Cloudbow and glory, Oahu, Hawaiifogbow

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Cloudbow and Glory: An Enchanting Atmospheric Phenomenon in Oahu, Hawaii

Have you ever witnessed a mesmerizing display of colors and light in the sky? If you find yourself in Oahu, Hawaii, keep an eye out for the captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon known as the cloudbow and glory. This enchanting spectacle, captured by Leigh Hilbert during his descent into Waikiki, showcases the aeroplane's shadow, a glory, and a faintly colored cloudbow with at least one supernumerary. Let's dive deeper into this extraordinary event and explore its intricacies.

Understanding the Cloudbow and Glory

The cloudbow and glory occur at the antisolar point, which is the point directly opposite the sun. At this position, the observer's shadow is cast onto the cloud or mist below. The cloudbow is a circular arc of colors that forms when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the air, similar to a rainbow. However, unlike a rainbow, the cloudbow appears against a background of clouds or fog instead of rain.

Unraveling the Colors of the Cloudbow

The colors of the cloudbow arise from the same principles that govern a rainbow. Sunlight is composed of various colors, each with a different wavelength. When sunlight passes through water droplets in the air, it undergoes refraction, causing the light to bend. The bending of light is responsible for the separation of colors in both rainbows and cloudbows. The faintly colored cloudbow seen in Oahu exhibits at least one supernumerary, which are additional, closely spaced bands of colors that occur due to the interference of light waves.

The Glory: A Circular Halo of Light

Accompanying the cloudbow is another captivating feature known as the glory. This optical phenomenon manifests as a series of concentric rings of colors surrounding the observer's shadow. The glory is created through a process called diffraction, where light waves bend around small water droplets or ice crystals in the air. The rings of the glory are often more vivid and well-defined than those of the cloudbow, adding to the visual spectacle.

Exploring the Antisolar Point

The antisolar point is a pivotal location for observing both the cloudbow and glory. It is the point directly opposite the sun, appearing on the opposite side of the sky from where the sun is located. When viewing the antisolar point, you are essentially looking in the direction opposite to the sun's rays. This is why you can see your own shadow projected onto clouds or mist below, creating the perfect conditions for the cloudbow and glory to appear.

Atmospheric Conditions for Cloudbow and Glory Formation

The formation of cloudbows and glories requires specific atmospheric conditions. The presence of water droplets or ice crystals in the air is essential, as these particles act as the medium through which light interacts to create these optical phenomena. Additionally, the clouds or fog must be positioned at an appropriate angle to reflect and refract sunlight towards the observer. The combination of these factors results in the magical display of colors and light that make up the cloudbow and glory.

The Beauty of Nature's Optical Illusions

Witnessing the cloudbow and glory in Oahu, Hawaii, is a true gift from nature. These atmospheric optics phenomena remind us of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. As we marvel at the interplay of sunlight, water droplets, and air, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate workings of our atmosphere. So, next time you find yourself in Oahu, keep your eyes on the skies and be prepared to be enchanted by the breathtaking cloudbow and glory.

Cloudbow and glory imaged by Leigh Hilbert as his aircraft from the Pacific Northwest descended into Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii. The aeroplane shadow and a glory mark the antisolar point. The faintly coloured cloudbow with at least one supernumerary is centered on the same point. An image at lower altitude is here..

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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