Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Winter Halos

This article explores the captivating world of winter halos, discussing their various forms and the science behind their formation. It also highlights the opportunity for photographers to capture the stunning beauty of these atmospheric phenomena.

The Great Pumpkin, 1st picture - OPOD

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomena that create the flattened and stepped appearance of the moon, resembling a pumpkin. It also delves into the legend of the Great Pumpkin and its association with Halloween, reminding us of the magic and beauty in our natural world.

Smoky Mountains Fogbow

This article explores the unique characteristics of the Smoky Mountains Fogbow, a captivating phenomenon of atmospheric optics that forms in misty mountain regions. It discusses how fogbows are formed by smaller droplets that diffract light extensively, creating a diffuse and broad bow opposite the sun.

Frying Pan Optics - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of "frying pan optics," which is the vibrant display of colors observed in thin films such as oil films, soap bubbles, cracks in ice, and frying eggs. It delves into the science behind this iridescence, including the interference of light waves and the influence of factors like film thickness and wavelength.

Airglow, Atacama Desert, Chile - Yuri Beletsky - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of airglow and its presence in the night sky of the Atacama Desert in Chile, as captured by photographer Yuri Beletsky. It discusses the science behind airglow, its interaction with atmospheric conditions and solar radiation, and its coexistence with celestial objects like the Magellanic Clouds.

OPOD - Secondary Rainbow Supernumeraries

This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon of secondary rainbow supernumeraries, delving into their formation, rarity, and the accuracy of Mie scattering predictions. A stunning image captured by Rob Noble showcases multiple secondary supernumeraries, highlighting their exceptional beauty and complexity.

River in the Sky - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of a river in the sky, where a low sun projects the image of a nearby river onto the underside of clouds. It delves into the science behind this captivating atmospheric optics event and its intriguing details.

First Cuckoo of Spring?

This article explores the captivating display of atmospheric optics in Kent, England, featuring sundogs, a 22-degree halo, upper tangent arc, Parry arc, circumzenithal arc, and supralateral arc. The photographs and scientific explanation offer a unique glimpse into the beauty and complexity of these optical phenomena.

Cloudbow

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and unique features of cloudbows, which are atmospheric phenomena that occur when sunlight interacts with larger cloud or fog droplets, creating enchanting sky scale diffraction patterns. The article also discusses the presence of supernumerary bows and the challenge of capturing the delicate beauty of cloudbows through photography.

Mirage at Scheveningen

This article explores the fascinating optical phenomenon of mirages, specifically focusing on the mirage observed at Scheveningen, a coastal town in The Netherlands. It delves into the anatomy of the mirage and provides general insights into mirages as an intriguing natural phenomenon.

OPOD - Moon Halo Montage

The article "OPOD - Moon Halo Montage" explores the captivating beauty and mystery of moon halos, showcasing stunning images captured by photographers around the world. It also highlights other atmospheric optical phenomena that can be observed during these celestial displays.

Antisolar Rays & Moon - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of antisolar rays and their connection with the rising moon, shedding light on their occurrence, behavior, and the captivating interplay between light, perspective, and celestial objects.

Collisional Excitation

This article explores the phenomenon of aurora and delves into the science behind it, focusing on collisional excitation where oxygen atoms are excited by collisions with high-energy particles. It discusses the role of oxygen, magnetic and energetic conditions, and the solar wind in the formation of aurorae, highlighting the advancements in technology and space exploration that have contributed to our understanding of this captivating natural spectacle.

Pennsylvania Lights

This article explores the phenomenon of light pillars, enchanting optical displays that occur in cold climates like West Chester, Pennsylvania. It delves into the science behind their formation and highlights their ethereal beauty.

OPOD - Bent Rainbow

This article explores the phenomenon of a kinked rainbow captured in a photograph over Adelaide, Australia. It discusses various explanations, including the possibility of non-uniform heat plumes from buildings causing distortions at a higher angle, and emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand this captivating optical spectacle.

OPOD - Lowitz Arc over California

This article explores the rare sighting of a Lowitz Arc over California, providing insights into its formation and association with other atmospheric optical phenomena. The captivating photographs and detailed analysis highlight the complexity and beauty of these elusive displays.

Crepuscular rays - Beams of light

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of crepuscular rays, also known as sunrays or God rays, that illuminate the sky with radiant beams of light. It discusses the science behind their formation, the atmospheric conditions required, and their cultural significance throughout history.

Rainbow Story

This article explores the captivating beauty and science behind rainbows, showcasing stunning images of different rainbow phenomena and discussing their symbolic meanings. It serves as a reminder of the extraordinary wonders of nature and the magic that exists within our atmosphere.

Solstice Glory & Broken Spectre, Carrauntoohil Ireland - OPOD

This article explores the Solstice Glory and the Broken Spectre, two captivating atmospheric optical phenomena observed on Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak. Photographer Micheál Burke captures these rare sights in stunning images, showcasing the interplay of light, mist, and perspective that creates these enchanting displays.

Lunar Corona

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of lunar coronas, discussing their formation, characteristics, and factors that contribute to their ethereal beauty. It also highlights the similarities between lunar coronas and the corona observed around distant stars through telescopes.