OPOD - Coloured Clouds, Poland

Last updated on September 16, 2023

OPOD - Coloured Clouds, Poland: A Phenomenon of Nature's Palette

When it comes to atmospheric optics, nature often surprises us with its stunning displays of color. One such spectacle was captured by Radek Grochowski from the majestic Babia Góra mountain, standing tall at an elevation of 1725 meters in Southern Poland. In his awe-inspiring photograph, Grochowski managed to capture a rare sight - colored clouds.

On that particular day, the temperature in the region plummeted to -13 Celsius, creating ideal conditions for this extraordinary phenomenon. As scattered clouds swiftly ascended from the valleys, a breathtaking display of horizontally parallel colors adorned their surfaces. The vibrant hues painted across the sky mesmerized all who witnessed it.

At first glance, one might assume that these vivid colors are a result of iridescence, a phenomenon where colors appear due to interference and diffraction of light. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the colors are too regular to be attributed to iridescence alone. In fact, these striking hues originate from a fragment of a 22° circular halo formed by tumbling ice crystals within the rising clouds.

The irregular shapes of the clouds partially obscure the halo's curvature, making it more challenging to discern. However, the lower image, with its wider field of view spanning 18°, provides a glimpse of this captivating celestial phenomenon. The low winter sun plays a crucial role in shaping this visual spectacle, as it dips the halo slightly below the horizon. Moreover, the elevated vantage point of the mountain causes the horizon to dip approximately 1° below the true astronomical horizon, enhancing the overall effect.

Nature's ability to paint the sky with such breathtaking colors never fails to astonish us. This captivating display of colored clouds serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity that exists within our atmosphere. While photographs like the one captured by Radek Grochowski provide a glimpse into these rare occurrences, witnessing them in person is an experience that words can hardly do justice.

It is worth noting that this article has been automatically converted from the old site, and as a result, it may not appear exactly as intended. However, the essence of the phenomenon and its mesmerizing qualities remain intact. For those seeking to explore the original article, it can be found here.

In conclusion, the colored clouds observed in Poland offer a unique insight into the wonders of atmospheric optics. With their vivid hues and horizontal parallel patterns, these clouds are a testament to the interplay between light, ice crystals, and cloud formations. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our atmosphere, let us marvel at the beauty that surrounds us and appreciate the intricate mechanisms that create such captivating displays.

Coloured Cloud? - Imaged by Radek Grochowski from Babia Góra mountain, 1725m, in Southern Poland. "The temperature was -13 Celsius. Scattered clouds were rising quickly from the valleys and beautiful horizontally parallel colors appeared on them". Imaged near noon, solar altitude 17.5°. ©Radek Grochowski

The colours are too regular to be iridescence.

They are the colours of a fragment of a 22° circular halo produced by tumbling ice crystals in the clouds rising from the valley.

The irregular cloud shapes mask the halo's curvature but perhaps it is just apparent in the lower image with a wider field of view of 18°.

The low winter sun has dipped the halo slightly below the horizon. The mountain vantage point has dipped horizon ~1° below the true astronomical horizon.

Note: this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. You can find the original article here.

Reference Atmospheric Optics

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