In this photograph, the physics occurring is due to the light rays of the sun reflecting off
of the H2O molecules in the atmosphere. The rays appear to be extremely close to
parallel because the light source (the sun) is essentially, infinitely far away and the clouds
have provided themselves as obstacles to allow light form the sun to only pass through certain areas,
giving a beautiful effect to the atmosphere.
The rain on the left area of the photo is being swept to the right, due to an impulse
delivered by the wind, making it appear that the light rays are intersecting nearly perpendicular
to the rays penetrating the clouds from the left.
These pictures are included in the Art of Physics travelling exposition. To get more information on how your institution can host the travelling exposition, please contact Francine Ford, CAP's Executive Director at cap@uottawa.ca.
Questions or comments?
