Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Water Aureole

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of the water aureole, where ripples on the water's surface create lenses that direct converging cones of light, resulting in mesmerizing caustics and flashes of color. It highlights the interplay between light, water, and perspective, inviting readers to observe and appreciate the intricate dance of light and shadow in this enchanting display.

Sunrise over Lake Michigan

This article describes the captivating beauty of a sunrise over Lake Michigan, highlighting the interplay of light and mist, glittering reflections on the water, and the symphony of colors that paint the sky. It emphasizes the tranquility and peace of the morning hours and the endless opportunities it presents for photographers.

Aurora

This article explores the captivating beauty and lesser-known aspects of the Aurora Borealis, including its origins, variations in color and shape, geographic distribution, mysterious sounds, solar activity's role, tips for photographing the Aurora, and its cultural significance. It highlights the ethereal charm of this natural phenomenon and its ability to inspire wonder and awe in observers worldwide.

Chemistry of Banded Airglow - OPOD

This article explores the intricate chemistry behind banded airglow, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that showcases the interplay between excited oxygen atoms and their electronic configurations. By unraveling the chemistry, scientists gain valuable insights into the behavior of atoms in the upper atmosphere and further our understanding of the mesmerizing optical displays in the night sky.

Strange Ships Superior Mirages

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of superior mirages, which create inverted and sometimes duplicated images above the miraged object, such as ships. It delves into the science behind these mirages, explaining how temperature inversions cause light rays to refract and bend, resulting in these captivating optical illusions.

46° arcs

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of 46° arcs in atmospheric optics, uncovering the secrets behind their formation and discussing their unique characteristics. It delves into the role of ice crystals, the different types of arcs, and their rarity, making it a captivating read for atmospheric optics enthusiasts.

Yacht on Waterfall Sea Mirage - OPOD

This article explores the captivating nature of a yacht on a waterfall sea mirage, delving into the optical complexities and mesmerizing effects created by the interplay of temperature gradients and two distinct mirages. The inclusion of the yacht adds an extra layer of complexity to this intriguing phenomenon, distorting perception and creating a visually captivating scene.

Complex Fogbow - Wendelstein Mountain, Germany

This article explores the complex appearance of a fogbow captured on Wendelstein Mountain in Germany, attributing it to the use of a polarizing filter on the camera. It discusses how fogbows, rainbows, and glories exhibit strong polarization of light, resulting in unique optical phenomena.

Europe's Rare Halo

This article explores Europe's rare halo, a breathtaking atmospheric phenomenon known as a circumhorizon arc. It delves into the limited visibility and cherished sightings of this optical marvel in Europe compared to the United States.

Rainbow Spikes

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of rainbow spikes, which occur when sections of a rainbow appear and disappear as both the storm and the observer move, creating unique patterns and adding depth to the traditional rainbow formation. It discusses the causes, weather conditions, and cartwheel patterns of rainbow spikes, highlighting their similarities to auroras and emphasizing the interplay of bright and dark regions that make them a mesmerizing spectacle.

Vertical rainbows

This article explores the fascinating world of vertical rainbows, a rare and captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon that deviates from the usual horizontal formation. It delves into the science behind their formation and discusses their unique appearance and color variations.

Airglow, Atacama Desert, Chile - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of airglow in the Atacama Desert, Chile, showcasing captivating images and explaining the science behind the ethereal glow that illuminates the night sky. It highlights the pervasive beauty and enduring allure of airglow, while emphasizing its impact on astronomical observations and the enchantment it adds to stargazing experiences.

Aurorae over Donegal, Ireland - OPOD

This article explores the captivating world of aurorae and the science behind these mesmerizing light shows, focusing on a rare and intense auroral display that occurred over Ireland and the UK in 2014. It delves into the causes of aurorae and discusses the factors that contribute to their intensity and extent.

Of Aureoles, Sunsets and Ash

This article explores the fascinating world of atmospheric optics, focusing on aureoles, sunsets, and their connection to volcanic ash. It delves into the science behind these awe-inspiring displays and showcases captivating images that illustrate the diverse manifestations of atmospheric optics during volcanic ash episodes.

OPOD - Bouguer's Halo

Bouguer's Halo is a rare and captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon that combines the simultaneous appearance of a fogbow and a halo. This article explores the thermodynamic impossibility, unique rarity, and the ongoing debate about the role of human observers in discovering and documenting such phenomena.

Parhelic Circle

The article explores the parhelic circle, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon created by ice crystals reflecting and refracting sunlight. It discusses the nature of the parhelic circle, its relationship with sundogs, tips for identifying it, and the conditions required for its visibility.

Parry Kaleidoscope

The article explores the stunning Parry Kaleidoscope, a rare atmospheric phenomenon that showcases vibrant and colorful low sun Parry and Upper Tangent arcs. Through the use of captivating images and scientific explanations, it highlights the beauty and complexity of this spectacle.

Is a circumhorizon arc "rare"? It depends where you are.

This article explores the rarity of circumhorizon arcs (CHAs) in different regions, with factors such as latitude and weather conditions determining their frequency. While CHAs are relatively common in certain parts of the United States, they become increasingly rare in middle and northern Europe.

Nacreous Clouds UK & Ireland - OPOD

This article explores the captivating beauty and scientific significance of nacreous clouds, rare cloud formations that occasionally grace the skies of the UK and Ireland. Through studying and photographing these ethereal clouds, we can deepen our understanding of the stratosphere and appreciate the delicate balance of our planet's atmosphere.

Rainbows - Zero order glow formation

This article explores the phenomenon of zero order glow formation, which occurs alongside rainbows when sunlight is refracted through raindrops. It delves into the distinct behavior of the zero order rays and their absence of rainbow formation, providing a deeper understanding of the complexity and beauty of rainbows.