Sky Wide Rays

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Sky Wide Rays: A Phenomenon of Atmospheric Optics

Have you ever looked up at the sky and noticed rays of sunlight stretching across the heavens? These captivating beams of light, known as sky wide rays, are a mesmerizing sight to behold. In this article, we will delve deeper into the science behind these atmospheric optics phenomena and explore the various factors that contribute to their formation.

The Role of Humidity and Water Droplets

One crucial factor in the visibility of sky wide rays is humidity. When the air is humid, it contains an increased amount of water vapor. This moisture condenses into tiny water droplets, creating a medium through which sunlight can scatter and reflect. As a result, these water droplets act as miniature prisms, dispersing the incoming light and making the sun rays visible to the naked eye.

The Formation of Parallel Rays

During certain weather conditions, such as after a thunderstorm, the formation of parallel rays becomes more pronounced. As the storm subsides, the remaining clouds in the western sky cast long, gently descending rays across the atmosphere. These rays appear parallel due to perspective, seemingly diverging from the sun and converging to a point below the horizon opposite to the sun's position.

The Science Behind Perspective and Convergence

To understand why these rays appear to converge towards a point below the horizon, we need to consider the role of perspective. When we observe the sky wide rays, our eyes perceive them as originating from a single point, namely the position of the sun. However, due to the curvature of the Earth, these rays actually diverge from the sun and appear to meet at a point below the horizon. This convergence is an optical illusion caused by our visual perception.

Atmospheric Optics and Light Scattering

The phenomenon of sky wide rays falls under the umbrella of atmospheric optics, a branch of science that explores how light interacts with the Earth's atmosphere. Light scattering plays a significant role in the formation of these rays. As sunlight passes through the water droplets suspended in the air, it scatters in various directions, resulting in the visible beams of light that we observe.

Other Factors Influencing Sky Wide Rays

While humidity and the presence of water droplets are key factors in the formation of sky wide rays, other atmospheric conditions can also contribute to their appearance. For instance:

• The angle of the sun: The position of the sun in the sky affects the angle at which its rays interact with the water droplets, influencing the visibility and direction of the sky wide rays.
• Cloud cover: The presence of clouds can enhance or obstruct the visibility of these rays, depending on their density and thickness.
• Air pollution: Particles in the atmosphere, such as dust or pollution, can interact with sunlight and affect the scattering of light, potentially altering the appearance of sky wide rays.

Appreciating the Beauty of Sky Wide Rays

The ethereal beauty of sky wide rays has captivated artists, photographers, and skygazers for centuries. Whether you encounter them during a picturesque sunset or after a stormy day, these radiant beams serve as a reminder of the intricate interplay between light and our atmosphere. So next time you find yourself beneath a canopy of sky wide rays, take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.

In conclusion, sky wide rays are a captivating phenomenon of atmospheric optics. Their formation is influenced by factors such as humidity, water droplets, perspective, and light scattering. By understanding the science behind these mesmerizing beams of light, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our natural world.

Sky Wide Rays ~ Captured July 2010 in Finland by Tom Eklund. ©Tom Eklund

There had been a thunderstorm and the air was humid. Small water droplets in humid air help make sun rays visible. The western clouds cast long gently descending but parallel rays and shadows across the sky. They seem by perspective to diverge from the sun and converge to the opposite point below the horizon.

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