Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Today's Feature Impossible Moon

This article explores the optical phenomenon known as the "Impossible Moon," where the moon appears squashed due to atmospheric refraction. It discusses how the moon's shape becomes flattened near the horizon and how this effect is doubled when viewed from the International Space Station.

23° Upper Pyramidal Arc

This article explores the 23° Upper Pyramidal Arc, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that enchants viewers with its vibrant colors and intricate structure. Through careful analysis of the path of light rays through specific ice crystals, ongoing research aims to unravel the exact nature of this phenomenon and contribute to our understanding of atmospheric optics.

Bishop & Church

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of Bishop Rings, immense circular halos of light that form around the Sun or Moon due to the scattering and diffraction of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere. It delves into the role of different particles such as fine sand, smoke, and volcanic dust in creating these stunning displays, and highlights their significance in understanding atmospheric composition and dynamics.

Earth Shadow

The article explores the Earth Shadow, a captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon that occurs after sunset and before sunrise. It delves into the nature of the shadow, how to observe it, and highlights other noteworthy atmospheric optics phenomena.

Twinned Rainbows

This article explores the phenomenon of twinned rainbows, which are instances where the primary rainbow appears to split into two equivalent bows. Scientists are still puzzled by the formation of these twinned bows and have proposed theories involving water drops, ice spheres, and non-spherical raindrops to unravel their mystery.

Lowitz Middle Arc

The article explores the captivating Lowitz Middle Arc, a rare atmospheric optical phenomenon that has intrigued scientists and photographers for centuries. It delves into the unique manifestation and formation of these arcs while highlighting ongoing research and the stunning photographs that capture their beauty.

A duality of rainbows

This article explores the phenomenon of duality rainbows, which occur when two sets of primary and secondary bows appear in the sky. It discusses the science behind their formation and offers tips for capturing their beauty through photography.

Atmospheric Halos

This article explores the fascinating world of atmospheric halos, delving into their formation, types, and the science behind these mesmerizing optical displays. It also discusses the cultural significance of atmospheric halos and provides tips for capturing and photographing these beautiful phenomena.

Lenticular Cloud, Crimean Astrophysical Observatory

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of lenticular clouds observed at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, delving into their unique properties and connection to atmospheric optics. Through vivid iridescent effects and dynamic formation processes, these lens-like cloud formations offer a visual spectacle that showcases the wonders of atmospheric optics.

Mock Mirage "M-Mir" green flashes

This article explores the science behind M-Mir green flashes, a captivating optical phenomenon caused by the miraging action of a temperature inversion layer in the atmosphere. It delves into the formation, characteristics, and visibility of these mesmerizing phenomena.

Sea Water Rainbow

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of sea water rainbows, discussing their unique characteristics and how they differ from sky rainbows. It also highlights the beauty of sea water rainbows and the smaller radius they have compared to sky rainbows.

The Glory

This article explores the captivating optical phenomenon known as "The Glory," which manifests as concentric rings of colored light surrounding the shadow of an observer. Delving into the science behind its formation and the cultural significance it holds, this article takes readers on a journey through the mesmerizing world of "The Glory.

Tangent Arcs

This article explores the formation and changing shapes of tangent arcs, arcs of light that appear tangent to the 22º halo, as the altitude of the sun changes throughout the day, providing a mesmerizing display of light and color. The tangent arcs transform from narrow 'V' shapes on the horizon to connecting with the lower arc to form the rare and captivating circumscribed halo, offering insights into the behavior of light in our atmosphere.

Glints & Slate

This article explores the science behind the formation of rainbow colors on water droplets and the role of slate in this optical phenomenon. It delves into the intricacies of the rainbow cone, the absence of glints in Alexander's Dark Band, and the unique properties of slate.

OPOD - Greenland Nacreous Clouds

This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon of Greenland Nacreous Clouds, also known as polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), which form at high altitudes and exhibit vibrant colors due to the diffraction of light from ice crystals. It highlights the scientific significance of these clouds in providing insights into atmospheric processes and their connection to ozone holes.

Parry Arcs

This article explores the rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon known as Parry arcs, offering insights into their formation and visual spectacle. It also highlights the artistic depiction and photography of these elusive arcs, providing a glimpse into the fascinating world of atmospheric optics.

Mars Perseverence Pond Ripples, Interference

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Mars Perseverance pond ripples and interference, explaining the science behind the colorful glow captured during the launch of the Perseverance rover. It reveals that the enchanting display is caused by the formation of water droplets due to shock waves, creating mesmerizing rings resembling pond ripples.

unar halo Ontario Canada

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of lunar halos in Ontario, Canada, discussing their formation, variations in appearance, and tips for capturing their beauty through photography. Witnessing these mesmerizing displays of light and wonder in the night sky is truly awe-inspiring.

Diamond Dust Sundogs, Utah

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Diamond Dust Sundogs in Utah, where tiny ice crystals create captivating bursts of light in subzero temperatures. Witnessing these rare displays of atmospheric optics showcases the beauty and intricacy of nature in even the harshest conditions.

Subsun, China - OPOD

This article explores the captivating subsun phenomenon witnessed in the skies of China, showcasing the dazzling brightness and enchanting beauty created by the reflection of sunlight by plate crystals. The article also highlights the presence of rare Bottlinger's rings and the appearance of a subparhelion, adding to the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing nature's artistry in the atmospheric canvas.