Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

OPOD - Sky Pools

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of sky pools, which are ever-moving rings and swirls of light on wavy water surfaces. It delves into the complexity of skypools, discussing the intricate interplay of reflections and water surface contours that create mesmerizing visual spectacles.

Antisolar Rays & Belt of Venus - OPOD

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomena of antisolar rays and the Belt of Venus, delving into the science behind these awe-inspiring spectacles. It highlights their mesmerizing display and their role in showcasing the beauty and complexity of our planet's natural world.

Primary Rainbow

This article explores the phenomenon of primary rainbows, discussing their anatomy, brightness, rarity, optimal conditions for spotting, and the existence of secondary rainbows. It also highlights the beauty of rainbows around the world and provides tips for capturing their beauty through photography.

Iridescent Clouds

This article explores the phenomenon of iridescent clouds, discussing how they form, the different types of iridescent clouds, and the factors that influence their appearance. It also mentions other atmospheric phenomena that share visual similarities with iridescent clouds.

Parry Orientation & Parry Arcs

This article explores the intricacies of Parry orientation and Parry arcs, showcasing the astonishing properties of ice crystals in the atmosphere and the rare and commonly observed manifestations of these phenomena. Through captivating visuals and the work of talented photographers, the beauty and allure of Parry arcs are brought to life, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of atmospheric optics.

Shadows and telescopes - OPOD

This article explores the atmospheric optics phenomenon of the Earth shadow and the Belt of Venus, captured in breathtaking images from the Canary Islands. It also highlights the presence of a vast complex of telescopes, including the Nordic Optical Telescope and the William Herschel Telescope, that contribute to our understanding of the universe.

Tangent arc images

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and conditions required for the occurrence of tangent arc images, which are ethereal arcs of light that appear tangentially to a halo. It also provides tips for observing and capturing these mesmerizing atmospheric optical phenomena.

Widespread Nacreous Clouds over the UK - OPOD

The article discusses the widespread occurrence of nacreous clouds over the UK on February 2nd, 2016, highlighting their ethereal beauty and unique formation in the stratosphere. It explores how these captivating clouds, made up of tiny ice crystals, diffract sunlight and create a mesmerizing glow against the darkening sky.

Wyoming Fogbow - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing Wyoming Fogbow, a stunning atmospheric optics phenomenon formed by sunlight interacting with small fog droplets. It discusses the unique characteristics of fogbows and provides tips on capturing their ethereal beauty in photographs.

Ozone and the Stratosphere

This article explores the role of ozone in the stratosphere and its impact on Earth's climate and atmospheric optics, including the protection from harmful UV radiation and the mesmerizing colors observed during twilight. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between ozone and the stratosphere in maintaining our atmosphere and interconnected Earth systems.

Fractus Iridescence

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of fractus iridescence, which occurs when sunlight interacts with small water droplets in a lower-level cloud fragment, creating stunning displays of iridescent colors. It delves into the science behind this transient optical effect and highlights the challenges of capturing and photographing these fleeting moments of beauty.

Spokane WA Circumhorizon Arc I

The article discusses the mesmerizing Spokane WA circumhorizon arc that occurred on June 3, 2006, featuring pure prismatic colors and leaving a lasting impression on witnesses. It explains the formation of the arc through the refraction of sunlight by ice crystals in cirrus clouds and highlights its rarity and distinction from rainbows.

Antisolar rays Galapagos Islands

This article explores the mesmerizing atmospheric phenomenon of antisolar rays in the Galapagos Islands, delving into their formation and the science behind them. It also provides tips for capturing these captivating rays through photography.

Clouds fog and water Droplets

This article explores the characteristics and properties of clouds, fog, and water droplets, shedding light on their intriguing nature and how they contribute to the captivating appearance of the atmosphere. It delves into the small size and spherical shape of droplets, as well as the optical phenomena they create, offering a deeper understanding of atmospheric optics.

Chromatic Glitter

This article explores the phenomenon of chromatic glitter in atmospheric optics, uncovering the science behind its enchanting appearance and highlighting the interplay of light, refraction, and dispersion that brings this captivating spectacle to life.

Mountain shadow La Palma

This article explores the enigmatic phenomenon of mountain shadows, using the example of La Palma in Spain, where a triangular shadow defies the shape of the mountain. It delves into the interplay between sunlight, terrain, and atmospheric conditions that contribute to the formation of these captivating discrepancies.

Pyramidal crystal plate arc halo display, Ottawa

This article discusses a unique atmospheric optics event in Ottawa, Canada, where pyramidal ice crystals created a mesmerizing halo display. The presence of flattened plate-oriented crystals and the absence of sundogs added to the rarity of the event.

Pyramidal Crystal Column Arc Display

This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon of pyramidal crystal column arcs in atmospheric optics, delving into their formation and showcasing their unique shapes and angles. Through ray tracing simulations, researchers can visualize and study these displays, shedding light on the complex interplay between crystal orientation, sunlight, and atmospheric conditions.

Finland flakes

This article explores the beauty and symmetry of snowflakes in Finland's winter, delving into their intricate structures and diverse forms. Through the lens of photographer Marko Riikonen, readers can appreciate the mesmerizing details of these frozen masterpieces and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Moon Halo

This article explores the science behind moon halos, including their formation and different types. It also discusses the factors that affect their visibility and provides tips for capturing their beauty in photographs.