'Fire Rainbows' unveils the mesmerizing world of circumhorizontal arcs, those spectacular horizontal bands of color that appear painted across cirrus clouds. This natural phenomenon, often mistaken for a traditional rainbow, occurs through a precise interaction between sunlight and plate-shaped ice crystals suspended high in the atmosphere, requiring specific conditions including a sun elevation of 58 degrees or higher above the horizon.
The book progresses systematically through three main sections, beginning with the fundamental requirements for fire rainbow formation, including detailed explanations of ice crystal geometry and atmospheric conditions. It then explores the fascinating physics behind these displays, explaining how light enters and exits hexagonal ice crystals to create the brilliant spectral display. The final section provides practical information about optimal viewing conditions and locations, making this complex atmospheric phenomenon accessible to observers worldwide.
What sets this work apart is its ability to bridge technical expertise with accessibility, using clear explanations and visual aids to make complex physics comprehensible to both academic and general audiences. Drawing from atmospheric science, meteorology, and crystallography, the book combines high-speed photography and computer modeling to demonstrate these atmospheric optics principles. It also addresses current research questions, including the potential impacts of climate change on these stunning natural displays, while maintaining scientific rigor throughout its comprehensive examination of this captivating optical phenomenon.
