Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Lunar Corona

The article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of a lunar corona, explaining how it forms and the colors it exhibits. It also provides tips for photographing this celestial spectacle and highlights the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics.

OPOD - Classical Green Flash

The article explores the mesmerizing optical phenomenon of the classical green flash, explaining its formation through mirage conditions and debunking misconceptions about its cause. It highlights the captivating beauty of this fleeting event and encourages readers to keep an eye out for this extraordinary spectacle during sunrise or sunset.

OPOD - Brocken Spectre & Glory

This article explores the captivating optical phenomena of the Brocken Spectre and Glory, shedding light on their formation and the scientific principles behind them. It delves into the interplay between sunlight, mist, and the observer to create a magnified shadow and colored rings encircling the sun.

OPOD - California Halos

This article explores the captivating details and mysteries of ice halos captured in a stunning photograph at Laguna Beach, California, challenging the notion that these atmospheric phenomena are exclusive to polar regions or extremely cold weather. It delves into the various crystal habits and orientations that contribute to the formation of different halo formations, highlighting the beauty and complexity of these optical displays.

Arctic Halos

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Arctic halos, including tall sundogs and a range of other optical phenomena. It highlights the intricate interplay between sunlight and ice crystals in the polar atmosphere, providing valuable insights into the physics of light and the properties of ice crystals.

OPOD - 1988 Lowitz Display, Delaware, USA

The article discusses the 1988 Lowitz Display in Delaware, USA, which provided early visual evidence of the elusive Lowitz arcs, contributing significantly to our understanding of these unique atmospheric optical phenomena. The event also showcased other stunning halo displays, adding to the scientific knowledge of atmospheric optics.

OPOD - Tall sun pillar Barcelona

The article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of sun pillars created by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in the atmosphere, showcasing a particularly tall and bright sun pillar observed in Barcelona. It discusses the different types of ice crystals that can generate sun pillars and the interplay of light and shadows that create their striking appearance.

OPOD - Venus Optics

This article explores the phenomenon of elongated coronae around Venus and Jupiter, revealing that it is caused by light diffracted by small ice crystals in the clouds. The discovery challenges our understanding of optical phenomena and provides a scientific explanation for the mesmerizing appearance of these elongated coronae.

Rock Mountain Iridescence

This article explores the phenomenon of Rock Mountain Iridescence, delving into the secrets behind its breathtaking beauty and offering tips on how to observe this captivating natural display.

Sundial Frost Birefringence, Slovakia - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of sundial frost birefringence in Slovakia, discussing the science behind it and the factors that contribute to its mesmerizing visual effects. Through the lens of photographer Daniela Rapavá, the delicate beauty of this transient phenomenon is revealed, showcasing nature's own kaleidoscope of colors on frost-covered sundials.

OPOD - Viking Sunstone

This article explores the theory that the Vikings used a sunstone or sun seeker as a navigation tool, examining the use of polarized light and the Iceland Spar crystal. It discusses the conditions for effective use and offers modern testing methods to verify the accuracy of the sunstone.

Plate crystal pillars

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomenon of plate crystal pillars, which form when crystals with Lowitz orientations create sun pillars. Accompanied by sundogs and a circular halo, plate crystal pillars create a mesmerizing display in the sky, adding to their allure and heightening our understanding of this fascinating natural phenomenon.

Halos at Jalasjärvi, Finland- OPOD

This article explores the captivating display of ice halos captured in the skies of Jalasjärvi, Finland, including the mysterious Moilanen arc and the rare Parry arc. Through stunning photography and time-lapse videos, the article showcases the beauty and complexity of these atmospheric optical phenomena.

OPOD - Sunset Rainbows, London

This article explores the phenomenon of supernumerary bows within rainbows, specifically focusing on a stunning display captured in London. It highlights the role of raindrop size and uniformity in the visibility and spacing of these fringes, showcasing the intricate interplay of waves and interference in atmospheric optics.

NLCs Hungary

This article explores the increase in sightings of Noctilucent clouds (NLCs) and their connection to the Solar Cycle, offering insights into the formation and dynamics of these ethereal clouds. It highlights a stunning NLC display over Hungary and emphasizes the importance of continued observation and research in unraveling the mysteries of NLCs.

OPOD - Dawn Sun Pillar

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomenon of sun pillars, which create an illusion of a towering beam of light stretching vertically into the sky. It delves into the science behind these optical illusions and highlights the role of ice crystals in their formation.

Circumzenithal Arc, BC, Canada

This article explores the mesmerizing Circumzenithal Arc, also known as the "upside-down rainbow," captured in British Columbia, Canada. It delves into the unique characteristics and formation mechanisms of this captivating atmospheric phenomenon.

Pillars, Sundogs & Aircraft Windows - OPOD

This article explores the fascinating combination of pillars, sundogs, and aircraft windows in the sky, delving into the scientific understanding behind these optical illusions and the role of different types of ice crystals. Through the pioneering work of scientists like Robert Greenler and advancements in computer simulations, valuable insights have been gained into the formation of sun pillars and the enigmatic reflections seen in aircraft windows.

OPOD - Earth's Shadow

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Earth's Shadow, delving into its formation, characteristics, and the science behind its appearance. It also provides tips for capturing the beauty of Earth's Shadow through photography.

Rainbow Making

This article explores the science behind rainbow formation and provides a step-by-step guide on how to create your own rainbow using a hosepipe, highlighting the intricacies of rainbows and the mesmerizing beauty they possess.