Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Primary bow, Western Highlands, Scotland

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and significance of the primary bow, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon observed in the Western Highlands of Scotland, known for its vibrant colors and celestial beauty. Discover how to spot this mesmerizing natural spectacle and embrace the enchanting landscapes of the Scottish highlands.

OPOD - Two suns, Stockholm Spring

This article explores the misconception of Scandinavia having two suns and instead focuses on an interesting atmospheric optics phenomenon that can create the illusion of multiple suns in the sky, as captured by photographer Peter Rosen in Stockholm during the spring equinox. It also discusses the role of mirages in creating multiple sun illusions, highlighting the awe-inspiring wonders of our atmosphere.

Lowitz Arcs, Germany - OPOD

This article explores the remarkable atmospheric optical phenomenon of Lowitz arcs, showcasing a stunning image captured in Germany. It delves into the controversy surrounding their discovery and provides insights into the formation and rare components of these mesmerizing halo displays.

Zodiacal Light and Banded Red Airglow

This article explores the captivating celestial phenomena of Zodiacal Light and Banded Red Airglow, shedding light on their origins and beauty. It also highlights the enchanting Gegenschein and the ability of astrophotographers to capture these ephemeral moments, inviting readers to marvel at the magic of the night sky.

OPOD - Melting Telescope Dish

The article discusses a bizarre optical phenomenon captured at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, where the massive telescope dish appears to droop and melt into the ground. The author explores the science behind this mesmerizing visual display and the complex temperature profiles that cause image shifts and distortions.

Pollen Corona, Finland - OPOD

This article explores the captivating science behind the mesmerizing phenomenon of pollen coronae, delving into the intricate dance of light and pollen grains that creates vibrant colors and well-defined rings. It highlights the unique beauty and complexity of nature, reminding us to appreciate the wonders that await us in the natural world.

Watching for storms

This article explores the fascinating world of atmospheric optics and the various optical phenomena that can be observed during storms, from crepuscular rays and halos to sundogs and rainbows. It highlights the beauty and wonder of these spectacles and encourages readers to appreciate the intricate workings of light and atmospheric particles in the stormy skies.

Sign of Summer

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of the circumhorizon arc, a colorful halo that appears parallel to the horizon during the summer season when the sun is positioned higher than 58°. It delves into the science behind this optical illusion created by the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals, and highlights its geographic and seasonal variations.

OPOD - Illusionary Pillars

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of illusionary pillars in the sky, revealing how they are created through the reflection of artificial lights by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. It delves into the science behind their formation and highlights notable characteristics of these captivating optical illusions.

Denver Wave Cloud Iridescence

This article explores the formation of iridescent wave clouds in Denver, Colorado, and explains how the interplay of rising and descending air pockets, along with thin-film interference, creates the captivating colors observed in these atmospheric phenomena.

Circumzenithal Arc, UK - OPOD

This article explores the science and visual beauty of the Circumzenithal Arc, a stunning atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when sunlight refracts through ice crystals in the atmosphere, creating vibrant colors in the sky. It highlights the rarity of witnessing this phenomenon and the specific atmospheric conditions required for its formation.

Florida Fogbow

This article explores the mesmerizing Florida Fogbow, a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with water droplets in fog. It delves into the unique appearance, formation, and ideal conditions for witnessing this captivating optical display.

OPOD - Breakfast Droplets

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of droplet caustics, uncovering the secrets behind the mesmerizing patterns created by droplets on a surface, and how they illuminate the heiligenschein. It showcases the beauty and complexity of these optical phenomena, reminding us of the wonders that exist within seemingly ordinary occurrences.

Anticrepuscular rays IV

This article explores the enchanting atmospheric phenomenon of anticrepuscular rays, explaining their formation, illusion of convergence, and the role of atmospheric conditions. It also provides tips for capturing these captivating rays through photography.

Circumhorizon Arc, Switzerland

The article explores the captivating Circumhorizon Arc, a vibrant and awe-inspiring halo that can be observed in Switzerland and other locations around the world. It delves into the science behind its formation and describes the stunning display of colors created by sunlight interacting with ice crystals in cirrus clouds.

XXXX - OPOD

This article explores the captivating atmospheric optical phenomena of the parhelic circle and the 120° parhelion, discussing their formation and how they differ from other optical effects. It also highlights the fading effect observed beyond the 120° parhelion and the significance of these phenomena in understanding the interactions between light and ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Halos, Order from Disorder

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of halos in the sky, revealing how the seemingly chaotic elements of air molecules and ice crystals come together in an ordered manner to create intricate geometric arcs. It highlights the delicate balance between chaos and order that gives rise to these celestial wonders, reminding us of the awe-inspiring intricacies of the natural world.

OPOD - Georgia USA Halos

This article explores the mesmerizing display of atmospheric optics captured in Georgia, USA, showcasing a variety of bright and faint halos created by sunlight interacting with ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Delving into the science behind their formation, it unveils the intricate details and rare phenomena that make up this captivating spectacle.

Sundogs, Sun Dogs, Parhelia, Mock Suns

This article explores the fascinating atmospheric optical phenomenon of sundogs, also known as Sun Dogs, Parhelia, or Mock Suns. It discusses their formation, the influence of solar altitude, the presence of moon dogs, and includes an image gallery showcasing their beauty.

High altitude sun pillar

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and optimal viewing conditions of the high altitude sun pillar, a rare atmospheric phenomenon created by sunlight interacting with ice crystals in the atmosphere. It provides tips for observing and capturing this captivating spectacle.