Atmospheric Optics: A Look at the Wonders of Nature
The beauty and wonder of nature are often taken for granted, but there is something special about atmospheric optics that draws our attention. From rainbows to halos, these natural phenomena have fascinated people for centuries. In this post, we will explore some of the most common forms of atmospheric optics and what causes them.
Rainbows: One of Nature’s Most Beautiful Displays
Rainbows are one of the most recognizable and beloved forms of atmospheric optics. They occur when light refracts through water droplets in the air, creating a spectrum of colors that can be seen with the naked eye. Rainbows can appear anywhere there is moisture in the air, but they are most commonly seen after a storm or near a waterfall.
To see a rainbow, you need sunlight and raindrops at just the right angle. The sun needs to be behind you while it’s raining in front of you. This makes it difficult to see a full circle rainbow as only half-circle is visible from any point on earth.
Halos: A Ring Around the Sun or Moon
Halos are another common form of atmospheric optics that can be seen around either the sun or moon. They appear as rings around these celestial bodies usually because ice crystals refract light within their structure making them act like tiny prisms.
Halos can come in different shapes depending on how light interacts with ice crystals suspended high up in Earth’s atmosphere such as 22 degree halo which has radius 22 degrees from sun/moon center resulting into an approximate diameter around 44 degrees.
Sun Dogs: An Array Of Multiple Suns
Sun dogs appear as bright spots on either side (sometimes both)of sun having rainbow colours . These happen when sunlight passes through hexagonal ice crystals present high up earth’s atmosphere which results into splitting up into multiple beams resulting into formation Sun dogs . Sometimes three or more other adjacent spots may also be seen which is known as the ‘sun pillar’.
Light Pillars: A Vertical Beam Of Light
Light pillars are another incredible sight that can be seen in cold and clear weather conditions. They appear as vertical beams of light, usually white or yellow, extending upwards from artificial light sources such as street lights or car headlights.
These pillars happen when ice crystals form near the ground and reflect light back up into the atmosphere. The reflected light appears to extend vertically due to refraction caused by atmospheric layers with differing temperatures.
Moonbows: Rainbows At Night
Moonbows are a rare form of atmospheric optics that occur at night under certain circumstances. Like rainbows, they require water droplets refracting moonlight instead of sunlight to create an array of colors. These can only be witnessed in remote areas without much artificial lighting along with having clear sky and bright full moon .
Auroras: A Light Show In The Sky
Auroras, also known as Northern Lights (aurora borealis) or Southern Llights (aurora australis), are a spectacular display of natural beauty that occurs when charged particles from solar winds collide with Earth’s magnetic field. This creates a cascade effect resulting in glowing ribbons or curtains appearing across the night sky.
The appearance and color spectrum depends on many factors including altitude , intensity , type of particle etc . However green color dominates auroral displays due to its high energy levels compared to other colors.
Conclusion:
Atmospheric optics offer us glimpses into nature’s most beautiful moments which we often take for granted . From rainbows after rains to halos around sun/moon there exist many forms each unique on their own way .The next time you see any one of these wonders happening right before your eyes stop for few minutes and appreciate what nature has given us !