We live in a world of optical marvels - from the commonplace but beautiful rainbow, to the rare and eerie superior mirage. But how many of us really understand how a rainbow is formed, why the setting sun is red and flattened, or even why the sky at night is not absolutely black? This beautiful and informative guide provides clear explanations to all naturally occurring optical phenomena seen with the naked eye, including shadows, halos, water optics, mirages and a host of other spectacles. Separating myth from reality, it outlines the basic principles involved, and supports them with many figures and references. A wealth of rare and spectacular photographs, many in full color, illustrate the phenomena throughout. In this new edition of the highly-acclaimed guide to seeing, photographing and understanding nature's optical delights, the authors have added over 50 new images and provided new material on experiments you can try yourself.

The book covers the physical origin of several natural phenomena such as color, refraction and reflection, apparent depth, mirages, rainbows, halos, scattering, color of the sky, polarization of the sky, etc., in simple optics’ models. The content is presented in language that is accessible for large audience, however, calculus is highly recommended as it goes in depth discussing the topics. The text is more appropriate for readers with interests in the realm of Optics. Last update: 8 January 2019 35 color graphs Length: 114 pages

All of science springs from the observation of nature. In this classic book, the late Professor Minnaert accompanies the reader on a tour of nature's light and color and reveals the myriad phenomena that may be observed outdoors with no more than a pair of eyes and an enquiring mind. From the intriguing shape of the dapples beneath a tree on a sunny day, via rainbows, mirages, and haloes, the colors of liquid, ice, and the sky, to the appearance of the sun, moon, planets, and stars - Minnaert describes and explains them all in a clear language accessible to laymen. This new English edition is supplemented by 80 plates, over half of them in color, taken by the acclaimed photographer Pekka Parviainen, illustrating many of the phenomena - ordinary and exotic - discussed in the book.

An introduction to the science of light and color and its applications to photography, art, natural phenomena, and other related areas. Explains the origin of phenomena commonly encountered in nature and art, emphasizing the physical aspects but also touching on aspects of physiology and psychology that directly influence how visual images are perceived. Covers the effect of mixing color, the notion of color spaces, how atoms and molecules affect light, how light can be measured, the effect of using a lens, and many other topics. Requires little or no mathematical background. Includes questions and references for further reading.

Explains such natural phenomena as rainbows, mirages, iridescent clouds, and halos for the scientist and the artist

The clearest and most complete non-mathematical study of light available—with updated material and a new chapter on digital photography. Finally, a book on the physics of light that doesn’t require advanced mathematics to understand. Seeing the Light is the most accessible and comprehensive study of optics and light on the market. With a focus on conceptual study, Seeing the Light leaves the heavy-duty mathematics behind, instead using practical analogies and simple empirical experiments to teach the material. Each chapter is a self-contained lesson, making it easy to learn about specific optical concepts without having to read the whole book over. Inside you’ll find clear and easy-to-understand explanations of topics including: Processes of vision and the eye Atmospherical optical phenomena Color perception and illusions Color in nature and in art Digital photography Holography And more Diagrams, photos, and illustrations help bring difficult concepts to life, and optional sections at the ends of chapters explore the more advanced aspects of each topic. A truly one-of-a-kind book for physics students and teachers, this updated edition of Seeing the Light is not to be missed.

Though he didn’t realize it at the time, David Lee began this book twenty-five years ago as he was hiking in the mountains outside Kuala Lumpur. Surrounded by the wonders of the jungle, Lee found his attention drawn to one plant in particular, a species of fern whose electric blue leaves shimmered amidst the surrounding green. The evolutionary wonder of the fern’s extravagant beauty filled Lee with awe—and set him on a career-long journey to understand everything about plant colors. Nature’s Palette is the fully ripened fruit of that journey—a highly illustrated, immensely entertaining exploration of the science of plant color. Beginning with potent reminders of how deeply interwoven plant colors are with human life and culture—from the shifting hues that told early humans when fruits and vegetables were edible to the indigo dyes that signified royalty for later generations—Lee moves easily through details of pigments, the evolution of color perception, the nature of light, and dozens of other topics. Through a narrative peppered with anecdotes of a life spent pursuing botanical knowledge around the world, he reveals the profound ways that efforts to understand and exploit plant color have influenced every sphere of human life, from organic chemistry to Renaissance painting to the highly lucrative orchid trade. Lavishly illustrated and packed with remarkable details sure to delight gardeners and naturalists alike, Nature’s Palette will enchant anyone who’s ever wondered about red roses and blue violets—or green thumbs.