Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

South Pole Halos - Anthelic View

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of South Pole halos, focusing on the anthelic view. It delves into the multitude of arcs, the convergence at the anthelic point, and the complex ray paths that contribute to this rare atmospheric spectacle.

Contrail Shadows

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and conditions necessary for the occurrence of contrail shadows, a fascinating atmospheric optics phenomenon where an aircraft's contrail casts a shadow on the clouds below, creating mesmerizing visual displays in the sky.

OPOD - Wendelstein Mountain Shadow

The article explores the captivating phenomenon of the Wendelstein Mountain Shadow, a mesmerizing display of atmospheric optics. It delves into the science behind the formation of this shadow and highlights its dynamic nature, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of our planet's atmosphere.

Tilting at Clouds in La Manch, Cloud Colours - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of cloud colors observed in La Mancha, Spain, and other locations around the world, delving into the science behind the vibrant hues and the factors that contribute to their appearance. The captivating images captured by atmospheric optics expert Stan Gedzelman offer a glimpse into the enchanting world of cloud colors, showcasing the intricate dance between light, clouds, and the surrounding environment.

Czech Circumhorizon Arc - OPOD

This article explores the Czech Circumhorizon Arc (CHA), a stunning atmospheric phenomenon that resembles a spectroscope. It discusses the formation of the CHA, its resemblance to a prism spectroscope, and the possibility of observing Fraunhofer lines within the arc.

OPOD - Sweden Rare Halos

The article explores a rare and captivating display of atmospheric optics in Sweden, showcasing a variety of halos and arcs that adorned the sky on a particular day. The presence of Parry crystals, previously exclusive to Antarctica, demonstrates how even man-made snow crystals can contribute to these remarkable optical displays.

Nacreous, polar stratospheric clouds, Donegal, Ireland - OPOD

This article explores the rarity and captivating beauty of nacreous clouds, also known as polar stratospheric clouds, in Donegal, Ireland. It discusses their composition, formation, and provides tips for observing these ethereal phenomena.

HaloSim3 software

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to install and upgrade the HaloSim3 software, a powerful tool for simulating and analyzing atmospheric optical phenomena. It includes step-by-step instructions for downloading the upgrade pack and running the latest version of the software.

Rainbows British Columbia

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and best viewing spots for rainbows in British Columbia, Canada, a region known for its stunning landscapes and diverse weather patterns. It provides tips for capturing the magic of rainbows through photography and highlights the fleeting moments of natural beauty that evoke a sense of wonder and joy.

Corona around the sun

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of the corona around the sun, discussing its formation, observation methods, scientific principles, and cultural significance. It provides valuable insights into this awe-inspiring atmospheric optics spectacle.

Iridescent Clouds

This article explores the captivating world of iridescent clouds, delving into the science behind these optical phenomena and discussing factors that influence their formation and intensity. It also provides tips for capturing the ephemeral beauty of iridescence through photography.

Rays and Shadows - Victoria, BC

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of atmospheric optics in Victoria, BC, uncovering the mesmerizing interplay of light and atmosphere through rays and shadows. It delves into the enchanting displays of crepuscular rays, shadow bands, anticrepuscular rays, glory, and heiligenschein, inviting readers to embrace the magic of these optical wonders.

Lone Upper Tangent

This article explores the formation and characteristics of the lone upper tangent arc, a captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon created by glints of sunlight passing through hexagonal column ice crystals. It delves into the unique shape, color, and alignment of the crystals, as well as the merging of the upper and lower tangent arcs to form a circumscribed halo.

OPOD - Banded Airglow

This article explores the phenomenon of banded airglow, a captivating and colorful glow that envelops the Earth's night sky, revealing the hidden luminosity of the atmosphere. Scientists continue to study and unravel the mysteries behind this celestial phenomenon, gaining deeper insights into Earth's atmospheric dynamics and the interplay between solar radiation and our planet's upper atmosphere.

OPOD - Algae Quételet colours

The article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Quételet colours, which are subtle pastel hues produced by the interference of light waves on reflecting surfaces, such as still ponds covered with algae or dusty mirrors. It delves into the science behind these colors and highlights the visual delight and photographic potential they offer, inviting readers to appreciate the intricate beauty of nature's optical phenomena.

Spooky corona - OPOD

This article explores the science behind the captivating and dynamic atmospheric phenomenon known as coronae, which can be observed encircling the moon and other celestial bodies. It delves into the formation, appearance, and changing nature of coronae, highlighting their eerie and mesmerizing qualities.

Of bricks and crystals - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of dark and white rays observed on pavements, revealing their connection to the periodic patterns formed by brick joins. Additionally, it delves into the role of crystals and their lattice structures in generating captivating optical effects.

OPOD - Jupiter Corona/Aureole

This article explores the stunning phenomenon of the Jupiter Corona/Aureole, a ring of light surrounding Jupiter caused by the diffraction and scattering of light by tiny particles in the atmosphere. Through captivating images and technical details, the article showcases the beauty and intricacy of this atmospheric optics phenomenon.

OPOD - Complete Parhelic Circle

This article explores the phenomenon of the complete parhelic circle, an atmospheric optics display characterized by bright spots resembling extra suns. It delves into the complex interplay between sunlight and ice crystals, particularly plate crystals and horizontal column crystals, that contribute to the formation of this captivating halo.

OPOD - Seabed caustics

This article explores the formation, behavior, and mathematical principles behind seabed caustics, mesmerizing light patterns on the seabed that exhibit order and stability despite their ever-changing nature. It delves into the role of refraction, the boundaries of optical regions, and the application of catastrophe theory to understand these enchanting optical phenomena.