All in a Day

Last updated on September 16, 2023

All in a Day: A Spectacular Display of Atmospheric Optics

On April 22nd, in Auburn, Alabama, the sky treated observers to a stunning display of atmospheric optics. Jonathon Stone captured the beauty of the day through his camera lens, and his images showcase a range of fascinating phenomena. From a Venus/Moon conjunction to crepuscular rays, fogbows, heiligenschein, and a sun pillar at sunset, it was truly an extraordinary day for anyone interested in the wonders of the sky.

The morning started early for Stone, who set out to witness the Venus/Moon conjunction. As luck would have it, a few wispy clouds drifted in front of the celestial duo, creating delicate aureoles around each object. This phenomenon occurs when light is diffracted by tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere, resulting in a halo-like effect. Stone's photographs beautifully captured this ethereal sight, highlighting the intricate details of the coronae and aureoles.

Continuing his journey, Stone came across a picturesque pond enveloped in mist. The rising sun cast its rays through the trees, creating mesmerizing crepuscular rays that seemed to converge on a second corona within the fog. These rays, also known as "God rays," occur when sunlight is partially blocked by objects such as trees or clouds, creating a captivating display of light and shadow.

As Stone made his way back home, he encountered a patch of fog and decided to stop and investigate further. To his delight, he discovered a rare phenomenon known as a fogbow. Similar to a rainbow, a fogbow forms when sunlight is refracted by tiny water droplets suspended in fog rather than rain. The resulting bow is often fainter and lacks distinct colors, appearing as a ghostly white arc against the misty backdrop.

Later in the day, while walking towards his destination, Stone noticed an intriguing optical effect known as the heiligenschein in the dew. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight is scattered by water droplets on grass or other surfaces, creating a bright halo around the observer's shadow. It was the first time Stone had witnessed this phenomenon, adding another unique experience to his day of atmospheric marvels.

As evening approached, Stone and a friend decided to capture the beauty of the sunset through their lenses. To their delight, a sun pillar made its appearance, adding a final touch of magic to an already extraordinary day. Sun pillars occur when sunlight interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere, creating a vertical column of light that appears to extend above or below the sun. This phenomenon is a testament to the intricate interplay between light and atmospheric particles.

In conclusion, Jonathon Stone's photographic journey on April 22nd in Auburn, Alabama, showcased a remarkable array of atmospheric optics. From the Venus/Moon conjunction with its delicate coronae and aureoles to the captivating crepuscular rays and fogbow, each phenomenon offered a glimpse into the wonders of our atmosphere. The discovery of the heiligenschein in the dew and the appearance of a sun pillar at sunset added further intrigue to this memorable day. Stone's photographs serve as a reminder of the hidden beauty that surrounds us every day, waiting to be observed and appreciated.

All in a Day - Images by Jonathon Stone. ©Jonathon Stone, shown with permission.

"April 22, was a pretty awesome day, as far as optics go, in Auburn, Alabama. I thought I'd share my photos... Woke up early to catch the Venus/Moon conjunction. A few clouds drifted in front of the two, making a small aureole .about coronae & aureoles. around each.

Then I found a pond with fog rising off it, so I thought I'd stop and get a few pics... as the sun rose through the trees it made crepuscular rays and another corona in the fog!

On my way home I drove through a patch of fog, decided to stop, see if maybe there was a fogbow... sure enough!

Had to get back for school! As i was walking, I looked down at my shadow and noticed the heiligenschein in the dew. First time I have seen this.

That evening, a friend and I decided to go take pictures of the sunset, a sun pillar appeared, I thought that was nice end to the day! "

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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