This article explores the enchanting beauty of the New York Circumzenithal Arc, a rare atmospheric phenomenon created by flat plate ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. It discusses the science behind the CZA and highlights its unique shape and spectacular colors.
This article explores the phenomenon of the flattened sun, which occurs as a result of the bending of light due to density gradients in Earth's atmosphere. It discusses how this effect alters our perception of the sun's position and shape, showcasing the captivating visual displays it creates.
This article explores the enigmatic cloud contrast bow, a rarely captured phenomenon that manifests as sharply defined cloud detail amidst surrounding clouds. It delves into the underlying physics and interplay between light scattering, multiple scattering, and the positioning of the observer to unlock the secrets behind this captivating atmospheric phenomenon.
The article explores the captivating display of ice fog halos in Norway, showcasing the intricate beauty of light bending and refraction in the atmosphere. It highlights the rare Moilanen arc and the dynamic nature of these halos as they evolve with the changing position of the sun.
This article explores the phenomenon of circumhorizon arcs, a captivating display of vibrant colors formed by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. It delves into the science behind these arcs and provides tips for capturing them on camera, offering readers a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature's optical wonders.
The article discusses the TiltingSun software, a powerful tool that provides insights into the Sun's orientation, poles, equator, and rotation direction. It offers customizable views and numerical displays of essential solar parameters, enhancing solar imaging and analysis capabilities.
This article explores the rare atmospheric phenomenon of sun pillar echoes, which are vertical columns of light extending above or below the sun and sometimes accompanied by faint echo arcs. The origins and explanations for these phenomena remain unknown, making them a subject of great fascination for scientists and observers alike.
This article showcases a rare and breathtaking phenomenon captured by photographers in Alberta, Canada - the simultaneous appearance of a moonbow and aurora in the night sky. It highlights the intricate processes of refraction, color splitting, and particle interaction that create these awe-inspiring displays of atmospheric optics.
This article explores the mesmerizing beauty of nacreous clouds, also known as polar stratospheric clouds, which illuminate the sky with metallic iridescent colors. It discusses their formation, the optimal time to witness them, and their scientific significance in understanding the dynamics of the stratosphere.
The article explores the Novaya Zemlya Effect, an atmospheric phenomenon that creates the illusion of a rectangular shape of golden stripes adorned with green flashes on the horizon. It discusses historical accounts, the role of refraction, and variations of the phenomenon, highlighting its enigmatic nature and captivating beauty.
This article explores the formation, rarity, and visibility of the Circumhorizon Arc (CHA), a vibrant atmospheric optical phenomenon created by sunlight interacting with ice crystals in cirrus clouds. It also provides tips on capturing the beauty of the CHA through photography.
This article explores the unique characteristics of Parry's 1827 fogbow, including the unusually large number of supernumerary bows and their peculiar colors, shedding light on the relationship between droplet size and the appearance of fogbow supernumeraries. Parry's accurate observations provide valuable insights into the formation and characteristics of fogbows, enhancing our understanding of atmospheric optics.
This article explores the captivating world of airglow images, providing insights into the science behind this celestial phenomenon and the techniques used to capture its mesmerizing patterns and colors. It highlights the significance of airglow research in understanding our atmosphere and inspires wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of the night sky.
This article explores the shapes and properties of carbon dioxide crystals in Martian clouds, providing insights into their crystal forms and habits. It discusses the potential for halo formation and the need for further research to confirm the presence of these crystals in the Martian atmosphere.
This article explores the phenomenon of the green rim around the sun during sunset, discussing its cause and how it differs from the elusive green flash. It also touches on other atmospheric optics elements, such as mirages and temperature gradients, that can contribute to stunning visual effects during sunset.
This article explores the formation of the parhelic circle, a halo created by sunlight or moonlight reflecting from near-vertical faces of ice crystals. It delves into the intricate ray paths involved in the formation and discusses the contributions of external and internal reflections, providing a deeper understanding of this captivating atmospheric optical phenomenon.
This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of pyramid halos, revealing the presence of sun dogs, a 22-degree halo, and an elusive upper tangent arc. It also delves into the cultural significance of these atmospheric optics displays in ancient Egyptian times.
This article explores the phenomenon of birefringence or double refraction, focusing on calcite crystals and their unique optical properties. It discusses how light splits into two polarized components as it enters the crystal, resulting in the formation of two distinct rays and a double image effect.
This article explores the captivating and rare phenomenon of halos in Sweden, showcasing an image captured by Lotta Gustavsson that displays various types of halos caused by light interacting with ice crystals in the atmosphere. It highlights the beauty and wonder of these atmospheric optics, reminding us of the intricate interactions between light and ice crystals that create awe-inspiring spectacles.
This article explores the science behind green flashes during sunset or sunrise and the role of tilted air in their formation. It discusses how the interaction of light with the atmosphere, including refraction and mirages, creates these captivating phenomena.