Atmospheric phenomena before and during sunset

Abstract

The atmospheric transmittance and the astronomical refraction for low-elevation trajectories are discussed and quantitatively developed. The results are used to describe and calculate some of the fascinating atmospheric phenomena occurring shortly before and during sunset, such as the diminishing apparent luminance of the sun, its shape during sunset, and the green flash.

Light reflection from water surfaces perturbed by falling rain droplets

“…While the appearance of such light trails is analysed referring to a single droplet falling on still water and to single spherical wave perturbing the surface, situations involving a multitude of undulations or reflecting elements also producing glitter paths or light streaks are common to a number of phenomena. Examples are the sun's or moon's glitter on the sea surface [3][4][5][6][7][8], halos produced by ice crystals in the atmosphere [9][10][11] and optical caustic effects for various geometries [12][13][14][15][16].…”