Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Noctilucent Clouds, Leeds, England

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Noctilucent Clouds (NLCs) in Leeds, England, discussing their luminosity, formation, and significance in understanding climate change. It also highlights the global appeal of NLCs and the role of citizen science in studying these ethereal clouds.

Vocanic ash and sunsets

This article explores the stunning optical phenomena created by volcanic ash in the atmosphere, including intense yellow-red horizons and purple-pink glows during sunsets and twilight. It also discusses the formation of a remarkable optical effect known as a Bishop's ring, adding an extra layer of beauty to the sky.

Sun pillar

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and beauty of sun pillars, vertical columns of light that extend above or below the sun, created when sunlight interacts with ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere. It also discusses variations of sun pillars, capturing their beauty through photography, and highlights other captivating atmospheric optics phenomena.

Parry & Upper Tangent Arcs - OPOD

This article explores the rare atmospheric optics phenomenon of Parry and Upper Tangent Arcs, discussing their formation, changes in shape with the sun's ascent, and the role of ice crystals in creating these captivating arcs. It highlights the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics and the ongoing efforts to understand and capture these natural wonders.

Blue Airglow

This article explores the mysteries of blue airglow, a rare and enchanting phenomenon that adds magic to the night sky. It delves into the formation and characteristics of blue airglow, highlighting its faintness and elusive nature.

OPOD - Anomalous Rainbows

This article explores the origins and peculiarities of anomalous rainbows, including their tilted and separate bows, and delves into possible explanations for their formation. It also highlights the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics, inviting readers to embrace the wonders of nature's unexpected surprises.

Halos Contents

This article explores the formation, types, and potential existence of halos in the sky, including rare occurrences and the use of software to simulate halo displays. It also provides tips for observing and photographing halos, showcasing their ethereal beauty and captivating nature.

Miraged sunset, Santa Cruz, California - OPOD

Witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of a miraged sunset in Santa Cruz, California, where three suns appear in the sky, each with its own unique movements and characteristics. This article explores the science behind this captivating display, revealing the role of temperature inversions and atmospheric refraction in creating mirages.

OPOD -Changing Angles

This article explores the phenomenon of pollen coronas, discussing their formation, characteristics, and the caution needed to differentiate between genuine pollen coronas and camera-induced artifacts. It also highlights the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics and the importance of studying these optical wonders for a deeper understanding of our atmosphere.

Reflection Rainbow, Leith, Edinburgh - OPOD

The article explores the captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon of a reflection rainbow in Leith, Edinburgh, showcasing a mesmerizing image of a highly reddened sunset rainbow mirrored from calm waters. The combination of the reflection rainbow and a faint secondary rainbow adds depth and enchantment to the scene, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of atmospheric phenomena.

Halos, Architecture, Geometry, Time

This article explores the captivating connection between ice halos, architecture, geometry, and time in Prague, showcasing the stunning combination of optical phenomena and architectural wonders. It highlights the intricate interplay of geometry and time in ice halos, while also showcasing the timeless beauty and rich history of Prague's architectural masterpieces.

OPOD - Corpuscles & Waves

This article explores the dual nature of light, discussing the historical debate between the corpuscular and wave theories and how they are now recognized as complementary aspects of light's nature. It highlights the coexistence and interaction of corpuscles and waves in shaping atmospheric optics phenomena.

OPOD - Sweden, Winter

This article explores the stunning atmospheric optics phenomenon captured in Sweden during winter, showcasing a diamond dust halo display with a cross through the sun and a circle adorned with mock suns. The interplay between sunlight and ice crystals creates a mesmerizing spectacle that enchants both artists and nature enthusiasts.

22 degree halos? Florida

This article explores the characteristics and identification of 22-degree halos, including how they can be distinguished from similar atmospheric optical phenomena. It also highlights the captivating visual appearance and formation process of these halos, emphasizing their occurrence in Florida and other parts of the world.

XXXX - OPOD

This article explores the fascinating world of atmospheric optics, focusing on the lesser-known third and fourth bows that can occasionally grace the sky, adding an enchanting layer to the atmospheric panorama. It delves into the scientific principles behind the formation of these bows and showcases captivating sightings from around the world.

Cloud Shadows

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of cloud shadows, revealing how sunlight interacts with clouds to create shadows on the Earth's surface. It delves into the formation, visual effects, and unique perspectives of cloud shadows, particularly on the Canary Islands.

OPOD - Corona, Finland

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of a corona and aureole captured in Finland, showcasing the intricate patterns created by scattering and diffraction from fog and cloud droplets. It delves into the complexities of polarized light and unveils the beauty and magic of atmospheric optics in the night sky.

Car fogbow simulation

This article explores the science behind car fogbows, including the formation process, the role of droplet size, and comparisons with simulations. It also discusses the insights of Marko Riikonen and the intriguing phenomenon of fogbows forming from "older" fog.

Halos on Mars

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and potential beauty of halos on Mars, shedding light on their connection to Martian clouds and climate. It also discusses the failed mission to search for these halos, leaving scientists eager for future opportunities to study these atmospheric phenomena.

Pollen Corona

This article explores the unique optical phenomenon of pollen coronae, created by the scattering of sunlight by pollen grains suspended in the air, and delves into their formation and characteristics. Through studying pollen coronae, scientists gain insights into light scattering and its interaction with particles in the atmosphere, enriching our understanding of atmospheric optics.