Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Primary & secondary rainbow supernumeraries - OPOD

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of primary and secondary rainbow supernumeraries, explaining their origins and the conditions required for their formation. It also discusses the role of droplet size and advancements in simulation techniques in understanding these elusive fringes of light.

Refraction, Door Prisms - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of refraction, explaining how the slowing down of light in dense media causes it to change direction and bend. It discusses the practical applications of refraction in lenses and optical instruments, as well as its role in creating natural optical phenomena like rainbows.

Bishop's Ring over Europe from california Wildfire Smoke

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of the Bishop's ring, which was captured in Deventer, The Netherlands, and its likely connection to smoke from Californian wildfires that reached Europe. It delves into the physics of diffraction and highlights the global reach and impact of atmospheric phenomena.

OPOD - Green Flash

This article explores the phenomenon of green flashes during sunsets and sunrises, including the different types and the underlying atmospheric conditions that cause them. It also discusses how to identify and appreciate these visually striking events.

Stockholm 1535 halos

The article explores the famous Sundog painting in Stockholm Cathedral, which accurately depicts a halo display that occurred over Stockholm in 1535. It discusses the different elements depicted in the painting and compares them to modern simulations, highlighting the artist's attention to detail and the accuracy of the artwork in capturing the atmospheric optics event.

Look for the rare one

This article explores the rare halos of atmospheric optics, specifically the circumzenithal arcs and supralateral arcs, explaining their formation and providing tips for spotting and photographing them. It highlights the beauty and fascination of these optical phenomena and emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between sunlight, ice crystals, and atmospheric conditions.

OPOD - Helic & Lowitz Arcs, France

This article explores the rare atmospheric phenomena of the helic arc and upper Lowitz arc, captured in photographs by Cyrille Baudouin in western France. Techniques such as unsharp masking and color subtraction are discussed for enhancing the visibility of these captivating optical displays.

120° Parhelia

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of 120° parhelia in atmospheric optics, discussing their formation through multiple reflections in plate crystals and the challenges of distinguishing them from clouds. It also highlights the use of HaloSim software for simulating these optical events and emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Cloud Bow, Netherlands - OPOD

This article explores the rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon known as cloudbows, formed by small water droplets in the evening air, displaying pastel colors and broad spacing of supernumerary bows. It provides insight into the ideal conditions for cloudbow formation and the science behind their creation, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of these ephemeral arcs of color in the sky.

Igauzu Falls Falls Rainbow

The article explores the captivating phenomenon of the Igauzu Falls Rainbow, showcasing its complete circle and challenging our perception of rainbows. It delves into the science of atmospheric optics, highlighting the impact of drop size on the appearance of the rainbow and providing a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature.

Indiana over-the-horizon rays

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Indiana over-the-horizon rays, investigating their causes, characteristics, and the science behind their formation. It delves into the interplay between sunlight, atmospheric particles, and shadows, revealing the mesmerizing dance of these ethereal rays in the Indiana sky.

Royal halos, Victoria Memorial, London - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing royal halos phenomenon at the Victoria Memorial in London, delving into the science of atmospheric optics and the role of ice crystals in creating these stunning optical displays. Through skillful photography, the article showcases the intricate details and beauty of these celestial halos, inviting readers to marvel at the wonders of nature.

CZA

The article explores the beauty and rarity of the Circumzenithal Arc (CZA), a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that forms when sunlight refracts through plate crystals in the atmosphere. It highlights the unique geometry and vibrant colors of the CZA, emphasizing the optimal conditions for observing this stunning spectacle.

OPOD - Grand Canyon Bows

This article explores the captivating rainbow display captured at the Grand Canyon, focusing on the vibrant primary and secondary bows and other subtle features such as Alexander's Dark Band. It delves into the formation of the colored rims in rainbows and raises the intriguing question of whether a rainbow truly exists if there is no one there to witness it.

Yellowknife Halos - OPOD

The article discusses the mesmerizing atmospheric phenomenon of Yellowknife Halos in Canada, caused by sunlight interacting with ice crystals. It explores the various halo formations, including the 'V' shaped upper tangent arc and the 22° and 46° halos, highlighting the role of diamond dust and specific weather conditions in their occurrence.

Yukon Opposition Glow

The article explores the captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon of the Yukon Opposition Glow, discussing its bright patch at the antisolar point and the factors contributing to its brightness and distinct yellow hue. It delves into the scientific principles of shadow hiding, retro-reflection from minerals, and coherent backscattering to provide a deeper understanding of this breathtaking spectacle in the sky.

Aurora, Northern Lights Images

This article explores the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights and provides tips and techniques for capturing and sharing stunning aurora images. It emphasizes the unique and ever-changing nature of the auroras, inspiring awe and a sense of wonder in those who witness them.

Moonset Mirage

The article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of moonset mirages, describing how they occur under specific weather conditions and revealing their stunning visual effects. It also discusses the accompanying atmospheric optics phenomena of Earth's shadow and the Belt of Venus, creating a captivating spectacle in the sky.

Twisted bi-layer graphene moire

This article explores the phenomenon of twisted bi-layer graphene moiré patterns and their potential applications in quantum physics and technology. The discovery of switchable superconductivity and unconventional magnetism in twisted bi-layer graphene opens up new possibilities for fast electronic devices and the study of high-temperature superconductivity.

Miraged Icebergs, Greenland

This article explores the phenomenon of miraged icebergs in Greenland, discussing the role of temperature inversions and light refraction in creating this captivating optical illusion. It also highlights the historical significance of miraging icebergs and emphasizes the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics.