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China: Rare Rainbow-Colored Clouds Seen Above Xinjiang Ski Resort

A video captured a striking display of rainbow-colored clouds over a ski resort in Altay, Xinjiang, China, on January 11, 2026. Bands of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple stretched across the winter sky above the snow-covered slopes as skiers paused to watch the rare phenomenon. The shimmering clouds lingered on the horizon, creating a surreal contrast with the white mountains below.

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Star Explosion Reveals New Space Ingredients

Star Explosion Reveals New Space Ingredients

Handout - Scientists have spotted chlorine and potassium hiding inside the remains of a blown-up star for the first time. Using Japan’s XRISM space telescope, they found these elements inside the giant cloud of debris left behind by the supernova called Cassiopeia A. The explosion happened about 11,000 light-years from Earth, but it is still giving up new secrets today. The find shows how stars don’t just light up the sky, they also make many of the elements that help build planets and life. Even long after a star explodes, it can still teach us something new about the universe. This discovery was published in a scientific paper on December 4 this year, and the image was released on January 28, 2024, using data from NASA’s Chandra telescope along with Hubble, Webb and Spitzer. Photo by Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; IR: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/Milisavljevic et al., NASA/JPL/CalTech; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt and K. Arcand via ABACAPRESS.COM

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China: Nervous Cats Pile Together in Jiangsu, Creating Kitty Headpiece Illusion

On October 3, in Jiangsu, China, a video captured several cats brought out by their owner to find new homes. However, the timid felines were so nervous that they huddled tightly together in a pile. One cat tucked its body around another’s fluffy head, creating the illusion of a realistic cat headpiece that made onlookers laugh.

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HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit Exhibition in Beijing

HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit Exhibition in Beijing

Visitors visit a 1000 qubit coherent optical quantum computer model at the HICOOL 2025 Global Entrepreneur Summit Exhibition Hall in Beijing, China on October 18, 2025.

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4th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou

4th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 28, 2025 - Viewers watch the "Digital Trade 01 Star" with high-resolution optical imaging function at the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China on September 28, 2025.

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Japan: Rare Brocken Spectre with Rainbow Halo Spotted in Japanese Alps

Captured at Karasawa-dake, a peak near Mount Okuhotaka, this video shows a rare Brocken spectre. The climber’s shadow appears on the mist below, clearly surrounded by a bright, rainbow-colored halo. This optical phenomenon occurs when the sun is low behind the observer, creating a ghostly shadow that seems to float in the clouds.

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11th World Radar Expo in Hefei

11th World Radar Expo in Hefei

The LCT-III/"Land God" ground to air electro-optical countermeasure system exhibited by China Electronics Technology Group Co., Ltd. at the 11th World Radar Expo in Hefei, Anhui Province, China on May 17, 2025.

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Shop and Logo - Shopping Center - Rambouillet

Shop and Logo - Shopping Center - Rambouillet

Logo and store Alain Afflelou Optical and hearing aid specialist in the Bel Air shopping center in Rambouillet. Rambouillet, Yvelines, France August 11, 2025. Photo by Christopher Charpaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shop and Logo - Shopping Center - Rambouillet

Shop and Logo - Shopping Center - Rambouillet

Logo and store Alain Afflelou Optical and hearing aid specialist in the Bel Air shopping center in Rambouillet. Rambouillet, Yvelines, France August 11, 2025. Photo by Christopher Charpaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

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China: Miraculous Mirage Makes Ship Appear to Float Above Pier in Zhejiang

Residents in Zhejiang, China, witnessed a stunning mirage on July 27, 2025, where a large ship appeared to float above a pier. The natural optical illusion blurred the horizon, making the vessel look suspended in the sky, leaving onlookers amazed as they filmed the surreal scene.

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China: Cloud Formation Resembling Sniper Captured in Night Sky

A cloud formation resembling a sniper was spotted in the night sky over Zhejiang, China, on July 20, 2025. Footage captured by a resident showed a surreal silhouette of a figure in a sniping position, sparking amazement online.

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China: Rare Sun Halo Appears Over Ningbo Amid Heatwave

On July 1, 2025, a rare sun halo appeared over Ningbo, Zhejiang, drawing the attention of passersby who stopped to watch. The phenomenon, caused by sunlight passing through ice crystals, occurred amid a heatwave with temperatures nearing 40 °C.

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China: Rare ‘Buddha’s Light’ Halo Seen on Sichuan Mountain

This breathtaking moment captures a rare “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon encircling a hiker’s head on a mountaintop trail. On June 5, 2025, while hiking Jiuding Mountain in Sichuan, a man recorded a vivid, rainbow-colored halo — known as a “Buddha’s Light” or Brocken Spectre — forming around his head in the misty air. The optical illusion followed him for several meters, creating a surreal, almost mystical scene as he walked through the fog. According to the hiker, Mr. He, the phenomenon appeared not only around his own head but also around those of other nearby hikers, lasting for about 30 seconds. The video ends with the glowing halo slowly fading as the group continued along the mist-covered trail."

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China: Brief Appearance of Seven-Colored Cloud Amazes Locals in Hubei

This rare moment captures an iridescent cloud spotted in the sky, as a local resident managed to film the fleeting phenomenon before it vanished within minutes. Filmed on May 30, 2025, in Enshi, Hubei Province, China, the video shows a vibrant, seven-colored cloud glowing above the skyline. The shimmering formation, commonly known as a "rainbow auspicious cloud", was visible for only about two minutes before fading into the atmosphere.

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Brand Booth at 2025AWE in Shanghai

Brand Booth at 2025AWE in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 20, 2025 - LED optical chip application products on display at Changelight booth at 2025AWE, Shanghai, China on March 20, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

GENTLE MONSTER Shop in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA - FEBRUARY 19, 2025 - A GENTLE MONSTER optical shop is seen in Shanghai, China, February 19, 2025.

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HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

KARLSKRONA 2025-02-04 Optical reconnaissance with binoculars from the bridge deck. The patrol ship HMS Carlskrona (P04) set sail from the naval port in Karlskrona on Tuesday to become part of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation as one of several Swedish ships that are part of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). This is the first time the ship has hoisted the NATO flag on board. The purpose of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation is to demonstrate presence and monitor critical underwater infrastructure. Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT / Code 50090

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HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

KARLSKRONA 2025-02-04 Optical reconnaissance with binoculars and documentation with a camera from the bridge deck. The patrol ship HMS Carlskrona (P04) set sail from the naval port in Karlskrona on Tuesday to become part of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation as one of several Swedish ships that are part of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). This is the first time the ship has hoisted the NATO flag on board. The purpose of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation is to demonstrate presence and monitor critical underwater infrastructure. Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT / Code 50090

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HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

HMS CARLSKRONA BALTIC SENTRY

KARLSKRONA 2025-02-04 Optical reconnaissance with binoculars and documentation with a camera from the bridge deck. The patrol ship HMS Carlskrona (P04) set sail from the naval port in Karlskrona on Tuesday to become part of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation as one of several Swedish ships that are part of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). This is the first time the ship has hoisted the NATO flag on board. The purpose of NATO's Baltic Sentry operation is to demonstrate presence and monitor critical underwater infrastructure. Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT / Code 50090

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Optical Core Products

Optical Core Products

ZAOZHUANG, CHINA - DECEMBER 16, 2024 - A robotic arm produces optical core products in an unmanned workshop at an enterprise in Zaozhuang Economic Development Zone, east China's Shandong province, Dec 16, 2024.

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Optical Core Products

Optical Core Products

ZAOZHUANG, CHINA - DECEMBER 16, 2024 - A robotic arm produces optical core products in an unmanned workshop at an enterprise in Zaozhuang Economic Development Zone, east China's Shandong province, Dec 16, 2024.

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Optical Core Products

Optical Core Products

ZAOZHUANG, CHINA - DECEMBER 16, 2024 - A robotic arm produces optical core products in an unmanned workshop at an enterprise in Zaozhuang Economic Development Zone, east China's Shandong province, Dec 16, 2024.

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Optical Core Products

Optical Core Products

ZAOZHUANG, CHINA - DECEMBER 16, 2024 - A robotic arm produces optical core products in an unmanned workshop at an enterprise in Zaozhuang Economic Development Zone, east China's Shandong province, Dec 16, 2024.

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Optical Core Products

Optical Core Products

ZAOZHUANG, CHINA - DECEMBER 16, 2024 - A robotic arm produces optical core products in an unmanned workshop at an enterprise in Zaozhuang Economic Development Zone, east China's Shandong province, Dec 16, 2024.

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

EDITORS NOTE, MORE INFORMATION ADDED! (FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. Two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland on December 2, 2024. The other is owned by GlobalConnect and the other by telecom company Elisa. GlobalConnect says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. The locations of the damages will not be revealed due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

EDITORS NOTE, MORE INFORMATION ADDED! (FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. Two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland on December 2, 2024. The other is owned by GlobalConnect and the other by telecom company Elisa. GlobalConnect says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. The locations of the damages will not be revealed due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

EDITORS NOTE, MORE INFORMATION ADDED! (FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. Two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland on December 2, 2024. The other is owned by GlobalConnect and the other by telecom company Elisa. GlobalConnect says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. The locations of the damages will not be revealed due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. Company does not tell the locations of the damagas due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. Company does not tell the locations of the damagas due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. Company does not tell the locations of the damagas due to the security risk. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

The optical fibre cable works in Espoo

(FILES) The optical fibre cable of the Swedish digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect is being laid underground in Espoo, Finland on October 16, 2024. GlobalConnect's two land cables has been damaged in different places in Finland. Company says that the other cable is repaired and the other is being repaired. LEHTIKUVA / VESA MOILANEN - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo

Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo

Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo=October 11,2024,Saitama

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Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo

Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo

Sumida Optical Glass signboard and logo=October 11,2024,Saitama

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Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass

Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass

Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass=October 11,2024,Saitama

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Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass

Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass

Exterior, logo and signage of Sumida Optical Glass=October 11,2024,Saitama

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Mascot character of Sumida Optical Glass

Mascot character of Sumida Optical Glass

“Naze-taro” and “Naze-pyo” are the mascot characters of Sumida Optical Glass.=October 11,2024,Saitama

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Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou

Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 - Visitors look at scale models of civilian meter-class optical imaging satellites that will be exported to the Middle East at the Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, September 25, 2024.

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China: Spectacular Sight Of Six Suns Over Sky In Chengdu

A breathtaking natural phenomenon was witnessed in Chengdu, Sichuan province, southwestern China, on August 18, 2024. Amid the brilliant sunset hues, an extraordinary optical illusion appeared in the orange-red sky, a phenomenon resembling six suns rising amidst vibrant orange clouds. Scientifically known as sundogs or parhelions, the spectacle occurs when sunlight refracts through ice crystals in the atmosphere.

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Underground internet cables

Underground internet cables

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corp. on Aug. 22, 2024, unveils to the media an underground tunnel in Osaka where optical fiber cables for internet and phone cables are laid. NTT West said the tunnel is designed to withstand an earthquake with an intensity of 7, the highest level on Japan's seismic scale.

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Underground internet cables

Underground internet cables

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corp. on Aug. 22, 2024, unveils to the media an underground tunnel in Osaka where optical fiber cables for internet and phone cables are laid. NTT West said the tunnel is designed to withstand an earthquake with an intensity of 7, the highest level on Japan's seismic scale.

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2024 Beijing International Charging Pile and Power Station Exhibition

2024 Beijing International Charging Pile and Power Station Exhibition

BEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 14, 2024 - Visitors visit the "Optical storage, Charge and Discharge Microgrid overcharge Station" at the 2024 Beijing International Charging Pile and Power Station Exhibition in Beijing, China, August 14, 2024.

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Fifth World Photonics Congress 2024 in Beijing

Fifth World Photonics Congress 2024 in Beijing

BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 25, 2024 - Visitors visit "Special Optical fibers" at the "Fifth World Photonics Congress 2024" in Beijing, China, July 25, 2024.

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