Aerial Glory

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Aerial Glory: A Phenomenon of Atmospheric Optics

Have you ever looked up at the sky and been captivated by a mesmerizing display of colors and rings around the Sun or Moon? This breathtaking phenomenon is known as an "Aerial Glory." In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this atmospheric optics phenomenon, delving into its formation, characteristics, and the science behind its captivating appearance.

Understanding Aerial Glory

An Aerial Glory is a halo-like optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight or moonlight is scattered by tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere. It typically appears as a series of concentric colored rings centered on the observer's shadow. The rings are most prominent when viewed from an aircraft, hence the name "Aerial Glory." This enchanting display can also be observed from mountaintops or high-altitude locations.

Formation and Characteristics

The formation of an Aerial Glory involves the diffraction, interference, and scattering of light. As sunlight or moonlight passes through the droplets or ice crystals, it undergoes a process known as diffraction, where the light waves bend and spread out. This bending of light causes the rings of an Aerial Glory to form.

The droplets or ice crystals responsible for creating an Aerial Glory are typically smaller than those that form rainbows, resulting in a more delicate and intricate appearance. The size distribution of these particles plays a crucial role in determining the size and intensity of the rings. When the droplets are relatively uniform in size, the rings appear well-defined and vibrant. However, if the droplets vary in size, the rings may become ragged or irregular, adding to the visual intrigue of the phenomenon.

The Science Behind Aerial Glory

To comprehend the science behind Aerial Glory, it is essential to understand the principles of diffraction and interference. When light waves encounter an obstacle or pass through a narrow opening, they diffract or bend around the edges. This diffraction causes the light waves to interfere with each other, resulting in the formation of bright and dark regions.

In the case of an Aerial Glory, the droplets or ice crystals act as obstacles that cause the diffraction and interference of light. As the light waves pass through these particles, they diffract and interfere with each other, leading to the formation of the colored rings. The specific angles at which the light waves diffract determine the size and position of the rings.

The Colors of Aerial Glory

One of the most captivating aspects of an Aerial Glory is its vibrant display of colors. The rings typically appear as a sequence of colors starting with red on the innermost ring and transitioning through orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet on the outer rings. This sequence of colors is similar to a rainbow, but with a more compressed and intensified appearance.

The colors of an Aerial Glory are a result of the interference and diffraction of light waves with different wavelengths. When light waves diffract and interfere, certain wavelengths constructively interfere, amplifying their intensity and creating bright regions. Other wavelengths destructively interfere, leading to dark regions. This interplay between constructive and destructive interference gives rise to the distinctive colors observed in an Aerial Glory.

Variations and Rare Occurrences

While the classic Aerial Glory consists of multiple concentric rings, variations and rare occurrences can add further intrigue to this phenomenon. Sometimes, only a single ring is visible, known as a "Glory without Supernumeraries." In other instances, a second, fainter ring may appear outside the primary rings. This secondary ring is called a "Supernumerary Glory."

The presence or absence of these additional rings depends on various factors such as the size distribution of the droplets or ice crystals, the observer's position, and the angle of sunlight or moonlight. The rarity of these occurrences makes them even more captivating for enthusiasts of atmospheric optics.

Observing and Photographing Aerial Glory

To witness the enchanting beauty of an Aerial Glory, one must be in the right place at the right time. Typically, the best conditions for observing this phenomenon occur when an aircraft passes through a layer of clouds containing the appropriate-sized droplets or ice crystals. This allows for the optimal scattering and diffraction of light, resulting in a vibrant and well-defined Aerial Glory.

Photographing an Aerial Glory can be a challenging task due to its dynamic nature and the need for specific atmospheric conditions. However, with the right equipment and techniques, it is possible to capture stunning images of this optical marvel. Using a wide-angle lens and adjusting exposure settings can help capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of an Aerial Glory.

The Magic of Aerial Glory

In conclusion, an Aerial Glory is a captivating display of rings and colors that arises from the diffraction, interference, and scattering of light by water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere. Its intricate formation and vibrant appearance make it a true wonder of atmospheric optics. Whether witnessed from an aircraft, mountaintop, or high-altitude location, the magic of an Aerial Glory leaves observers in awe of the mesmerizing beauty of our natural world. So next time you find yourself gazing at the sky, keep an eye out for this enchanting phenomenon and let yourself be captivated by its ethereal charm.

Another glory image by Nik Szymanek (astrophotography site book ). The clouds are close to the aircraft and their droplets are varied in size producing an interestingly ragged glory with no more than a hint of a second ring. ©Nik Szymanek.

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