Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Norway Boy & 22° Halo

This article explores the captivating atmospheric phenomenon known as the Norway Boy and the 22° Halo, delving into its causes, characteristics, and mesmerizing visual spectacle. It also provides photography tips for capturing the beauty of this enchanting event.

OPOD - Fish eye views

This article explores how the sky appears to aquatic creatures, such as fish and sea lions, due to refraction and compression of light in water, creating a unique visual experience shaped by the properties of water and the presence of waves. The interplay between light and water produces mesmerizing visual patterns and caustic sheets, offering a captivating spectacle in the underwater world.

Flattened Moon

This article explores the phenomenon of a flattened moon near the horizon, discussing the role of atmospheric refraction and temperature inversions in causing this unique optical illusion. It also highlights the presence of tilted air layers and optical phenomena associated with temperature inversions, providing a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of atmospheric optics.

OPOD - Is there a hole in the sky?

This article explores the phenomenon of a "hole in the sky" caused by the 22° halo, revealing that the sky inside the halo is actually brighter than outside. It challenges the perception of a hole and highlights the intriguing illusion created by atmospheric optics.

Halos on the Ground

This article explores the fascinating world of ground halos, optical phenomena created by the refraction and reflection of sunlight within ice crystals on the frozen surface, showcasing their unique characteristics and stunning visual displays. It delves into the similarities and differences between ground halos and their sky counterparts, as well as provides tips for photographing these captivating natural phenomena.

Lunar Pyramidal display nr Venice

This article explores the mesmerizing lunar pyramidal display near Venice, showcasing the odd-radius halos formed by pyramidal ice crystals and their intricate ray paths. It highlights the captivating beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics, leaving observers in awe of the wonders that unfold in the night sky.

OPOD - Super-Moon Mirage

This article explores the phenomenon of a super-moon mirage, showcasing an extraordinary image of the moon's transformation over New Zealand. It discusses the role of temperature inversion layers and the interaction of light with the atmosphere in creating these optical illusions.

Sarychev & High Skies

This article explores the stunning effects of volcanic aerosols on atmospheric optics, including vibrant twilight arches, intense purple glows, and intricate details within yellow clouds. It delves into the science behind these phenomena and highlights the climatic implications of volcanic aerosols.

Airglow, Iran

This article explores the phenomenon of airglow and its vibrant colors in Iran's Central Desert, revealing the science behind its creation and the specific components that contribute to its beauty. The captivating images captured in the article showcase the intricate patterns and colors of airglow, reminding us of the hidden wonders of our nighttime skies.

Alaska Halos 1999

The article "Alaska Halos 1999" describes a remarkable display of atmospheric optics over Alaska that lasted over two and a half hours. The display showcased a variety of halos and arcs, captivating both scientists and photographers with its grandeur and complexity.

Glitter Paths

This article explains the mesmerizing phenomenon of glitter paths, which are enchanting displays of light created by the reflections of the moon or sun off the undulating surface of a liquid. It discusses the narrowness, constant width, brightness variation, and occasional bent paths of glitter paths, providing insights into their characteristics and formation.

OPOD - Of Tulips & Rainbows

This article explores the captivating connection between tulips and rainbows, delving into the optical effects that occur when tulip fields are irrigated. It discusses the formation of rainbows and other atmospheric optical phenomena, highlighting the beauty of nature and the artistry of humans in capturing these scenes.

Over the horizon mountain

This article explores the phenomenon of seeing mountains over the horizon and the science behind it, showcasing an image of a mountain silhouette against the solar disk captured by Alain Origne. Through systematic study and observation, scientists like Alain Origne shed light on this captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon and are eager to hear about other instances of this extraordinary occurrence.

OPOD - Corona & Iridescence

This article explores the mesmerizing optical phenomena of corona and iridescence, which are caused by the scattering of sunlight by tiny water droplets in thin clouds. It delves into the science behind these phenomena and highlights the captivating display of colors they create in the sky.

Red rainbow - OPOD

This article explores the rare and captivating phenomenon of red rainbows that occur during sunrise or sunset, discussing the science behind their intense red coloration and emphasizing their beauty and rarity. Photographers often seek to capture the stunning visual compositions created by the combination of vibrant red hues and the natural landscape during these magical moments.

Goodbye Hesperus

The article explores the phenomenon of prismatic Venus as captured in images taken by photographers around the world, showcasing the mesmerizing spectacle of the celestial body and the role of refraction in our atmosphere. It highlights the harmonious dance between light and atmospheric conditions, leaving viewers in awe of the ethereal beauty unveiled.

Plate crystal pillar formation

This article explores the formation of plate crystal pillars, uncovering the factors that contribute to their creation and shedding light on their captivating characteristics. It delves into the intricate process of how sun pillars are formed and highlights the importance of crystal tilts in determining their height and beauty.

Everest Alpenglow

This article explores the captivating natural phenomenon of Everest Alpenglow, which bathes the peaks of Mount Everest in a soft orange-yellow glow during twilight, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color. It highlights the interplay of light, atmosphere, and topography that contributes to the beauty of this phenomenon.

Glory from aircraft

This article explores the mesmerizing glory phenomenon, a series of vibrant concentric rings of colors surrounding the shadow of an aircraft cast onto a cloud layer below, and delves into the science behind its formation when viewed from aircraft. It also discusses other optical phenomena that can be observed from aircraft, such as the Brocken spectre, sundogs, and rainbows.