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In some cultures, solar and lunar arcs are bridges between heaven and earth, embodying divine power and cosmic balance. Some believe they carry messages from the gods, while others see them as a symbol of renewal and continuity.
Arches remain a source of admiration and interest, both in ancient art and in modern science, which attempts to explain the phenomena of the universe, in their mystery and beauty, to embody the profound relationship between man and the universe.
?What are solar and lunar arcs
Solar and lunar arcs are natural optical phenomena that occur when sunlight or moonlight passes through ice crystals in the atmosphere. It results from the refraction and dispersion of light.
Solar and lunar arcs appear as colored rings around the sun or moon. These rings are usually circular in shape and consist of the colors of the spectrum, with red on the outside and other colors such as orange, yellow, green, and blue on the inside.
Solar arcs occur during the day when the sun is visible, resulting from the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in thin clouds, appearing as a colored ring around the sun.
While moonbows occur at night when the moon is visible, they result in the refraction of moonlight through ice crystals in thin clouds, appearing as a colored ring around the moon, in the same order of colors as in a solar arc.
History of solar and lunar calendars
Solar and lunar phases have been known since ancient times, and have been recorded in many cultures and myths, including::
Ancient Times: Solar and lunar arcs were known in ancient times, and were recorded in many cultures, such as the ancient Chinese and Greeks.
Astronomical Observations: Solar and lunar arcs were the subject of many astronomical observations in ancient times, and were recorded in many astronomical records.
Scientific explanations: In modern times, solar and lunar arcs have been scientifically explained, as it was discovered that the phenomenon results from the refraction of light through ice crystals in thin clouds.
Visual Observations: Solar and lunar arcs are discovered by observing them in the sky.
Scientific Experiments: In modern times, scientific experiments have been conducted to study solar and lunar arcs. Cameras and telescopes have been used to take pictures of them.
Mathematical models: Mathematical models have been developed to explain solar and lunar arcs. They have been used to predict the occurrence of these phenomena.
Types of solar and lunar arcs
There are several types of solar and lunar arcs, classified based on several factors, such as shape, color, and the weather conditions that lead to their appearance. Among the most famous types are::
Full solar arcs: appear as a complete ring around the sun.
Partial solar arcs: appear as part of a ring around the sun.
Double solar arcs: appear as two overlapping rings around the Sun.
Multiple solar arcs: appear as several overlapping rings around the sun.
Full moonbows: appear as a complete ring around the moon.
Partial moonbows: appear as part of a ring around the moon.
Double lunar arcs: appear as two overlapping rings around the moon.
Incomplete solar and lunar arcs: appear as part of a ring or an incomplete shape.
Distorted solar and lunar arcs: These appear distorted or irregular due to atmospheric conditions.
Locations of solar and lunar arcs
Solar and lunar arcs occur in various parts of the world, but they are most noticeable in areas with certain weather conditions. Some of the most common locations where you're most likely to see them are:
Polar regions: temperatures are lower and ice crystals are more common in the atmosphere.
High mountains: Thin clouds containing ice crystals form.
Cold regions: such as northern Europe, Canada, and the northern United States, where ice crystals form in the clouds.
Dry regions: where thin clouds containing ice crystals form
Alaska: Due to its polar location and low temperatures
Canada: Occurs in northern regions and mountains
Northern Europe: such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland
New Zealand: Appears in the southern mountains
Himalayas: a result of high altitude and low temperatures
Seeing the solar and lunar arcs requires specific weather conditions, as they are not always visible in these areas.
Factors causing solar and lunar arcs
There are several factors that help solar and lunar arcs appear and be seen with amazing clarity , including:
The presence of ice crystals in thin clouds is a major factor in the phenomenon's appearance.
Thin, high-altitude clouds containing ice crystals are best for the appearance of solar and lunar arcs.
Low temperatures help ice crystals form in clouds.
Strong sunlight or moonlight is sufficient to produce the corona.
The orientation of the ice crystals is such that they are oriented in a way that refracts the rays of the sun or moon and produces the corona.
Clear air helps to see the aura clearly.
High clouds containing ice crystals are best for the appearance of solar and lunar arcs.
Study of solar and lunar arcs
There are numerous studies on solar and lunar arcs, covering various scientific aspects and associated phenomena, including:
Study of the refraction and scattering of light through ice crystals
Study of the atmospheric conditions that lead to the formation of solar and lunar arcs
Astronomy: The study of the effects of solar and lunar arcs on astronomical observations
Photography: Study of techniques for photographing solar and lunar arcs
Effects of ice crystals on the refraction of light
Study of the colors and light intensity of solar and lunar arcs
Analysis of the atmospheric conditions that lead to the formation of solar and lunar arcs
Studying the effects of solar and lunar arcs on the environment and climate
The study of solar and lunar arcs contributes to a better understanding of atmospheric and optical phenomena, and helps in developing monitoring and imaging techniques. Among the most famous scientists who contributed to the study of solar and lunar arcs are:
Isaac Newton was one of the scientists who contributed to the study of solar and lunar arcs, as he studied the refraction of light through crystals.
Auguste Perrault was a French scientist who studied solar and lunar arcs in the 19th century.
The effect of the phenomenon on the universe
Solar and lunar arcs do not directly affect the universe, but they do affect some atmospheric and environmental phenomena on Earth, such as:
Visibility: Solar and lunar arcs affect the visibility of the Sun or Moon, affecting human activities such as navigation or astronomical observation.
Weather: Solar and lunar arcs are an indicator of the presence of thin, high-altitude clouds, which affect weather and climate.
Environment: Solar and lunar arcs affect the distribution of light in the environment, affecting some plants and animals.
Solar energy: Solar arcs affect the amount of solar energy that reaches Earth, which affects the performance of solar panels.
Solar and lunar arcs are unique optical phenomena that appear in the sky and are part of the beauty of nature.
The impact of the phenomenon on historical culture
Solar and lunar arcs have had significant influences on various cultures throughout history, including:
Myths and Stories: Solar and lunar arcs have been the subject of many myths and folk tales in different cultures, as they are considered mysterious and exciting phenomena.
Religious symbolism: Solar and lunar arcs symbolize divine power and spirituality in some cultures.
Art and Photography: Solar and lunar arcs are a source of inspiration for many artists and painters, as they are depicted in many works of art.
Calendar and events: Solar and lunar arcs are used to determine seasons and events in some cultures.
Astronomical Myths: Solar and lunar arcs are considered part of the astronomical myths of some cultures, as they are considered important astronomical phenomena.
Norse Mythology: The solar and lunar arcs symbolize the rainbow that connects the divine and human worlds.
Chinese Mythology: Solar and lunar arcs are important astronomical phenomena, symbolizing the balance between yin and yang.
Greek Mythology: The solar and lunar arcs symbolize the power of the gods and Greek mythology.
These myths and cultural symbols demonstrate the importance of solar and lunar arcs throughout history.