Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Air Temperatures, Mirages & Green Flashes

This article explores the connection between air temperatures, mirages, and green flashes, explaining how variations in temperature, density, and refractive indices of air layers contribute to these atmospheric optics phenomena. It discusses temperature inversions and the influence of ground heating on the formation of different types of mirages and green flashes.

Atmospheric Halos - Links/Resources

This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of links and resources for exploring atmospheric halos, including educational websites, online communities, books, image galleries, and citizen science projects. Dive into this world of captivating optical phenomena and embark on a journey of discovery and awe-inspiring experiences.

Santa Maria Shadow

This article explores the Santa Maria Shadow, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon cast by the Santa Maria Volcano in Guatemala, revealing the three-dimensional nature of mountain shadows and the science behind their formation.

Distorted sunset

This article explores the fascinating world of distorted sunsets, discussing the causes behind this captivating display of atmospheric optics and providing tips for capturing their beauty through photography.

Moondogs & Paraselenic Circle, Gloucestershire, England - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing atmospheric optics phenomenon of moondogs and paraselenic circle observed in Gloucestershire, England, including their vibrant colors and the role of ice crystals in creating these captivating displays. The photographs captured by Marcus Price showcase the beauty and complexity of these phenomena, offering valuable insights into the behavior of light and the wonders of our atmosphere.

Rarer than a blue moon?

This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon known as the "Etruscan Vase" moonrise mirage, delving into the science behind its enchanting display and its association with the green flash. Skywatchers are reminded to keep their eyes to the sky, as this celestial phenomenon is rarer than a blue moon.

OPOD - Looming, Towering, Mock-Mirage, Green Flash

This article explores the fascinating optical phenomena of looming, towering, mock mirages, and the elusive green flash, captured in a sequence of sunset images. By understanding the principles of refraction, we gain insight into these captivating atmospheric effects.

Rare subhorizon halo

This article discusses the rare subhorizon halo phenomenon, specifically focusing on a unique sighting of a sub 120° parhelion captured by Tomas Trzicky. The article explores the confirmation of the sighting, the science behind the sub 120° parhelion formation, and the potential contributions to the phenomenon.

Sunset Mirage Gallery

This article explores the fascinating world of sunset mirages, discussing the different types of mirages and offering tips on how to capture their beauty through photography. It also invites readers to explore a curated collection of stunning miraged suns in the Sunset Mirage Gallery.

Hidden Shadows

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of hidden shadows, where shadows of objects are concealed by the objects themselves, creating an illusion of brightness. It delves into the mechanism, simulations, and the counterpart on Mars, offering a captivating insight into the interplay between light and our surroundings.

Cloud Shadows

This article explores the captivating beauty and scientific significance of cloud shadows, revealing the intricate patterns and hues they create in the sky and how they provide insights into atmospheric conditions and cloud dynamics. It also discusses the artistic inspiration they have provided throughout history and encourages readers to appreciate the enigmatic beauty of these ethereal shadows.

OPOD - Cloud Mirage

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of cloud mirages, also known as superior mirages, which create optical illusions in the Earth's atmosphere. It delves into the science behind their formation and highlights the complexities and mysteries that continue to captivate scientists and enthusiasts.

Oval aureoles and coronae around stars and planets

This article explores the phenomenon of oval aureoles and coronae around stars and planets, shedding light on their formation and nature. It discusses recent sightings, the role of diffraction and elongated objects in the atmosphere, and predicts and confirms observations of oval coronae near the horizon.

Parhelic circle at high sun near Paris

This article explores the captivating parhelic circle phenomenon captured near Paris, showcasing a stunning image taken by Patrick Sogorb. It discusses the unique characteristics of the parhelic circle at high sun angles and highlights the use of a fisheye lens to capture the phenomenon from an upward-facing perspective.

Iridescent Clouds

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of iridescent clouds, also known as rainbow clouds, which are created when sunlight interacts with water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere. It discusses the dynamic nature of lenticular clouds and their ability to produce iridescence, as well as the occurrence of iridescence in other types of clouds under specific atmospheric conditions.

OPOD - Fine Structure & Eclipse

This article explores the enigmatic beauty of the fine structure of eclipses, revealing the hidden tapestry of ethereal colors and intricate patterns. It delves into the serene corona, the subtle color symphony, and the connection between eclipses and rainbows, providing a deeper understanding of atmospheric optics.

Sundogs & Sun Altitude

This article explores the phenomenon of sundogs and how their position is influenced by the altitude of the sun. It discusses the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals and factors affecting sundog brightness.

The Glory - Effect of droplet size

This article explores the impact of droplet size on the appearance of the glory, a phenomenon characterized by colorful rings around an observer's head shadow. It discusses the distribution of droplet sizes, estimation techniques, and various factors that contribute to the formation and visibility of the glory.

Fogbow - Australia

This article explores the enchanting world of fogbows, including their ethereal colors and the presence of supernumerary arcs. It focuses on fogbow sightings in Australia and the scientific principles behind their formation.

Circumhorizon Arc

This article explores the characteristics, visibility, and geographic distribution of the circumhorizon arc, a stunning optical phenomenon often mistaken for a fire rainbow. It discusses how to distinguish the circumhorizon arc from other atmospheric optics phenomena and highlights its rarity in certain regions.