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Novaya Zemlya effect and sunsets.
Siebren Y van der Werf1, Gunther P Können, Waldemar H Lehn
1Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, University of Groningen, Zernikelaan 25, 9747AA Groningen, The Netherlands. vdwerf@kvi.nl
Applied Optics
|February 7, 2003
Summary
The Novaya Zemlya (NZ) effect, a rare atmospheric mirage, can cause the sun to appear visible after it has set. This study details the phenomenon
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric optics
- Geophysics
Background:
- The Novaya Zemlya (NZ) effect is a complex atmospheric optical phenomenon.
- It involves unusual solar light paths, particularly during sunset.
- Understanding its systematics is crucial for interpreting polar observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the Novaya Zemlya (NZ) effect.
- To differentiate between full and subcritical mirages.
- To provide observational evidence of the NZ effect beyond solar phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Ray-tracing simulations to model light paths.
- Analysis of historical and recent observational data.
- Comparison of solar and lunar observations of the NZ effect.
Main Results:
- Detailed classification of mirage types, including subcritical mirages.
- Demonstration of oscillatory light paths associated with the NZ effect.
- Report of a recent South Pole observation of the NZ effect for the Moon.
Conclusions:
- The NZ effect's systematics are clarified through ray-tracing and observational data.
- The phenomenon can manifest with celestial bodies other than the sun.
- Historical and modern observations confirm the NZ effect's occurrence in polar regions.