Light Ray Phenomenon

I had just finished shooting a moonrise over Chimney Rock near where I live, when on the way out I spotted these amazingly beautiful light rays 180° from where the sun had set!
Never seen anything like it in my life, and was wondering if any of you have seen the like before. What causes a phenomenon like this?

I shot the same phenomena a few months back (unfortunately my backdrop was an interstate freeway) and was told they are anticrepuscular rays, if I remember correctly. Great capture!

VERY cool shot, John!

That's exactly what they are. What you're seeing are shadows cast on the atmosphere, converging to a distant point 180 degrees from the setting sun. Seeing your moonrise shot, I'd guess it's cloud tops creating the shadows. Very cool shot! Or should I say, shotS!

Thanks for the explanation and the kind words, folks!

A totally cool phenomena to see, but then to be able to capture it with the moon and get an impressive image is sweet. Way to go John!

I really like Moonrise over Chimney Rock with the storm rolling in, but I was wishing you had posted a larger version. Both shots are great.

Awsome Light. Wish I had been there!

Both are awesome images!

Beautiful lighting and the colors are awesome too! I posted a shot a little over a year ago with similar rays

Found it, it's not even in the same league as yours but gives an idea of the variety there can be.

Outstanding! Thanks for sharing the value of staying open to new possibilities.

Very cool! Can't say I've ever seen anything like that.

I believe I saw that last week, but didn't have the camera with me at the time. Very neat shot. I REALLY like that moon over Chimney Rock image. Well done!

Very cool! Great moon shot, I love the storm to the right.

Wow, great capture!!! Very well done.

Wow, too cool. Nice shot!

Brian

Both are incredible images. I don't see that too often either. Thanks for sharing.

The dawn of aliens, dude. You were lucky you didn't get a rectal!

Nice image, btw!