Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Antarctica Belt of Venus - OPOD

The article explores the stunning Antarctic Belt of Venus phenomenon, showcasing the transition from winter to summer and the interplay between melting ice, changing seasons, and the ethereal Belt of Venus. Through captivating photographs taken at the Zhongshan Station, the article offers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of Antarctica and the interconnectedness of Earth, sky, and space.

Mountain Halos

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of mountain halos, showcasing their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. It explains how these optical displays are created by the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals in the atmosphere, and highlights the unique features and visual allure of mountain halos.

Unwelcome Optics?

This article explores the fascinating world of atmospheric optics, uncovering captivating phenomena that can accompany eclipses and other celestial events. It delves into the causes and effects of optical phenomena such as eclipse iridescence and the appearance of a green sun, showcasing the beauty and complexity of our atmosphere.

Namib Rainbow - OPOD

The article explores the rare and breathtaking phenomenon of the Namib Rainbow, which is formed by virga in the Namib Desert. It highlights the intricate diffraction effects and supernumerary fringes that add complexity and beauty to the primary rainbow.

Primary Rainbow Cone

This article explores the primary rainbow cone, its formation, and its role in creating rainbows. It delves into the characteristics of the cone and highlights its fixed position relative to the sun.

OPOD - Cloud-top Green Flashes

This article explores the rare and mysterious phenomenon of cloud-top green flashes, capturing stunning images of these elusive events. Scientists and photographers alike strive to unravel the complexities of temperature gradients, atmospheric waves, and cloud dynamics to shed light on the enigmatic nature of cloud-top green flashes.

Randomly Oriented Crystals

This article explores the phenomenon of circular halos in the sky, which are attributed to randomly oriented ice crystals. It discusses why equidimensional column crystals are scarce and how poorly aligned crystals and column clusters contribute to the formation of circular halos.

Green flash gallery

This article explores the captivating world of green flashes, a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs during sunrise or sunset. It showcases a gallery of stunning images capturing the beauty and intrigue of these elusive optical wonders.

Halos in a Bottle

This article explores the use of ice crystals generated by ski-slope snow machines to study atmospheric optics, providing valuable insights into the formation and characteristics of halos. By replacing the sun with a halogen lamp and conducting experiments at night, researchers have been able to unlock new possibilities and shed light on rare and fascinating halo phenomena.

OPOD 5+ bows at Loch Rannoch

Witness the breathtaking spectacle of five or more rainbows gracing the sky at Loch Rannoch, Scotland. This rare and captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon showcases the beauty and complexity of rainbows, reminding us of the infinite wonders of nature.

Lunar Halos, Illinois - OPOD

This article explores the formation and components of lunar halos, a mesmerizing atmospheric optical phenomenon that encircles the moon with rings of light. It also showcases stunning images of lunar halos captured in South Beloit, Illinois, offering a visual feast for those fascinated by atmospheric optics.

Nova Scotia Halos - OPOD

The article explores the mesmerizing display of halos captured in a photograph taken in Nova Scotia. It delves into the intricacies of the atmospheric optics phenomena that contribute to the formation of these enchanting halos.

Pink Clouds at High Sun

This article explores the science behind the phenomenon of pink clouds at high sun, discussing how sunlight scattering and airlight scattering combine to create the distinctive pink hues observed in these clouds. It also highlights the impact of polarization on our perception of color in the atmosphere.

New Mexico Pillar

The article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomenon of the New Mexico Pillar, a vertical beam of light created by sunlight interacting with ice crystals in the atmosphere. It delves into the science behind its formation and highlights its unique characteristics, serving as a reminder of nature's mesmerizing wonders.

Circumscribed Halo

This article explores the mysteries of the circumscribed halo, a celestial phenomenon that forms a ring of light encircling the sun with changing shape and vibrant colors. It delves into the unique characteristics of the circumscribed halo and its resemblance to the 22º halo at higher altitudes.

OPOD - Coloured Reflections?

This article explores the phenomenon of colored reflections in spectacles, examining the role of polarization and birefringence in creating vibrant hues. By understanding these optical principles, we gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific wonders behind this captivating phenomenon.

OPOD - Ground Halos

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of ground halos, showcasing stunning photographs of ice crystal gems on a frozen lake in Finland. It delves into the formation, characteristics, and intricate beauty of these often overlooked atmospheric optics.

The Elusive 120 degree parhelion - OPOD

This article explores the elusive 120° parhelion, a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterized by a white spot located approximately 120 degrees from the sun. Delving into its formation, characteristics, and identification, the article sheds light on the mesmerizing beauty of this optical illusion in the sky.

OPOD - Skien, Norway Rainbow

This article explores the captivating display of atmospheric optics in the Skien, Norway rainbow, showcasing the spectral colors, primary and reversed color secondary arcs, supernumeraries, spokes, and the influence of atmospheric conditions on the appearance of rainbows. It highlights the beauty and complexity of nature's optical phenomena and encourages readers to appreciate the interplay of light and water droplets that create this magical sight.

Glories from the Air

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of glories, optical phenomena seen from the air that form colorful rings around the shadow of an aircraft. It delves into the science behind their formation and highlights a particularly exceptional glory captured during a flight.