Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

Noctilucent Clouds, Norway

This article explores the mesmerizing beauty of Noctilucent Clouds in Norway, discussing their formation, visual effects, and the influence of climate change. It also highlights the importance of citizen scientists in studying and documenting these elusive clouds.

OPOD - Circumzenithal Arc, Yorkshire

This article explores the mesmerizing beauty and elusive nature of the circumzenithal arc, a breathtaking atmospheric phenomenon often mistaken for a rainbow. Delving into its characteristics and formation process, it sheds light on the ephemeral nature, vibrant colors, and unique mechanisms behind this captivating optical display.

PSCs Polar Stratospheric Clouds, Norway

This article explores the mesmerizing phenomenon of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) in Norway, including their types, formation, and scientific significance. It emphasizes the captivating beauty of PSCs and offers safety tips for observing them.

Halos on Saturn

This article explores the captivating halos that surround Saturn, delving into the types of crystals that create these atmospheric phenomena and discussing the potential for halos on Saturn's moon, Titan. The article highlights the beauty and complexity of these celestial displays and emphasizes the ongoing research and observations that contribute to our understanding of Saturn's atmosphere.

Is it a 46° halo or a supra/infralateral arc?

This article explores the differences between a 46° halo and a supra/infralateral arc in atmospheric optics, providing criteria such as sun altitude, distance from the circumzenithal arc, presence of other halos, cusps at the parhelic circle, brightness distribution, and colors to aid in differentiation. Understanding these factors can help observers accurately identify and appreciate these optical phenomena in the sky.

OPOD - Antisolar glows

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of antisolar glows, shedding light on the science behind their mesmerizing displays in crops and other objects. It delves into the factors that contribute to these optical marvels, including the opposition effect, shadow hiding, and the possible role of the heiligenschein.

Mushroom Sunset - La Coruna, Spain

The article explores the mesmerizing "Mushroom Sunset" phenomenon in La Coruna, Spain, showcasing the beauty and complexity of atmospheric optics. It delves into the science behind the event, highlighting the interplay of temperature inversions, light, and air to create a captivating visual feast.

Early Pollen Corona

This article explores the early pollen corona, a captivating atmospheric optical phenomenon formed when sunlight interacts with pollen grains in the air, delving into its formation, characteristics, and scientific analysis to verify the presence of specific pollen types. Witness the stunning display of colors and brightness surrounding the sun and appreciate the beauty of nature's ability to create breathtaking displays.

Africa High Sun Wegener & Parry Arcs - OPOD

This article explores the captivating atmospheric optics phenomena of Africa's high sun Wegener and Parry arcs, showcasing the intricate interplay of ice crystals and sunlight. It delves into the details of these extraordinary occurrences, revealing the formation and characteristics of these mesmerizing halos.

OPOD - Lunar Fogbow & Jupiter Aureole

Discover the captivating combination of a lunar fogbow and Jupiter aureole, showcasing nature's interplay of light and mist. This article explores the science behind these ethereal phenomena, inviting us to appreciate the intricate beauty of atmospheric optics.

Purple light reminder

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of purple light reminders, delving into the science behind this enchanting spectacle and discussing the various factors that contribute to its occurrence. It also provides tips for capturing the beauty of purple light reminders through photography.

Subhorizon halos - Above the horizon - OPOD

This article explores the rare and mesmerizing phenomenon of subhorizon halos appearing above the horizon, showcasing stunning images captured in the Chilean Atacama Desert and Verbier, Switzerland. The article delves into the science behind these atmospheric optics wonders and emphasizes the importance of visually confirming their authenticity.

OPOD - Montana Halos

This article explores the mesmerizing display of Montana halos, showcasing the formation of halos and other optical phenomena created by ice crystals in the atmosphere. Through a stunning photograph and detailed explanations, readers are invited to marvel at the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of these captivating natural phenomena.

OPOD - Moonlight Circumhorizon Arc

This article explores the rare atmospheric phenomenon known as the Moonlight Circumhorizon Arc (CHA), discussing its formation, characteristics, and the influence of weather conditions on its visibility. It highlights the captivating beauty and complexity of the CHA, leaving readers in awe of the intricacies of our atmosphere.

OPOD - Tangent Arcs

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of tangent arcs, which appear at the top and bottom of the 22° halo, adding complexity and beauty to the optical display. It discusses the factors that contribute to the formation of tangent arcs, such as the shape of hexagonal column crystals and the position of the sun, and highlights the optical illusion created when these arcs merge with the 22° halo.

Samos Supernumerary Rainbows - OPOD

This article explores the formation and characteristics of Samos supernumerary rainbows, including their interaction with primary and secondary rainbows, the presence of Alexander's Dark Band, and the play of light and color within the rainbows. It also discusses the rarity of spotting secondary supernumeraries and the crowding effect towards the center of the rainbow.

Balloon Ducted Mock-Mirage Sunset

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of a Balloon Ducted Mock-Mirage Sunset, witnessed by Julie Deth-Rhoden Hutto in Hawaii. Experts propose various explanations, including atmospheric layering, convective vortices, atmospheric waves, and the presence of a distant ship, highlighting the complexity and beauty of atmospheric optics.

Fogbow formation

This article explores the formation and characteristics of fogbows, a unique and captivating atmospheric optical phenomenon created by the interaction of light with small cloud and fog droplets. It also discusses the delicate play of light, the diffraction effects, and the challenges of capturing the beauty of fogbows through photography.

3D Contrail Shadow

This article explores the phenomenon of 3D contrail shadows, discussing how they form and the factors that influence their appearance. It also provides tips for observing and capturing these captivating atmospheric optical phenomena.

Athens High Sun Halos - OPOD

This article explores the rare and captivating atmospheric phenomenon known as "High Sun Halos" observed in Athens, Greece. Through stunning images captured by an astronomer, the article delves into the composition and unique characteristics of these halos, highlighting their beauty and complexity.