Unusual circular reflections on our windows before sunset

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ulla
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Windows
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

On November 4, 2024, an unusual circular reflection pattern was observed on Anderson double-pane windows around 3:50 PM. The phenomenon occurred while the sun was visible between layers of clouds, leading to a distorted reflection. This specific occurrence had not been noticed in the 37 years of residence at the location. The distortion is attributed to the non-flat nature of the windows, which caused the unique visual effect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical phenomena related to reflections
  • Familiarity with window construction, specifically double-pane technology
  • Basic knowledge of meteorological conditions affecting sunlight
  • Awareness of common visual distortions in glass surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research optical distortion effects in glass surfaces
  • Explore the properties of double-pane windows and their construction
  • Investigate how atmospheric conditions influence sunlight reflections
  • Learn about the physics of light and reflection in varying environments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for homeowners, window manufacturers, and individuals interested in optical phenomena and environmental effects on light.

Ulla
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
How did you find PF?: Via Google search using key words: sun, window, circular, pattern

We were outside raking in the afternoon November 4, 2024 when we noticed an unusual circular pattern on the windows. It was around 3:50 in the afternoon. The sun was visible between layers of clouds. We have lived in this house for 37 years and working in the backyard this time every year but never noticed anything like this before.
The windows are Anderson double pane. I would love to know what caused this. Thank you!

IMG_1806 2.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Science news on Phys.org
See this thread. Your windows aren't quite flat, in short, so you're seeing a distorted reflection of the sun and probably illuminated clouds.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters

Similar threads

Graduate Birefringence and Automotive Window Tinting
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
Undergrad What Causes Mysterious Reflections and Lights in My Room at Night?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Help with orbital mechanics for an unusual alien planet
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
15K
Graduate BRS: PKI Cryptosystems for SA/Ms: A Tutorial
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Graduate Magnetic Reconnection vs Double Layers
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Graduate Biological system based on a wave function
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
10K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 242)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
An Inconvenient Truth": Has Polar Bears Survived & Thrived?
  • · Replies 99 ·
4
Replies
99
Views
36K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 247)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 259)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K