A mysterious and captivating purple haze painted the sky above Metro Vancouver this week, leaving residents in Delta, B.C., in a state of awe and curiosity. The unusual atmospheric display, which turned the evening sky into a vibrant canvas of violet and lavender, was captured in a striking photograph by local resident Catherine Latremouille.
A Spectacle in the Sky
The event, which occurred on December 23, 2025, was not immediately explained by authorities, leading to widespread speculation and wonder among those who witnessed it. Latremouille's photograph, shared with The Canadian Press, provides a clear record of the ethereal sight. The image shows a deep purple glow suffusing the clouds, a dramatic departure from the region's typical grey winter palette.
Social media platforms quickly filled with images and videos from other onlookers, all expressing similar sentiments of amazement. Many described the light as "otherworldly" and "surreal," while others began to question what natural or human-made cause could produce such a vivid and localized color effect.
Searching for an Explanation
While the exact cause of the purple haze remains under investigation, meteorologists and atmospheric scientists often point to a few potential culprits for such phenomena. The interaction of sunlight with specific atmospheric particles, a process known as scattering, can sometimes produce unusual colors. Under certain conditions, particles from pollution, forest fire smoke, or even volcanic ash high in the atmosphere can filter sunlight in unique ways.
Another possibility involves the presence of noctilucent clouds or rare chemical reactions in the air. However, these are typically seen at much higher altitudes. Given the timing and location, some experts suggest it could also be related to light refraction through ice crystals or an unusual interaction with urban light pollution under specific weather conditions.
Community Reaction and Lasting Impressions
The phenomenon provided a moment of shared wonder for the community, cutting through the usual news cycle. For Catherine Latremouille and other residents, the event was a powerful reminder of nature's capacity for surprise and beauty. The photograph stands as a permanent record of a fleeting, mysterious moment that sparked connection and conversation across the Lower Mainland.
Local authorities have not issued any advisories related to the haze, indicating it posed no known public health or safety risk. The event joins a history of rare optical phenomena observed in Canadian skies, from the aurora borealis to sundogs and light pillars. For now, the purple haze over Delta remains a beautiful, unexplained spectacle, a topic of discussion and a highlight of the year's end for those who looked up and saw something extraordinary.
