Articles About Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Climatology

OPOD - Ice & Water

This article explores the mesmerizing visual phenomena created by the interplay between ice and water in atmospheric optics, including sun glints, caustics, and the formation of glitter paths. It delves into the intricate relationship between these elements and sunlight, revealing the captivating complexity of our atmosphere.

Why do we see supernumeraries at a bow's top?

This article explains why supernumeraries are most commonly seen at the top of a rainbow, discussing factors such as the wide range of raindrop sizes and the flattening of raindrops as they fall. It also highlights the interplay between drop size, flattening, and supernumerary spacing that creates the captivating visual phenomenon.

Pollen Corona - Ontario, Canada

This article explores the phenomenon of pollen corona witnessed in Ontario, Canada, providing insights into the unique characteristics of this non-circular optical display and its association with tree pollen during the boreal forest pollen season. By studying the interaction between light and pollen particles, scientists gain a deeper understanding of atmospheric optics and the intricate beauty of nature's displays.

Brocken Spectre - Glory - Pilot's glory videos

This article explores the captivating atmospheric optical phenomena of the Brocken Spectre and glory, delving into their causes and characteristics. It also showcases pilot's glory videos, offering a firsthand experience of these mesmerizing natural displays.

Fata Morgana, Alaska

This article explores the mesmerizing Fata Morgana mirage phenomenon in Alaska, where temperature inversions create surreal and distorted images in the sky, including towering architectural structures. Photographer Doug Short captures the beauty of this phenomenon, adding an extra layer of wonder to Alaska's breathtaking scenery.

OPOD - Manchester Halos

The article explores the captivating atmospheric optics phenomena known as the Manchester Halos, including the vibrant circumzenithal arc and the 22° halo. It provides insights into their formation, ideal viewing conditions, and the beauty and complexity of nature's optical wonders.

Auroral corona, Alaska

This article explores the phenomenon of the auroral corona in Alaska, discussing its breathtaking beauty and the scientific processes behind it. It showcases a captivating image of the corona and highlights the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing it in person.

Scorpion Fluorescence - OPOD

This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of scorpion fluorescence, where scorpions emit a vibrant blue-green glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. The purpose of this fluorescence is still uncertain, but it may help scorpions detect their exposure to the night sky or moon and alert them to potential threats or prey.

Iridescent Clouds - Banded iridescence

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and scientific principles behind banded iridescence in clouds, showcasing its uniformity and the colors produced by light interference and diffraction. It highlights the environmental factors that influence its appearance and emphasizes its captivating beauty and the ongoing quest for understanding this atmospheric phenomenon.

Bottlinger's Rings

Bottlinger's Rings" explores the captivating and elusive atmospheric optics phenomenon characterized by delicate and shimmering ovals that form around the subsun. The article delves into the mysterious formation of these rare rings and the ongoing quest for a deeper understanding of their underlying mechanisms.

OPOD - Blue Forests

This article explores the science behind the mesmerizing blue haze in the Blue Ridge Mountains, revealing how it is created by the scattering of sunlight and the presence of aerosols and trees. It also discusses the environmental implications of similar chemical reactions in urban areas and emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving our natural environment.

Fundy Fogbow

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and factors that contribute to the mesmerizing display of the Fundy Fogbow, a unique and captivating atmospheric phenomenon observed near the Bay of Fundy. It discusses the role of droplet size and environmental conditions in shaping the appearance of the fogbow, as well as techniques for capturing its vibrant colors and delicate details through photography.

Car fogbow II

This article explores the captivating phenomenon of car fogbows, specifically focusing on the mesmerizing car fogbow II captured by Marko Riikonen and Jukka Ruoskanen. Delving into the science and beauty of car fogbows, this article highlights the role of droplet size, supernumerary bands, light polarization, and the importance of capturing these ephemeral moments through photography.

OPOD - 2 kinds of green flash

This article explores the two types of green flashes observed by Jim Grant during a sunset in San Diego, California, providing valuable insights into the atmospheric conditions required for this optical phenomenon. It highlights the "Mock-Mirage" flash, which occurs over the partially set sun, and the "Inferior-Mirage" flash, observed near the horizon as the last sliver of the sun slips below the sea.

Column Orientation and Column Arcs

This article explores the phenomenon of column orientation and column arcs in atmospheric optics, delving into the intricacies of column crystals and the various types of arcs they produce. It highlights the mesmerizing display of halos created by the rotational positions of column crystals and the diverse range of arc formations that can be observed.

Sunset Bow - OPOD

This article explores the formation, characteristics, and influence of light on the stunning phenomenon of a sunset bow, showcasing the beauty of its colors and supernumerary fringes. Through understanding the interplay between light and water droplets, we can deepen our appreciation for the captivating displays of nature.

OPOD - Bubble Optics

This article explores the intricate world of soap bubbles, revealing the mesmerizing optical phenomena within them, such as reflections, images, and vibrant colors created by thin-film interference. It also explains the wobbly nature of large bubbles and encourages readers to create their own bubbles to witness the magic firsthand.

Winged Iridescence

This article explains the captivating phenomenon of "Winged Iridescence," which occurs when sunlight is diffracted by water droplets condensed by airflow over the wings of an aircraft. It explores the factors that contribute to this optical phenomenon, including humidity, temperature, airflow patterns, supersaturation, and sunlight diffraction.

Rainbows Near & Far - OPOD

This article explores the illusion of distance in rainbows, explaining that rainbows cannot actually be close or distant. It delves into the science of optics and different types of rainbows, emphasizing the captivating beauty and wonder of these natural phenomena.

Angels Trumpets, Divergent Light Halos

This article explores the enchanting world of "Angels Trumpets" or divergent light halos, discussing their formation, unique characteristics, and the role of ice crystals in creating these mesmerizing celestial displays. Through scientific research, photography, and public engagement, the article delves into the mysteries behind these ethereal phenomena, adding to our understanding and appreciation of the natural world's wonders.