Greenler's Rainbows halos and Glories is back

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Greenler's Rainbows, Halos, and Glories: A Fascinating Journey into Atmospheric Optics

Have you ever gazed up at the sky and been captivated by the mesmerizing display of geometric arcs and vibrant colors? Perhaps you've witnessed a halo, a rainbow, or a glory, and found yourself wondering about the science behind these atmospheric phenomena. If so, you're not alone. For decades, enthusiasts and scientists alike have been drawn to the mysteries of atmospheric optics. One pivotal figure in this field is Robert Greenler, whose book "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories" has long been regarded as a treasure trove of knowledge. After years of unavailability, this invaluable resource is finally back, ready to ignite curiosity and inspire a new generation of sky gazers.

Greenler's book first emerged onto the scene over four decades ago, capturing the imagination of countless individuals who sought to understand the intricate workings of the sky. In those pre-internet days, finding information about atmospheric optics was no easy task. Yet, for those lucky enough to stumble upon "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories," a whole new world opened up before their eyes. This seminal work not only described the various phenomena that adorn our skies but also delved into the scientific principles behind their formation.

One of the most captivating aspects of Greenler's book is his exploration of how ice crystals play a crucial role in creating many of these optical wonders. Through pioneering ray tracing methods, Greenler and his colleagues embarked on a scientific adventure, unraveling the secrets of geometric scribings etched across the heavens. Their research shed light on the precise orientation and properties of ice crystals that give rise to halos and other atmospheric phenomena.

For enthusiasts like myself, Greenler's book became a gateway to a deeper understanding of optical phenomena in the atmosphere. The intricate details of rainbows, halos, and glories were demystified, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of these natural wonders on a whole new level. Greenler's passion for scientific discovery was contagious, and his book sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity that continues to inspire many to this day.

After years of being out of print, "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories" has made a triumphant return. This re-release is cause for celebration among atmospheric optics enthusiasts and researchers alike. The book's availability once again means that a wealth of knowledge is at our fingertips, ready to be explored and shared. Whether you're an amateur sky watcher or a seasoned scientist, Greenler's work offers something for everyone.

In this digital age, where information is readily accessible, it's easy to take for granted the vast wealth of knowledge that is just a few clicks away. However, there is something truly special about holding a physical book in your hands, immersing yourself in its pages, and embarking on a journey of discovery. "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories" allows us to do just that. It invites us to step away from screens and immerse ourselves in the wonders of atmospheric optics.

As we eagerly await the opportunity to delve into the pages of Greenler's masterpiece once more, let us remember the power of curiosity and the joy of scientific exploration. The reemergence of "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories" is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds. It encourages us to look up at the sky with a renewed sense of wonder, knowing that there is always more to discover and understand about the captivating world of atmospheric optics.

It's back

40 odd years ago someone fragged me outside on a freexing winter afternoon to see a halo display. Memory has, I'm sure, hyped it up but there seemed to be magnificent geometric arcs everywhere, each finely scribed on a milky blue sky. They were my very first halos and I was hooked!

But how to find out more about them in those days before the web? A long search unearthed Robert Greenler's book "Rainbows, Halos, and Glories". It described sky optics sights and how they formed. It conveyed too the thrill of scientific discovery as Greeler and his co-workers used pioneering ray tracing methods to learn just what ice crystals and how oriented made many of those geometric scribings.

That book was gold. It got me going on all things optical up there and has inspired so many others by one of the fathers of atmospheric optics, it's been unavailable for years. Now it's back - more here.

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