This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon of subhorizon Lowitz arcs, which are formed by an additional ray reflection inside ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere. Witnessing these arcs, along with a subparhelion and fragment of the subparhelic circle, creates a truly mesmerizing visual display that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics.
This article explores the captivating phenomenon of cloud shadows and mini moons, highlighting their interplay between light and darkness in the sky. It delves into the formation of cloud shadows, the visual impact of mini moons, and the beauty of appreciating these atmospheric wonders.
This article explores the mesmerizing atmospheric phenomena of subsuns and lower sun pillars, showcasing captivating photographs and delving into the scientific principles behind their formation. These optical illusions, created by the reflections of sunlight by horizontal plate crystals, serve as a testament to the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics.
This article explores the captivating phenomenon of below horizon halos, formed by ice crystals in clouds beneath our line of sight. It discusses the mechanics, different types, and factors influencing the formation of these mesmerizing optical displays.
This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of crepuscular rays, also known as "forest rays," which can be observed among trees on misty mornings. The author delves into the science behind their formation and highlights a captivating photograph captured in Germany in November 2002.
This article explores the mesmerizing combination of a fogbow and glory, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon created by the diffraction of sunlight through tiny water droplets in fog. It discusses the formation, appearance, and factors influencing the size and intensity of fogbows and glories, highlighting their elusive beauty and the challenges of photographing them.
This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of superior mirages, where multiple images of ships can appear stacked above one another, defying the laws of physics. The author delves into the intricacies of temperature inversions and the refraction of light to explain how these captivating optical illusions form.
This article explores the mysteries of lightning through the analysis of lightning spectra, revealing the extreme conditions and plasma formation within a lightning stroke. By studying the composition of the plasma and emission lines, scientists gain insights that contribute to advancements in lightning prediction and safety measures.
This article explores the Upper Lowitz arc, a captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon observed in San Francisco. It discusses its unique characteristics and provides tips for observing and photographing this rare spectacle.
This article explores the captivating world of atmospheric optics phenomena, from corona and cloud shadows to silver linings and sundogs. Delving deeper into the intricacies of these optical wonders, it sheds light on their formation and characteristics, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the sky above.
This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of sun pillars, explaining how they are formed when sunlight interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere. It also discusses the atmospheric conditions required for their occurrence and offers tips on capturing their ethereal beauty through photography.
This article explores the mesmerizing display of atmospheric optics captured by photographer Ed Stockard in Greenland, showcasing the intricate details of ever-changing halos. From supralateral arcs to Tricker and diffuse arcs, these photographs provide a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of natural phenomena in the sky.
This article explores the captivating optical effects created by tiny water droplets in clouds, mists, and fogs, including the corona effect and iridescent clouds. It delves into the interplay of diffraction, interference, and light propagation, revealing the mesmerizing patterns and vibrant colors produced by these droplets.
This article explores the formation and characteristics of the 22-degree halo at the South Pole, a captivating optical phenomenon that occurs within cirrus clouds. Researchers and photographers utilize specialized equipment to study this halo, contributing to our understanding of atmospheric optics.
The article explores the science behind the "Waterfall Sea" phenomenon observed at the Alderney Breakwater in the Channel Islands, where refraction and temperature gradients create the illusion of a giant waterfall pouring into an abyss. The interplay between air layers, the jetty structure, camera position, and atmospheric conditions all contribute to this mesmerizing spectacle.
This article explores the captivating world of iridescent clouds, discussing their formation, characteristics, and where they are commonly observed. It also touches on the occurrence of iridescence in rocket exhaust trails and the enigmatic nature of this phenomenon.
Post Storm Rays - Belgium" explores the captivating phenomenon of post-storm rays, where sunlight filters through atmospheric obstructions to create a stunning display of converging rays. This article delves into the causes and characteristics of these mesmerizing rays, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of nature's light show.
This article explores the impact of droplet size on the appearance of fogbows, revealing how smaller droplets create wider bows with prominent supernumerary bows, while larger raindrops result in narrower bows with less noticeable supernumeraries. Through simulations and observations, scientists uncover the intricate relationship between droplet size and fogbow characteristics, shedding light on the physics behind these captivating atmospheric optics phenomena.
This article explores the captivating lunar and solar pollen coronae phenomenon captured by Sergei Antipov in Russia, showcasing the intricate patterns formed by the scattering of light waves by pollen grains. The images offer a glimpse into the wonders of atmospheric optics and the unique shapes and multiple rings created by different types of pollen.
This article explores the captivating phenomenon of reflection rainbows captured at Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, showcasing their unique characteristics and the importance of smooth water surfaces. Through Vincent Lowe's stunning photographs, readers are reminded to appreciate and protect the natural wonders that surround us.