All in a flight

Last updated on September 16, 2023

All in a Flight: Exploring Aerial Atmospheric Optics

When you find yourself on a flight and lucky enough to secure a window seat with a functioning window, you open yourself up to the fascinating world of aerial atmospheric optics. These captivating optical phenomena can be observed from the comfort of your airplane seat, adding an extra layer of wonder to your journey through the skies.

Discovering Aerial Atmospheric Optics

As you gaze out of the window, you may encounter various atmospheric optical events. One such spectacle is the appearance of a two-ring glory surrounding the shadow of the aircraft cast on a thin cloud layer over a city like Los Angeles. This ethereal display is created by water droplets within the cloud scattering light backwards, resulting in a diffraction pattern. If you're wondering where Steve, the observer who captured these stunning images, was sitting, that remains a mystery.

Optics in the Sky: Cloud Shadows and Converging Rays

Another fascinating phenomenon that can be observed during a flight is the convergence of cloud shadows and rays towards a point on the landscape below. This convergence occurs at the antisolar point, which is directly opposite the position of the sun. Despite the parallel nature of the rays and shadows, the same perspective that makes railroad tracks or roads appear to converge towards the horizon operates in the sky as well. Imagine these rays and shadows as long parallel rods extending away from you, and the scene takes on a three-dimensional reality.

Unlike most optical effects, these rays and shadows have tangible existence in three-dimensional space. They are not mere illusions but rather physical objects that contribute to the dynamic visual experience during your flight. These captivating aerial optics provide a unique perspective on our surroundings and highlight the interplay between light, clouds, and the landscape.

Shadows from Above: Aircraft Contrails and Cloud Decks

A particularly intriguing optical phenomenon that can be witnessed during air travel is the shadow cast by an aircraft's contrail on the cloud deck below. Steve, the photographer behind these captivating images, observed this phenomenon throughout his journey. Sometimes, these shadows appear as subtle brown-red smudges on the clouds, but with careful observation in a direction opposite the sun, they can be discerned.

The presence of these contrail shadows adds an additional layer of visual interest to the ever-changing skyscape visible from the airplane window. By capturing these ephemeral moments, Steve provides us with a glimpse into the intricate dance between light, atmosphere, and human presence in the sky.

A Journey of Aerial Exploration

Embarking on a flight not only takes you to your desired destination but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of aerial atmospheric optics. From the mesmerizing glory encircling an aircraft's shadow in a cloud layer to the convergence of cloud shadows and rays towards the landscape below, each optical event provides a window into the dynamic interplay of light and atmosphere.

As you peer out of your window, take a moment to appreciate the tangible three-dimensional nature of these optical phenomena. Visualize the parallel rays and shadows extending away from you, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality that enhances your perception of the sky.

Capturing the Beauty of Aerial Optics

Photographers like Steve have honed their skills in capturing these fleeting moments of atmospheric magic. Their keen eye and technical expertise allow them to freeze these ethereal scenes in time, enabling us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of aerial optics long after the flight has ended.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first flight, keep your eyes peeled for these enchanting aerial optical events. They serve as a reminder of the hidden wonders that surround us, even at 30,000 feet in the air. So next time you find yourself in an airplane seat with a clear view out of the window, take a moment to immerse yourself in the captivating world of aerial atmospheric optics and let your imagination soar along with the aircraft.

All in a flight - Optics events imaged by Steve West (Steve's Atmospheric Optics) February 2009. ©Steve West, shown with permission.

Provided you can get a window seat and the window works then aerial atmospheric optics of one kind or another are almost a certainty.

At left the aircraft's shadow cast in thin cloud over Los Angeles is surrounded by a two ringed glory. Water droplets in the cloud are scattering light backwards to form the diffraction pattern. Where is Steve sitting?

Below, optics of a different kind. Cloud shadows and the intervening rays appear to converge to a point on the landscape below. The point is the antisolar point directly opposite the sun. The rays and shadows are all parallel but the same perspective that makes railroad tracks or a road converge towards the horizon operate in the sky. Unlike most optical effects, the rays and shadows are tangible 3D objects - imagine them here as long parallel rods extending away from you and the scene will take on its 3D reality.

Bottom picture - Another shadow, this time of the aircraft's contrail cast downwards onto the cloud deck .The shadow was visible for most of Steve's journey. Sometimes the shadows are the slightest brown-red smudge on the clouds but if you look carefully in a direction opposite the sun you will find them.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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