Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Twinned Rainbows - OPOD

Twinned rainbows are a rare and exceptional atmospheric optics sight where the primary rainbow splits into two distinct bows while the secondary rainbow remains single. This article explores the science behind this captivating phenomenon and highlights the observations of atmospheric optics expert Alexander Haussmann.

OPOD - Historic Antarctica

This article explores the historic images captured at Byrd Station in Antarctica, offering a glimpse into the captivating world of atmospheric optics and showcasing rare phenomena like lunar halo displays and solar halo displays. It highlights the perseverance and dedication of scientists in unraveling the mysteries of our planet's atmosphere.

Sunsets

This article explores the captivating beauty of sunsets and delves into the scientific explanations behind the vibrant colors and mesmerizing effects created by the interplay of light and the Earth's atmosphere. It also discusses the cultural significance of sunsets and offers tips for enhancing the viewing experience.

Venus & Diffraction Gratings - OPOD

This article explores the phenomenon of diffraction gratings and how they create mesmerizing patterns when observing celestial objects like Venus through a wire mesh screen. It also discusses the practical applications of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy and optical devices.

Other Rainbow Orders

This article explores the lesser-known higher-order bows in atmospheric optics, such as the 5th and 6th order bows, which offer a wider color separation and captivating appearance. It discusses the challenges of photographing these elusive bows and highlights a remarkable photograph that confirmed the existence of the 5th order bow.

Frequent Halos

This article explores the frequent occurrence of halos in the sky, more common than rainbows, and delves into the different components that make up these captivating atmospheric phenomena.

Below the Horizon

This article explores the captivating world of sub-horizon halos, discussing their formation and mesmerizing components such as subsuns and subparhelia. It highlights the intricate interplay between diamond dust crystals and sunlight, revealing the hidden beauty just below the horizon.

OPOD - Atlantis Glory

The article discusses the rare atmospheric phenomenon known as the Atlantis Glory, which was observed during the ascent of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It explains how glories are formed by the diffraction and scattering of sunlight by water droplets, and highlights the unique nature of this event due to the end of space shuttle missions.

OPOD - Aconcagua Iridescence

This article explores the phenomenon of Aconcagua iridescence, discussing its formation, characteristics, and breathtaking beauty. It showcases awe-inspiring images captured at Plaza de Mulas, highlighting the vibrant colors and captivating display of iridescence.

Jovian Puzzle

This article explores the puzzling characteristics of Jupiter's aureoles, including their larger size and vertical elongation, and discusses possible explanations such as the presence of ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. Further observations and analysis are needed to fully understand these enigmatic celestial phenomena.

Glider Optics

This article explores the fascinating world of glider optics, including the formation of glories, shadows, and rainbow fragments in the sky. It delves into the scientific principles behind these optical phenomena and highlights the role of atmospheric conditions in their occurrence.

Lunar Circumhorizon Arc - OPOD

This article explores the occurrence, formation, and visibility factors of the mesmerizing lunar circumhorizon arc, a celestial spectacle that can be witnessed under specific conditions with the moon. It also discusses the role of crystal formation and light dispersion in creating the vibrant display of this atmospheric optics phenomenon.

PSC Encore, The Great Ireland/UK Nacreous Cloud Episode - OPOD

The article discusses the "PSC Encore," a stunning episode of nacreous clouds in Ireland and the UK, and its impact on the ozone layer. It highlights the beauty of the clouds and their implications for the healing of the ozone hole in the region.

Multiple blue and green flashes

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of multiple blue and green flashes during sunsets, examining the conditions and complexities behind their occurrence and showcasing stunning images captured off the coast of San Francisco.

OPOD - Red Flash - Etruscan Vase Mirage

Explore the mesmerizing Etruscan Vase Mirage, a captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon that creates the illusion of two suns in the sky, and discover the science behind the vivid red flash and green flash that accompany sunrises and sunsets. Treasure these rare optical spectacles while exercising caution and protecting your eyes.

XXXX - OPOD

This article explores the captivating display of geyser bows created by the Lone Star cone geyser in Yellowstone National Park, USA. It discusses the formation of rainbows and supernumeraries through the refraction of sunlight by water droplets in the geyser's spray, highlighting how the appearance of the rainbows changes as the eruption progresses.

Iridescent cap cloud over Alps - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of iridescent cap clouds over the Alps, showcasing stunning images captured by photographer Florent Pin. It delves into the formation and characteristics of these clouds, highlighting their iridescence and the dynamic nature of our atmosphere.

Oregon Coast Mock-Mirage Green Flash

The article explores the Oregon Coast Mock-Mirage Green Flash, a captivating optical phenomenon that occurs during sunset along the Oregon coast. It delves into the intricacies of this natural wonder, including the refraction of light, layers and inversions within the atmosphere, and the factors that influence the visibility of the green flash.

Alaskan Fogbow - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Alaskan Fogbows, which occur when cold air hovers over warmer water, creating a fog of tiny droplets that produce mesmerizing optical effects. It delves into the science behind their formation and highlights their unique and enchanting characteristics.

Miraged Moonset - OPOD

This article explores the stunning phenomenon of miraged moonsets, delving into the science behind them and showcasing a captivating sequence captured by photographer James Newt Perdue. It highlights the dance of temperature inversions and the color transformations caused by atmospheric absorption, reminding readers of the beauty and ever-changing nature of our atmosphere.