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Mr. Hartwell -- F-M Meteorology. Atmospheric Optics High Atmosphere. http://www.atoptics.co.uk. Earth’s Atmosphere. Atmosphere Optics. Dust, aerosols, & water droplets reflect & refract light from the sun Air particles scatter colors to make the sky blue and sunsets red
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Mr. Hartwell -- F-M Meteorology Atmospheric Optics High Atmosphere http://www.atoptics.co.uk
Atmosphere Optics • Dust, aerosols, & water droplets reflect& refract light from the sun • Air particles scatter colors to make the sky blue and sunsets red • Air at different temperatures & densities refract light in different ways
Reflection • Reflection: Re-transmission of light from a surface
Refraction • Refraction: Bending of light as it enters/exits a substance; dependant on density changes.
Scattering • Scatter: Light hits dust & particulates and bounces light in different directions • Results in fluorescence & different coloration
Nacreous Clouds above the Troposphere • Tropospheric clouds at bottom; rare nacreous clouds above • Form at -85oC in lower stratosphere • 15-25 km high Image: Paul Newman NASA Goodard Space Flight Center
Nacreous Clouds • Form of PSCs • (Polar Stratospheric Clouds) • Wave pattern shows wind patterns in stratosphere • AKA: Mother of pearl clouds Image: McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Polar Stratospheric Clouds • Type 1 • Form at warmer temperatures (-78oC) • Sites of destruction of ozone in polar regions • Type 2 • Lower temps • Composed of ice crystals Click the picture for more images of Nacreous clouds
Noctilucent Clouds • “Night-shining clouds” • Typical at latitudes 50-650 Click the picture for more images of Noctilucent Clouds
Noctilucent Clouds • Source? • Volcanic dust • Meteoric dust?
Rocket Trails & Others • Water droplets act as prisms to produce: • Coronas • Fogbow • Specter Chasing Click here to view the images