Fire Rainbow Science explores the mesmerizing world of circumhorizontal arcs, often mistaken for rainbows. These vibrant displays of light occur when sunlight refracts through hexagonal ice crystals in cirrus clouds, painting the sky with spectral colors. The book delves into the atmospheric optics behind this phenomenon, revealing how specific conditions, like temperature and sunlight angle, must align for these “fire rainbows” to appear.
The book progresses from fundamental meteorological principles to advanced concepts like ice crystal morphology and atmospheric radiative transfer. By analyzing observational data, satellite imagery, and computer simulations, it reveals the predictable nature of these seemingly rare events.
Discover how climate change may influence the frequency and distribution of circumhorizontal arcs, and gain practical skills for observing and photographing these breathtaking displays. This unique resource offers a comprehensive synthesis of scientific literature and visual representations, making complex light interactions accessible to weather enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious about atmospheric phenomena. It bridges earth science, climate science, and even art, providing a holistic understanding of this stunning natural spectacle.
