Refraction Photos
Sunday, November 30, 2014
1000 Steps Sunset
A beautiful evening at 1000 Steps beach. The wonderful and colorful dance the sun does as it slips below the horizon is due to the large amount of the atmosphere the light rays travel through at the steep angle near the horizon. You probably already knew that, but did you know that the moment you see the sun touch the horizon on a day like this it has actually already set? The refraction of the atmosphere bends the light around the curvature of the earth so you actually see the image of the sun projected slightly higher than it actually is. The same thing happens in the morning. When you see the sun peek above the horizon the leading edge is still actually below the horizon by slightly more than the diameter of the sun. The results of this atmospheric refraction result in about six minutes more daylight than simple geometry would suggest, which are always welcomed especially this time of year!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Iridescent Jelly
This amazing little creature is a Comb Jelly. The lights in rows on the side of his body are rows of tiny cilia (tiny movable hair like structures). But the light does not come from bioluminescence, the cilia are like tiny little prisms refracting the ambient light as the jelly waves the cilia to move through the water. The resulting wave of small rainbows is quite a show.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Koi Pond
I love Koi. These beautiful fish are in a small Koi pond in Goleta. From the road all you see are office buildings, but when you explore a bit more you find an amazing peaceful spot with a small bridge over a Koi pomd. They were very cooperative, but I did have to promise them some snacks the next time I'm in the neighborhood.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Floating Pads
The thing I like the most about this picture is the refraction happening at the edge of the lily pads where they touch the water. the surface tension of the extremely still water is grabbing the bottom edge of the pads. Which is causing the surface of the water to bend. This creates a refraction, like light going through a lens, giving you the bright edges around the shadows in the bottom of the fountain.
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