OPOD - Factory Glory

OPOD - Factory Glory: A Captivating Atmospheric Phenomenon

Have you ever marveled at the beauty of optical phenomena in the sky? One such enchanting sight is known as a "glory." These mesmerizing displays can be found in various settings, and one particularly captivating example was captured by Harry Mulder amidst the steam rising from a milk processing factory in The Netherlands.

A glory occurs when sunlight interacts with cloud, mist, fog, or other tiny water droplets in the atmosphere. The key ingredient for this spectacle is direct sunlight, which illuminates the droplets and creates a ringed glory directly opposite the position of the sun. While aircraft, hills, mountain slopes, and ship railings in sea fog are commonly associated with glories, there are undoubtedly many more locations where these ethereal phenomena can be witnessed.

The image captured by Harry Mulder showcases the captivating beauty of a factory glory. As the steam from the milk processing factory mingled with the sunlight, it transformed into a stunning ring of colors. The concentric circles of hues, ranging from pale blues to vibrant purples, encircled a bright center, creating a visual spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.

Glories are not solely confined to natural environments. In fact, they can manifest in a wide range of human-made settings as well. The presence of fine droplets, whether it be steam from industrial processes, sprays from waterfalls, or even the spray created by a garden hose on a sunny day, can give rise to these extraordinary optical phenomena. This highlights the versatility and ubiquity of glories, reminding us that moments of beauty can be found in unexpected places.

To truly appreciate the intricacies of a glory, it is essential to understand the underlying physics at play. The formation of a glory can be attributed to a phenomenon called "diffraction." As sunlight encounters the tiny water droplets suspended in the air, it diffracts, or bends, around them. This bending of light causes interference patterns to form, resulting in the distinct rings that characterize a glory. The exact size of the droplets and the angle at which they scatter the light determine the size and intensity of the rings.

Interestingly, glories are not limited to just one ring. In some instances, multiple concentric rings can be observed. These additional rings, known as "supernumerary arcs," occur due to complex interactions between the diffracted light waves. The presence of these extra rings adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating spectacle, leaving viewers in awe of the intricate patterns painted across the sky.

While glories are undoubtedly a sight to behold, they also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between light and matter in our atmosphere. The formation of glories requires a specific combination of factors, including the presence of small, uniform droplets. As sunlight interacts with these droplets, their size and distribution determine the colors and patterns observed. Therefore, any changes in atmospheric conditions can significantly impact the appearance of a glory, making each sighting a unique and fleeting experience.

In conclusion, glories are an enchanting atmospheric phenomenon that can be found in various settings, both natural and human-made. The captivating beauty of a glory lies in its intricate rings of colors, formed through the diffraction and interference of sunlight with tiny water droplets. Whether witnessed amidst the steam from a milk processing factory or in the midst of nature's splendor, glories serve as a testament to the wonders of our atmosphere. So keep your eyes open and look for glories wherever you may be - for these transient displays of ethereal beauty are truly a sight to behold.

Factory Glory

Look for glories everywhere. This one was seen by Harry Mulder in steam from a milk processing factory in The Netherlands.

The recipe for a glory is cloud, mist, fog or other water droplets lit by direct sunlight. The ringed glory is always directly opposite the sun.

Aircraft, hill and mountain slopes, over a ship's rail in sea fog are usual places but there must be many more.

Image ©Harry Mulder

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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  • "OPOD - Factory Glory". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 28, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-factory-glory/.

  • "OPOD - Factory Glory". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-factory-glory/. Accessed 28 March, 2024

  • OPOD - Factory Glory. Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-factory-glory/.