Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

View solar corona reflected in water

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of viewing a solar corona reflected in water, allowing us to witness its ethereal beauty without harming our eyes. It provides guidance on how to safely observe this mesmerizing spectacle and highlights the stunning imagery captured by Richard Fleet as a testament to the wonders of nature.

Reflection Rainbows

This article explores the phenomenon of reflection rainbows, which are mesmerizing spectacles that occur when sunlight is reflected from calm water or wet surfaces. It discusses their unique characteristics and highlights the enchanting beauty of the Scottish Western Isles, where reflection rainbows are abundant.

Noctilucent Clouds, Norway

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of noctilucent clouds in Norway, discussing their formation, appearance, and scientific significance. It highlights Norway's prime location for observing these ethereal displays and emphasizes the visual delight and valuable insights they offer into Earth's atmosphere.

Atomic fogbows and molecular beams

This article explores the intricacies of atom collisions through the study of atomic fogbows and molecular beams, revealing the forces between atoms and the formation of scattering patterns resembling fogbows. By combining theoretical predictions with experimental observations, scientists deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes occurring at the microscopic level.

Boston Pillar

This article explores the mesmerizing atmospheric phenomenon known as the Boston Pillar, which is created by glints of light reflected and refracted by millions of hexagonal ice crystals in high-level cirrus clouds. It showcases the interplay between sunlight and these crystals, inviting readers to appreciate the hidden wonders of atmospheric optics.

Moon dogs - Long Island

Moon dogs, also known as lunar halos, are a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that can be observed in various parts of the world, including Long Island. This article explores the science behind moon dogs, optimal viewing conditions, and photography techniques, providing insights into this mesmerizing celestial display.

Phone camera triumph

This article explores the incredible potential of phone cameras in capturing the beauty of atmospheric optics, showcasing a stunning photograph of a rare circumzenithal arc taken in London. It discusses the advancements in phone camera technology, provides tips for capturing atmospheric optics phenomena, and highlights the accessibility and creativity that phone cameras offer to aspiring photographers.

Eclipsed Sun

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of the eclipsed sun, discussing its science, unique optical phenomena, safety precautions, cultural significance, photography tips, and upcoming eclipses to look forward to. Witnessing an eclipsed sun is a magical experience that offers a glimpse into the wonders of celestial mechanics and the beauty of our universe.

Fogbow, Brocken 7 Glory, Russia - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing combination of a fogbow, Brocken spectre, and glory captured in Arctic Russia, delving into the science behind their formation and the intricate interplay between sunlight and mist droplets.

Halos at Wroclaw, Poland - OPOD

This article explores the captivating world of halos and atmospheric optics in Wroclaw, Poland, showcasing stunning images captured by Leszek Sulich. From 22° halos to smiling circumzenithal arcs, these celestial displays remind us of the beauty and wonder found in our natural surroundings.

Ice Blues

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of blue ice, delving into the science behind its unique coloration and the various factors that contribute to its vibrant hues. From the transparency of pure ice to the interplay between light and ice formations, uncover the captivating world of ice blues.

OPOD - Southerly Aurora

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of a southerly aurora witnessed in Denmark, highlighting the interaction between solar particles and the Earth's upper atmosphere. It emphasizes the impact of light pollution on our perception of the aurora and serves as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of our universe.

Nacreous and Polar Stratospheric Clouds

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of nacreous and polar stratospheric clouds, discussing their formation, composition, and impact on the ozone layer. These captivating wave clouds exhibit vibrant colors and undulating sheet-like forms, offering a captivating sight while highlighting the delicate balance within our atmosphere.

Distrails - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of distrails, dark trails left behind by aircraft passing through high cirrus clouds, and delves into the scientific factors that contribute to their formation. It discusses the delicate balance between ice and supercooled water in the atmosphere and how disturbances from aircraft can trigger the transformation of water droplets into ice crystals, resulting in the formation of distrails.

OPOD - A most unusual elliptical halos

This article explores the unusual phenomenon of elliptical halos, focusing on a particularly large and filled halo captured by Jari Luomanen in Finland. The images provide valuable insights into the formation of these enigmatic atmospheric optics phenomena, shedding light on their complexity and captivating nature.

Solstice Halos

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of solstice halos, which are captivating displays of light caused by the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals in the atmosphere during the winter solstice. It delves into the intricacies of sundogs, 22-degree halos, and sun pillars that accompany solstice halos, highlighting the beauty and wonder of these optical marvels.

Sunset Ray Ducting

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of sunset ray ducting, where cooler air layers become trapped between warmer air masses, creating a temperature inversion that refracts the rays of the setting sun, resulting in the formation of mock-mirages and slit images. The article also discusses the extreme cases of ducting known as the Novaya Zemlya Effect, which amplifies these optical effects and creates surreal and breathtaking sights.

Tropopause and lower stratosphere

This article explores the role of the tropopause and lower stratosphere in shaping the Earth's atmosphere, including their impact on temperature variations and atmospheric dynamics. It also discusses the formation of polar stratospheric clouds and the importance of understanding these boundaries for studying weather patterns and climate.

Lunar Ellipticsl Halo, Vermont, ASA - OPOD

This article explores the rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon of lunar elliptical halos, focusing on a sighting in Bennington, Vermont. It discusses the peculiar crystals responsible for their formation and emphasizes the need for further research and observation in this field.

South Pole Halos - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing world of South Pole halos and the science behind this enchanting atmospheric optics phenomenon. It delves into the formation of halos, the rare Parry arc, and the significance of the South Pole markers, offering a glimpse into the captivating and majestic world of Antarctica.