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May 17, 2023 · Optical phenomena are natural occurrences that happen due to the interaction of light and matter. Learn about reflection, refraction, dispersion, scattering, interference, diffraction, and polarization with descriptions, examples and applications.
Mar 4, 2015 · Explore the natural wonders of light phenomena, from Manhattanhenge to aurora borealis, in this photo gallery. Learn about the causes, locations, and best times to see these stunning displays of nature's magic.
Common optical phenomena are often due to the interaction of light from the Sun or Moon with the atmosphere, clouds, water, dust, and other particulates. One common example is the rainbow, when light from the Sun is reflected and refracted by water droplets.
Learn how ice crystals in the atmosphere create optical phenomena like halos, sundogs and light pillars when they reflect or refract light from the Sun or Moon. See examples of these phenomena and how to observe them safely.
Learn about the wave, particle, and polarization properties of light, as well as the sources, types, and speed of light. Explore the history and experiments of light phenomena, such as diffraction, interference, and luminescence.
Jun 11, 2024 · Learn about the nature, characteristics, and applications of light, the electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. Explore the history and theories of light, from ancient Greece to quantum electrodynamics.
Examples of light include radio and infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays. Interestingly, not all light phenomena can be explained by Maxwell’s theory. Experiments performed early in the twentieth century showed that light has corpuscular, or particle-like, properties.
