Institute of Physics: Atmospheric Phenomena

This Institute of Physics talk explores the science behind atmospheric optical phenomena, using rainbows as a starting point and going on to cover fog bows, glories, sun dogs and related displays in the sky. It explains how geometric and wave optics combine to create these effects, and how light interacts with clouds, rain and ice crystals to produce familiar and unusual patterns.

The talk also looks beyond Earth, considering extraordinary examples such as sulphuric acid glories on Venus and infrared rainbows on Saturn's moon Titan. It is presented by Dr John Hardwick CPhys MInstP and is suitable for anyone interested in science, weather, astronomy or photography.

The event takes place at QUAD in Derby and is a live in-person lecture with a one-hour running time.