Corona + Iridescence

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Corona + Iridescence: A Captivating Atmospheric Display

When it comes to atmospheric optics, there are a myriad of fascinating phenomena that can occur. One such spectacle is the combination of corona and iridescence. Picture this: the sun shining through thin, diffuse clouds, creating an ethereal scene. Surrounding the sun is an intensely bright aureole, encircled by delicate colored rings, known as a corona. What makes this sight even more enchanting are the simultaneously surrounding patches of vivid colors, known as cloud iridescence.

The formation of both corona and iridescence is a result of sunlight being diffracted by tiny cloud droplets. However, the distinction lies in the nature of these droplets themselves. Uniform-sized droplets produce a corona, while clouds with varying drop sizes from place to place give rise to the more disordered yet beautiful pastel hues of iridescence. But why are newly birthed clouds often associated with this phenomenon?

Newly formed clouds are particularly conducive to the creation of corona and iridescence due to the uniformity of their droplets. These clouds have droplets with similar histories and sizes, which are essential for the diffraction colors to remain distinct and not blur into white. As a result, when the sun's rays pass through these newly birthed clouds, they interact with the droplets, causing the corona to form around the sun and the patches of iridescence to appear.

A closer look at these atmospheric wonders reveals an intricate interplay between circular coronal rings and the disordered iridescence. The coronal rings gradually merge into the more chaotic patterns of iridescence, creating a captivating visual display. It is important to note that the images provided in this article are for illustrative purposes and may not accurately represent the actual phenomenon.

The simultaneous occurrence of corona and iridescence adds an extra layer of complexity and beauty to the atmospheric optics. It is a reminder of the intricate nature of our atmosphere and the countless interactions that take place within it. The combination of these two phenomena serves as a testament to the diversity and unpredictability of the natural world.

In conclusion, corona and iridescence are captivating atmospheric displays that occur when sunlight interacts with cloud droplets. While corona forms from uniform-sized droplets, iridescence arises from clouds with varying drop sizes. The phenomenon is often observed in newly formed clouds, where droplets have similar histories and sizes, allowing for distinct diffraction colors to emerge. The interplay between circular coronal rings and disordered iridescence creates a mesmerizing visual spectacle that showcases the complexity and beauty of our atmosphere. Next time you find yourself gazing at the sky, keep an eye out for this enchanting combination of corona and iridescence, for it is a true marvel of nature.

Iridescence & Corona

A scene by Marco Meniero at Viterbo, Italy. The sun shines through thin diffuse cloud, likely newly birthed. Surrounding the sun is an intensely bright aureole circled in turn by delicate coloured rings. A corona.

A corona is a common enough sight. Less common are the simultaneously surrounding patches of colour. Cloud iridescence.

Diffraction of sunlight by tiny cloud droplets made them both. The differences comes from the droplets themselves. Uniform sized droplets produce a corona. Clouds with changing drop size from place to place give the more disordered but beautiful pastel hues of iridescence. Why newly birthed clouds? Droplets in newly formed clouds have the same history and very similar sizes necessary for the diffraction colours not to be blurred out to white.

This close up shows less circular coronal rings merging into disordered iridescence.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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