Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Reflections on Rainbows

This article explores the mesmerizing complexities of reflection rainbows and their intricate formations, adding depth and complexity to the enchanting phenomenon of rainbows. It delves into various types of reflection rainbows, from reflection bows above a calm river to continuations of rainbows within water, reminding us of the boundless wonders of atmospheric optics.

Winter Mirage, Sweden

Discover the captivating Winter Mirage phenomenon in Sweden, where temperature inversions and light refraction create distorted and ethereal mountain landscapes. Witness nature's artistic prowess and be in awe of the intricate workings of our atmosphere.

Sooke B.C. Canada fogbow

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of fogbows, focusing on the Sooke B.C. Canada fogbow captured by Taavi Babcock. It delves into the science behind fogbows and offers tips for spotting these ethereal spectacles.

Mountain shadow formation

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of mountain shadow formation, revealing the unique characteristics and immense length of these three-dimensional voids of dark air. Through studying these shadows, valuable insights into the behavior of light and atmospheric optics are gained, deepening our understanding of this mesmerizing natural spectacle.

Reflection and Reflected Rainbows

This article explores the fascinating world of reflection and reflected rainbows, shedding light on the captivating phenomenon of how sunlight reflects off water surfaces before intercepting raindrops to create unique types of rainbows. It delves into the complexities of atmospheric optics and highlights the intricate interplay of light and water that brings these enchanting phenomena to life.

Atmospheric Gravity Waves

This article explores atmospheric gravity waves, which are similar to ripples formed when a stone is dropped into water. These waves occur between stable layers of fluids with different densities in the Earth's atmosphere and play a significant role in shaping atmospheric dynamics.

Zodiacal Light from La Palma

This article explores the mesmerizing celestial phenomenon of zodiacal light, highlighting how the pristine location of La Palma in the Canary Islands provides optimal conditions for witnessing its full splendor. With its low latitude, clear air, and minimal light pollution, La Palma offers stargazers and astrophotographers a front-row seat to the breathtaking display of this ethereal glow.

Lowitz Arcs

The article explores the fascinating atmospheric phenomenon of Lowitz arcs, discussing their formation, characteristics, and the advancements in technology that have allowed for their documentation. It also highlights recent studies that have provided new insights into the formation of these arcs.

Corona + Iridescence

This article explores the captivating combination of corona and iridescence in atmospheric optics, highlighting the formation process and the interplay between circular coronal rings and disordered iridescence. It showcases the complexity and beauty of our atmosphere, serving as a testament to the diversity and unpredictability of the natural world.

Strange Halo Colours

This article explores the phenomenon of strange halo colors, including reddish rims and vibrant coronas, that can be observed in halos surrounding the sun. It delves into the scientific explanations behind these colors and discusses ongoing research in atmospheric optics to unlock the secrets behind these captivating displays.

Nitrogen Aurora - Finland

This article explores the captivating world of Nitrogen Aurora in Finland, focusing on its distinctive deep red border and the interplay between high-energy electrons, molecular nitrogen, and Earth's magnetic field. It highlights the significance of Nitrogen Auroras in understanding the complex processes in the upper atmosphere and magnetosphere.

OPOD - Nacreous Clouds

Nacreous Clouds: A Spectacular Atmospheric Phenomenon" explores the mesmerizing beauty of nacreous clouds, which are vibrant, electric-colored clouds that occur at high altitudes in the stratosphere. The article discusses their formation, association with tropospheric disturbances, and provides tips on when and where to spot them.

Moonbow, Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of moonbows, specifically focusing on a breathtaking moonbow captured by Anatoly Arsentev on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. The article delves into the conditions required for a moonbow to form and highlights the rarity and transient beauty of this optical phenomenon.

Circumhorizon Arc

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and optimal conditions for witnessing a circumhorizon arc, a rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon caused by the refraction of light through ice crystals in cirrus clouds. It also discusses the geographic considerations and the challenges of capturing the beauty of this enchanting spectacle in photographs.

Aurora with nitrogen molecular ion emission, Alaska

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of auroras in Alaska, specifically focusing on the mesmerizing display of nitrogen molecular ion emission that adds an ethereal element to these celestial events. It highlights the interplay between charged particles, atmospheric composition, and energy transfer in the upper atmosphere, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of this natural spectacle.

Contrail shadow & halo - OPOD

This article explores the fascinating world of contrail shadows and halos, revealing how they form and the optical phenomena that accompany them. From the illusion of contrail shadows above cirrus clouds to the formation of a 22° halo caused by ice crystals, these atmospheric displays captivate with their intricate beauty.

Anticrepuscular Rays

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomenon of anticrepuscular rays, which appear as parallel beams of sunlight converging towards the antisolar point opposite the sun. By understanding the dynamics and formation of these rays, scientists gain valuable insights into cloud structure and atmospheric conditions.

OPOD - Old Fog Fogbow, Greenland

The article explores the captivating phenomenon of the "Old Fog" Fogbow off the coast of Western Greenland, delving into the formation, colors, and details of this ethereal atmospheric optics display. It also discusses the influence of droplet size on fogbows and glories, comparing fresh and old fogs to understand their distinct visual characteristics.

Kasotochi Once Again

This article explores the captivating optical displays and phenomena observed in the skies after the eruption of Kasotochi, emphasizing the importance of appreciating both ordinary and extraordinary twilights. It highlights the extraordinary yellow twilight arch, long diffuse shadows cast by sunlight, and the emergence of intense purple light as twilight deepens.

Montana Halos - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing beauty of the Montana Halos, a stunning array of ice halos that form in the pristine skies of Montana. It delves into the intricate optical phenomena that occur due to the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere and unveils the secrets behind these captivating displays using advanced techniques like HaloSim ray tracing.