Atmospheric Optics

Learn how does the aurora borealis form through the interaction of solar wind and the magnetosphere. See how particles collide with atmospheric gases to

Learn how do mirages form through light bending and thermal inversions. Understand the science behind desert illusions and Arctic superior images. Discover

Learn how do rainbows form when sunlight interacts with water droplets through refraction and reflection. Explore the science of the visible light

Wondering how do fallstreak clouds form? Learn how supercooled water droplets and aircraft triggers create these unique hole punch cloud gaps and virga.

Polar stratospheric clouds form in extreme cold below -78°C and influence ozone depletion. Learn how these nacreous clouds develop and glow in the sky.

The anthelion phenomenon is a rare white light spot opposite the sun. Use this guide to understand how ice crystals create it in the Australian sky. Learn

Lunar and solar coronas form through light diffraction in thin clouds. Learn how water droplets create these colourful rings and how to spot them. Read

Learn how a circumhorizontal arc forms when sunlight refracts through plate-shaped ice crystals in cirrus clouds, and where Australian skywatchers are most likely to spot one.

Learn why sun dogs Australia appear as bright spots in the sky. Understand how ice crystal refraction creates these stunning parhelia and mock suns.

A 22-degree solar halo forms when light refracts through hexagonal ice crystals in high clouds. Spot these colourful rings across Australian skies. Learn

See how cloud optical phenomena Australia skies produce form through ice crystals and light. Identify halos, sun dogs and arcs in the atmosphere. Discover