Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Grand Canyon Rainbow

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Grand Canyon rainbows, discussing their formation, colors, and the role of sunlight angle. It also mentions other atmospheric optics phenomena that can be witnessed at the Grand Canyon.

Halos & How to Spot Them - OPOD

This article explores the captivating and elusive atmospheric optical phenomenon known as halos, providing tips on how to spot them and appreciate their beauty. It emphasizes the importance of observation skills, strategic techniques, and cleanliness for enhancing the chances of witnessing these mesmerizing displays.

OPOD - Airglow at Paranal Observatory

This article explores the stunning airglow phenomena captured by Yuri Beletsky at the Paranal Observatory in Chile, showcasing the banded appearance and interplay of colors. It highlights how even in the darkest and most stable skies, airglow adds its own unique glow to astronomical images, reminding us of the dynamic nature of our atmosphere.

OPOD - Sun Pillar, Norway

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of Sun Pillars, with a focus on a stunning example captured in Norway. It delves into the formation, beauty, and photography of these vertical beams of light that emanate from the sun, leaving viewers in awe of nature's artistic prowess.

Brocken spectre

The article explores the fascinating phenomenon of the Brocken Spectre, an optical illusion created when an individual's shadow is cast onto a cloud or fog bank below, resulting in a magnified shadow encircled by a colorful halo. It discusses the mechanics, factors influencing its appearance, related optical phenomena, historical significance, and capturing techniques, emphasizing the rare and captivating nature of this atmospheric spectacle.

Strange Shadows - OPOD

This article explores the peculiar qualities of shadows, specifically the hard edges and inner dark cores that defy conventional expectations. By examining the interplay between light, objects, and the gaps in shifting oak leaves, we gain a deeper understanding of these mesmerizing shadow phenomena.

About Noctilucent clouds - Polar Mesospheric Clouds

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of Noctilucent clouds, also known as Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs), which are composed of extremely small ice crystals and occur at altitudes just below the coldest part of the atmosphere. It discusses the specific conditions required for their formation, including low temperatures, a source of water vapor, and nuclei for ice growth, as well as the potential impact of human activities on their frequency and visibility.

Frost kaleidoscope

This article explores the mesmerizing display of ice crystals known as the Frost Kaleidoscope, revealing the secret behind its vivid colors and the physics behind its formation. It highlights the beauty and complexity of this natural phenomenon and offers tips on capturing it through photography.

Huygens-Fresnel Principle

The article explores the Huygens-Fresnel Principle, which provides insights into the behavior of light during diffraction by considering each unobstructed point on a wavefront as a source of secondary spherical waves. It delves into the applications and fundamental concepts related to diffraction, enhancing our understanding of this phenomenon.

Venus & Jupiter Conjunction Coronae - OPOD

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of coronae formation around celestial bodies, such as Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, and discusses the science behind their appearance, colors, and real-life applications. It also highlights the role of serendipity in capturing these enchanting rings of light and emphasizes the ongoing study of coronae to deepen our understanding of atmospheric optics.

Moonrise from Skylab

This article explores the captivating perspective of witnessing a moonrise from Skylab, providing insights into the unique distortion caused by the interplay between moonlight and Earth's atmosphere. Through visually stunning images, it highlights the scientific value and awe-inspiring beauty of this celestial event.

Veszprém Spectre of Brocken & Glory - OPOD

This article explores the captivating Veszprém Spectre of Brocken and Glory, delving into the intricate interplay of light, mist, and shadow in atmospheric optics. Through astrophotography and scientific analysis, the article unravels the complexities of these mesmerizing phenomena.

Car headlight fogbow

This article explores the science behind the captivating phenomenon of car headlight fogbows, discussing their formation, distinctive features, and tips for capturing their beauty. It delves into the properties of light and water droplets in the atmosphere, highlighting factors such as dispersion, diffraction, interference, and droplet size distribution.

Circumhorizon Arc, Summer's halo - OPOD

This article explores the mesmerizing optical phenomenon of the circumhorizon arc, a common sight during summer in various regions around the world, formed by sunlight refracting through plate-shaped ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. It provides insights into its formation, distinguishing features, and the intricate interplay between sunlight and ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.

Lhasa Halos - OPOD

The article explores the captivating Lhasa Halos phenomenon in the Tibetan sky, revealing the science behind their formation and the mesmerizing transformations they undergo with the changing position of the Sun. It highlights the vibrant array of optical phenomena, including circumscribed halos, parhelic circles, and an enchanting infralateral arc, that make the Lhasa Halos a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Cloud Shadows - Dartmoor, England

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of cloud shadows in Dartmoor, England, highlighting the interplay between light, clouds, and the Earth's landscape. Witnessing these ever-changing shadows is a mesmerizing experience that showcases the beauty of atmospheric optics.

OPOD - Sundog Skypools

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of sundog skypools, where an English lake reflects and refracts light to create ever-changing patterns of color in the sky. It delves into the science behind this captivating display of light and reflection.

Coronae - Drop size effects

This article explores the fascinating world of coronae and delves into the intriguing effects of droplet size on their appearance, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms behind their formation and visibility. By examining the relationship between droplet size and corona size, scientists can unravel the intricate interplay between light and droplets in the creation of these mesmerizing atmospheric phenomena.

Lunar corona over Dutch Open Telescope

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of a lunar corona captured over the Dutch Open Telescope, delving into the science behind it and highlighting the beauty of atmospheric optics. Astrophotographer Nik Szymanek's skillful photography allows us to appreciate the delicate interplay of light and atmospheric particles that gives rise to the enchanting lunar corona.

Aurora, Trier, Germany

This article describes a spectacular display of aurora borealis in Trier, Germany triggered by a powerful solar eruption, surprising scientists and captivating onlookers. It highlights the exceptional nature of this event at a relatively low latitude and emphasizes the interconnectedness of our planet with the vastness of space.