Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Light Pillars - Ontario, Canada

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of light pillars in Ontario, Canada, and provides insights into their formation and height. It also highlights how seemingly otherworldly phenomena often have mundane explanations.

Evening Rainbows

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and enchanting nature of evening rainbows, highlighting their lower arc, vibrant colors, and occasional double rainbow. It also provides tips for capturing the beauty of these natural wonders through photography during the golden hour.

Green flash, Sarasota Florida

This article explores the phenomenon of the "Green Flash" in Sarasota, Florida, discussing the science behind it and providing tips on how to spot and capture this captivating optical illusion during sunsets.

OPOD - Green Flashes of two kinds

This article explores the captivating world of green flashes, showcasing two different types captured in stunning images along the Californian coast. It delves into the phenomenon behind these flashes, discussing the role of temperature inversions, mirages, and differential refraction in creating these mesmerizing atmospheric optics.

OPOD - Twin Sisters Range Circumhorizon Arc

The article discusses the Twin Sisters Range Circumhorizon Arc, a stunning atmospheric phenomenon captured in a photograph. It explains the science behind the arc's formation and highlights its rarity in certain regions, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of nature.

OPOD - Crossed Contrail Shadows

The article explores the fascinating phenomenon of crossed contrail shadows in the sky, explaining how they create an illusion of shadows cast upwards from below the cloud layer. It delves into the principles of light and atmospheric optics to understand the science behind this captivating display.

Sunward Diffraction Pattern

This article explores the sunward diffraction pattern, a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with droplets in clouds and mist. It delves into the characteristics and variations of the diffraction pattern, highlighting its intricate nature and its relationship with other optical phenomena.

Shining Mollusc Shells II

This article explores the science behind the radiant appearance of iridescent colors on mollusc shells, revealing how their unique structure and the interaction of light create mesmerizing displays. By unraveling the secrets of these shimmering shells, scientists gain insights that could inspire advancements in materials science and optical engineering.

Subhorizon Moonbow, Hawaii - OPOD

This article showcases a breathtaking subhorizon moonbow photographed in Hawaii, highlighting its rarity and beauty against a backdrop of volcanic glow on the horizon. The image serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders of atmospheric optics and the endless surprises nature has in store.

Finland Green Flashes

This article explores the mesmerizing world of Finland Green Flashes, specifically focusing on mock-mirage flashes that occur on the top of the sun's visible disk. It discusses the conditions necessary for witnessing these captivating phenomena and offers tips for photographing them.

Kelvin-Helmholtz Waves and Crepuscular Rays - OPOD

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and significance of Kelvin-Helmholtz waves and crepuscular rays, two captivating atmospheric phenomena that mesmerize and astonish observers worldwide. It delves into the interplay of fluid dynamics, atmospheric conditions, and the intricate dance between light and matter, showcasing the ephemeral beauty and dynamic nature of these natural wonders.

OPOD - Parhelia & Subparhelia through a glass darkly

This article explores the formation and unique characteristics of sundogs and subparhelia, optical phenomena created by reflections and refractions of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. It also discusses the allure of these halo formations and how advancements in technology allow us to experience their splendor through simulations.

OPOD - Rainbow Colours

This article explores the science behind the vibrant colors of rainbows, discussing how the size of raindrops and the overlapping of color disks create the mesmerizing transition between hues. It also highlights the presence of supernumerary bows and showcases stunning photographs that capture the intricate details of rainbow colors.

Iridescent Clouds

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and science behind iridescent clouds, a rare atmospheric phenomenon that displays vibrant colors when sunlight interacts with water droplets or ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere. It also discusses the rarity and geographic distribution of iridescent clouds and offers tips for capturing their enchanting beauty through photography.

22 degree halo?

This article explores the characteristics and distinguishing features of the 22 degree halo, a mesmerizing optical phenomenon surrounding the sun. It discusses how to differentiate it from the circumscribed halo and the role of solar altitude in its formation.

Beware of thin ice

This article explores the captivating optical effects that occur on thin ice, including the iridescent display of colors produced through thin film interference and the interplay of colors caused by air and water films. It also discusses additional factors, such as birefringence and air bubbles, that contribute to the enchanting visual spectacle on frozen lakes.

OPOD - Infralateral Arc

This article explores the rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon known as the infralateral arc, including its unique characteristics and formation process. It also discusses the vibrant colors and elusive nature of this optical display.

Shadow from Earth to Moon

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Earth's shadow casting onto the Moon during a lunar eclipse, delving into the intricacies and factors that contribute to its occurrence. It discusses the beauty of this rare event, the interplay of light and shadow, and the profound connection it establishes between our planet and its natural satellite.

Sunset rays - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

This article explores the science and formation of sunset rays, particularly in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where the unique geographical location and atmospheric conditions create an ideal setting for witnessing this captivating phenomenon. It provides tips for observing sunset rays and highlights the beauty of atmospheric optics in nature.

Versailles Corona & Rays - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing Versailles Corona & Rays phenomenon, showcasing a captivating image captured at the Grand Canal in Versailles, France. It delves into the science behind the phenomenon, explaining how mist droplets diffract sunlight to create a delicate corona and how parallel shadows create the illusion of diverging rays.