Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Sundog, Germany

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of sundogs in Germany, where sunlight interacting with ice crystals in the atmosphere creates stunning displays of colors and shapes. Witnessing these celestial spectacles against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes adds an extra level of enchantment to the experience.

OPOD - Circumscribed Halo

The article explores the mesmerizing circumscribed halo, a unique atmospheric phenomenon often mistaken for the common 22° halo due to its similar appearance. It delves into the distinct characteristics, formation process, and captivating beauty of this halo shaped by the refraction of light through inclined ice crystals.

Parhelic Circle - High Sun

This article explores the characteristics and visual effects of the parhelic circle when the sun is positioned at higher altitudes, showcasing its changing size and shape as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Sky enthusiasts and photographers can marvel at the intricate dance between light and ice crystals in the atmosphere, capturing captivating patterns and displays of atmospheric optics phenomena.

Rare ice halo display, Sweden

This article explores a rare and breathtaking ice halo display that occurred in Sweden, showcasing a variety of extraordinary halos opposite the sun. The article delves into the highlights of this remarkable event, including the unique phenomena observed and the mathematical insights gained from studying these atmospheric displays.

Brocken Spectre & Glory Sgorr Dhonuill near Glencoe

This article explores the enchanting atmospheric optics phenomenon of Brocken Spectres and glories, providing insights into their formation and the perfect conditions for witnessing these captivating illusions in the landscapes near Glencoe, Scotland.

Florida Pyramidal halos

This article explores the rare atmospheric phenomenon of Florida Pyramidal Halos, which are formed by hexagonal ice crystals with pyramidal ends. The unique structure of these crystals allows for the formation of various halos with different radii, creating mesmerizing displays in the Florida sky.

Water drops

This article explores the intricate behavior of water drops, including their shape, size, and optical effects. It discusses the influence of surface tension, gravity, and other factors on raindrop behavior, as well as their role in phenomena such as rainbows and dew patterns.

Circular Halos from Pyramidal Crystals

This article explores the mysterious circular halos that appear alongside the 22° halo and delves into the unique characteristics of pyramidal ice crystals that produce these enigmatic optical phenomena. By actively searching for these halos, we can gain a deeper understanding of their prevalence and formation processes.

Mock-Mirage Sunset

This article explores the phenomenon of mock-mirage sunsets, where temperature inversions create layers with above equilibrium temperatures, causing the setting sun's rays to be refracted and curved, resulting in a breathtaking display of light and color. The conditions for mock-mirage sunsets are ideal for the occurrence of green flashes, although they may be masked by sea mist.

OPOD - Strain colours

This article explores the technique of revealing strain colors in plastics using crossed polarizing filters, providing insights into the hidden patterns and behavior of materials under strain. By employing polarized light sources and viewing through polarizers, engineers and researchers can unlock intricate patterns and gain valuable insights.

Strange Supernumeraries - OPOD

This article explores the mysterious phenomenon of strange supernumeraries, captivating atmospheric optics displays that defy the laws of optics. It delves into their formation, theories attempting to explain them, and the ongoing scientific investigation into their intricacies.

Summer Ice

Summer Ice" explores the fascinating phenomenon of ice crystal formation in the atmosphere during the summer months, resulting in stunning halos around the sun or moon. This article highlights the scientific significance of studying summer ice for climate research and aviation safety, while also emphasizing the beauty and wonder it brings to the warmest season of the year.

OPOD - Glories

This article explores the fascinating atmospheric phenomenon of glories, which are captivating patterns of concentric colored rings produced by light interacting with small cloud droplets. It delves into the factors that contribute to their formation and provides insights into their structure and appearance.

Bishop's ring and corona

This article explores the phenomenon of Bishop's ring and corona, including their formation, characteristics, and the factors that contribute to their appearance. It delves into the intricacies of these optical phenomena that occur when sunlight interacts with particles or droplets in the atmosphere.

California, Mirages & Flashes

This article explores the mesmerizing atmospheric phenomena found along the California coast, including mirages and flashes of vibrant colors, and delves into the science behind these optical illusions. It highlights the unique blend of atmospheric conditions that create an ideal environment for these captivating displays.

River reflected crepuscular rays, a puzzle - OPOD

The article explores the puzzling nature of river-reflected crepuscular rays and the challenge of differentiating between the real rays and their mirror images, which have shallower slopes. It discusses how our expectations of mirror reflections often differ from reality due to the complex interplay of light and the reflective properties of the water's surface.

Ballon & Ground Halos Simultaneously - OPOD

Experience the beauty of atmospheric halos from both the ground and sky simultaneously as a team from Bolton School in England captures breathtaking images from a high altitude helium balloon. This remarkable feat provides a unique opportunity to study and compare the characteristics of halos at different altitudes, deepening our understanding of atmospheric conditions and crystal formations.

Sprinkler bow - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of sprinkler bows, which are vibrant, circular arcs of colors formed by sunlight interacting with water droplets from a sprinkler. It discusses their resemblance to rainbows, the range of droplet sizes that affect their appearance, and the illusion of infinity created by the rainbow cone.

Glory over New Mexico

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of "Glory" over New Mexico, showcasing the ethereal spectacle of a circular ring of colors created by sunlight interacting with water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere. It discusses the science behind glories and highlights New Mexico's unique atmospheric conditions that make it an ideal location for witnessing these stunning displays.

Mock mirage, M-Mir, sunsets

The article explores the captivating phenomenon of mock mirage sunsets, caused by temperature inversion layers in the atmosphere, and discusses the science behind these mesmerizing displays that grace our skies.