Mysterious Misty Rings: Unraveling the 2D View

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of observing flat, two-dimensional rings of light around a nightlight during misty conditions. Participants noted that the geometric effect is caused by light refraction through mist, similar to the formation of a rainbow. The consistent flat perspective is attributed to the light's path being identical around the light source, creating a ring effect that is always perpendicular to the observer's line of sight. A diagram was referenced to illustrate this geometric concept without involving a rainbow.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light refraction principles
  • Basic knowledge of geometric optics
  • Familiarity with visual perception concepts
  • Experience with observational science methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light refraction and its effects on visual phenomena
  • Study geometric optics, focusing on how light interacts with different mediums
  • Explore the science behind rainbows and similar optical effects
  • Investigate visual perception and how the brain interprets flat images
USEFUL FOR

Anyone interested in optical phenomena, including physics enthusiasts, educators, and individuals studying visual perception and light behavior in different environments.

Naturestan
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The other morning it was misting. In the yard the nightlight glowed. Around it the pulsing AC was visible as it appeared to make small rings that moved outward directly, the observers(like an electron as it gets more excited for ex.) We also noticed that the image/rings appeared to be only two dimensional/flat, as they faced us directly. My wife and I figuured all this out rather quickly and felt kind of pround that we had not only noticed it but that we indeed could explain it, until I went to another location where I saw the same flat view.

We could explain how distance would change the amount of rings we saw but never could explain why the view always appeared to be flat! Why, we asked could we only see this linited, flat perspective?

The other odd thing was this- there is a rectangular piece of carboard we stapled to the upright 2x4/s that frame the porch (screened) and we noticed that if we put the edge of the cardboard in our line of sight to cover the 'hat' of distant, outside nightlight, the circle of light/ the rings, were being projected onto the cardboard! What aused that? Spooky. No, we don't live in CO. Thanks!
 
Science news on Phys.org
Naturestan said:
We could explain how distance would change the amount of rings we saw but never could explain why the view always appeared to be flat! Why, we asked could we only see this linited, flat perspective?
Because what you are seeing is a geometric effect of the light refracted through the mist.
It is essentially the same geometry as a rainbow.

It may be be the same effect as a rainbow, but the path from light to your eye will be identical all around the light, leading to a ring of effect, always in a plane that is perpendicular to your sight line.

This is the best diagram I was able to find that is not actually involving a rainbow and the sun.
lightpillar_diagram.jpg
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

High School I can't understand more than 3 spatial dimensions
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 230)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 230)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K