March - cumulus You are here: Home Photo gallery Atmospheric optics


Atmospheric optics is a collective name for everything having to do with light and color in the atmosphere, which includes subjects on the ground. Of all this, everybody knows the rainbow; other examples are the sunset colors, the flattening of the low sun, the occasional solar rays, and the light curtains of Aurora. But there is a vast number of phenomena which you may or may not have heard of. This gallery contains photos of a number of them. If you ever saw something strange in the sky and wondered what it was, chances are that you'll find the answer here.

Unlinked galleries are being worked on and will be available soon.

Note: some galleries may be empty or contain broken links to photos. I am still in the process of adding new galleries and photos.

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Ice crystal halos Expand this category


Light in water droplets Expand this category


Sunrise and sunset Expand this category


Twilight phenomena Expand this category


Light scattering
Antisolar rays
Haze
Rayleigh scattering
Reddening at horizon
Silver linings
Solar rays


Diffraction phenomena Expand this category


Atmospheric refraction Expand this category


Reflection phenomena Expand this category


Various phenomena Expand this category


Featured galleries

Select a photo gallery from the list below to view photos, or select a different subcategory.

Antisolar rays

Reddening at horizon

Solar rays