Color and Light in Nature

by David K. Lynch, William Livingston

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? Color and Light in Nature provides clear explanations of 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, David Lynch and William Livingston outline the basic principles involved, and support them with many figures and references. Rare and spectacular photographs, many in full color, illustrate the phenomena throughout. In this new edition the authors have added over 50 new color images and provide new material on experiments readers can conduct themselves, such as how to photograph geostationary satellites with your own camera. David K. Lynch is an astronomer and atmospheric physicist specializing in infrared studies of star-formation regions, interstellar matter, comets, novae, and supernovae. He began his career teaching at the California Institute of Technology and at the University of California at Berkeley. Today, he operates Thule Scientific, a private research institute. He is or has been the Principal Investigator on a variety of NASA, NOAA, NSF, and Department of Defense programs. He lives in Topanga, California. William Livingston has been an astronomer at the Kitt Peak Observatory in southern Arizona since 1959. He helped design and build instruments and telescopes before becoming a solar observer. Livingston has participated in many solar eclipse expeditions in Alaska, the South Pacific, Africa, Indonesia, India, and recently Turkey, but believes that his best sightings of atmospheric phenomena have been from his backyard in Tucson.

Genres: Science, Art, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 1995

Reviews

[J.D. Gormaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great Galen Rowell wrote that we see what we are ready to see. After perusing this jewel I tread the realm of summits and boreal regions with eyes as big as saucers. I have contemplated more otherworldly optical phenomena than the sum of all my ancestors thanks to this jewel. It is the most comprehensive printed compilation on optical and meteorological phenomena. It is also an accessible work of scientific dissemination, which will make you see the world with new eyes, literally and metaphorically. A must for nature lovers, hikers, mountaineers, and curious minds.

[Andrew Yuen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://archive.org/details/colorligh...

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about the miracle of light on our planet. Fascinating both for physicists and lay folks alike. You can browse this coffee table gem for months.

[J.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are at all interested in atmospheric phenomena, pick up a copy of this book. Everything is explained in precise, modestly technical terms that are easy enough to understand and not dumbed-down. Covered are halos, arcs, reflections and much more. And the color photos are excellent. Fascinating and informative!

[Peter Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent survey of all kinds of atmospheric optical phenomena. Reasonable amount of technical detail but very readable. Beautiful photos and schematics. Now available again: http://www.colorandlightinnature.com/