continues.

The shape of the sun starting to take on an unexpected shape, with the omega shape becoming visible (see just above the water).

The omega shape is unmistakable at this point.

The sun begins to separate from its lower mirage.

As the sunrise continues, the lower mirage shrinks.

There is only a vestige of a mirage remaining at this point.

The mirage disappears completely as the sun reaches a certain height.