The hidden optics of the atmosphere in pictures

Everybody knows how a rainbow is created, but does anybody even know what a Heiligenschein is?

09:00 27 September 2013

Nature is a continuous source of amazement for anyone who is willing to take a second and look at it. Now you can do that in the comfort of your home, by checking out Atoptics.co.uk. This website will let you in on most of the optical illusions created by Mother Nature.

You will not just see amazing pictures in here, but you will also find out how these spectacular optics are created by nature in easy to read and understandable descriptions; all of this content is available for free.

This website focuses on revealing the secret magic behind such cool phenomena as Earth's shadow, anti-crepuscular rays, the opposition effect, corona, iridescence, ice halos and many more. Each of these are presented with a picture and description, and even information on where and when to find them outside, so you can enjoy the spectacle directly – or take pictures of it and surprise your friends on social networks.

So be sure to check this out in one of those never-ending rainy days – you will find about tens of phenomena that are hard to make out with the naked eye when water comes into contact with the Earth atmosphere. One thing is certain; rains will never bore you again.