OPOD - Glory in the field

OPOD - Glory in the Field: A Fascinating Atmospheric Optics Phenomenon

Have you ever witnessed a stunning optical phenomenon known as a glory? Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be soaring in an airplane or standing on a lofty mountain slope to experience this captivating display. In fact, glories can even be observed in a humble field, as beautifully captured by András Bali from Hungary in his mesmerizing photograph.

To understand the glory phenomenon, we need sunlight, mist, and a clear view opposite the sun. When sunlight passes through or falls onto mist, it scatters and diffracts off tiny droplets, creating the ethereal effect of a glory. In order to capture this phenomenon in a level field like the one depicted in the photograph, the sun must be positioned low on the horizon, casting long shadows.

While the glory itself is an enchanting sight, there are certain intriguing aspects that continue to puzzle scientists. One such curiosity is the dark shadow that appears to emanate from the center of the glory in the image. It is possible that this shadow is caused by a post located behind the camera, obstructing some of the sun's rays.

The glory phenomenon is shrouded in mystery and complexity, making it one of the more enigmatic atmospheric optics effects. When light encounters small droplets, it undergoes multiple processes of scattering and diffraction before reaching our eyes or cameras. However, understanding the precise mechanisms involved in this phenomenon is far from straightforward.

Rigorous mathematical theories have successfully predicted the occurrence of glories, but they do little to shed light on the "how" behind this mesmerizing optical display. One intriguing element contributing to the glory phenomenon is the reflection of light inside the droplets—an apparently impossible path according to classical optics principles. Additionally, light can take alternative routes within the droplets through 10, 6, and 5 internal reflections. Surface waves also play a role in connecting these seemingly impossible gaps in the ray paths.

It's important to note that discussions of ray paths within small droplets must be approached with caution. In such minuscule droplets, the wavelength of light becomes a significant factor, influencing the behavior of light as it interacts with the droplets and creates glories.

The glory phenomenon continues to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike, and its intricate nature presents an ongoing challenge for researchers. While mathematical models provide insights into the occurrence of glories, there is still much to uncover regarding the specific mechanisms that give rise to these awe-inspiring displays.

Witnessing a glory in the field is a remarkable experience, reminding us of the immense beauty and complexity of the natural world. So, the next time you find yourself in a misty morning, keep an eye out for this elusive phenomenon and let yourself be enthralled by the captivating dance of light and droplets that creates a glory.

Glory in the field

Image by András Bali of Hungary.

Proof, if any be needed, that it is not necessary to be in an airplane or on a mountain slope to find a glory.

Here the droplets of a low lying morning mist have backscattered sunlight to produce the effect.

Essentials for the glory are sunlight shining through, or onto, mist and a clear view in the direction directly opposite the sun. To catch a glory in a level field like this the sun must therefore be low and shadows long.

The dark shadow upwards from the glory centre is puzzling. It might be the result of a post behind the camera masking some of the sun's rays.

Impossible ray.

Images ©Andr�s Bal

The glory is one of the more enigmatic of atmospheric optics effects. Small droplets scatter, diffract, light backwards into the eye and camera. But the precise way that they do this is not at all straightforward. Rigorous mathematical theories predict it exactly but do not throw much light on the 'how'.

Light reflected once inside the drops - a classically impossible path! - is a large contribution. Other routes are via 10, 6 and 5 internal reflections. Surface waves help join up the impossible gaps in the ray paths. But we should not talk too strongly of ray paths in small droplets where the wavelength of light is a significant quantity.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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  • "OPOD - Glory in the field". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-glory-in-the-field/.

  • "OPOD - Glory in the field". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-glory-in-the-field/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • OPOD - Glory in the field. Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/opod-glory-in-the-field/.