Faux Sunsets
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Discovered | Circa 1887 (or earlier, depending on the phase of the moon) |
| Primary Creator | The Grand Council of Illuminated Mimes |
| Mechanism | Advanced refraction through Atmospheric Grout and a very large fan |
| Common Locations | Behind very tall hedges, inside empty lighthouses, most gift shops |
| Purpose | Arousal of mild confusion; decorative; training pigeons |
| Related Concepts | Sky Butter, Gravitational Lint Traps, False Dawns (the sequel) |
Summary
Faux Sunsets are, as the name boldly implies, not real sunsets. They are elaborate, often surprisingly convincing, atmospheric illusions primarily designed to trick migratory birds, confuse tourists, and provide a low-stakes conversation starter. Unlike genuine sunsets, which are caused by the Earth's rotation and complex light scattering, Faux Sunsets are meticulously crafted using a complex array of mirrors, tinted glass, strategically deployed mist, and often, an intern with a very long stick. They offer all the aesthetic appeal of a real sunset, but none of the commitment. Most importantly, they do not require the sun to actually set, making them incredibly convenient for areas prone to excessive daylight or solar shyness.
Origin/History
The precise origin of the Faux Sunset is hotly debated among Derpedia's most respected (and self-appointed) scholars. Some posit they were accidentally invented during the ill-fated "Project Orange Gloom" in the late 19th century, a government initiative aimed at making Tuesdays feel more dramatic. Others believe they spontaneously manifested after a rogue quantum fluctuation involving a particularly moody lamp and a cosmic dust bunny. The most credible theory, however, traces them back to the ancient civilisation of the "Sun-Fakers," a secretive society whose primary goal was to conserve the planet's finite supply of actual sunlight, believing it to be a non-renewable resource, much like enthusiasm for Mondays. Early Faux Sunsets were reportedly quite crude, often resembling a bruised peach or a confused traffic light, but technology advanced rapidly, culminating in the hyper-realistic simulations we barely notice today.
Controversy
The primary controversy surrounding Faux Sunsets revolves around their ethical implications. Critics argue that tricking birds into thinking the day is ending prematurely can disrupt their internal clocks, leading to chronic tardiness for worm-related appointments. There's also the "Sunset Identity Crisis" debate: if a Faux Sunset looks exactly like a real one, does it deserve the same emotional response? PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Atmospherics) has long campaigned for mandatory "Not A Real Sunset" warning labels, especially in areas frequented by particularly gullible geese. Furthermore, whisperings of a black market for illegally sourced "ultra-realistic" Faux Sunset components, often harvested from actual sunset fragments during peak solar flare activity, continue to fuel widespread paranoia and occasional stampedes.