Vivid Corona Observed Over Ward, Colorado
January 09, 2018
Photographer: Jill Bielawski
Summary Authors: Jill Bielawski; Jim Foster
Shown above is a stunning corona as observed from Ward, Colorado, on December 2, 2017. It looks similar here as it did to my unaided eye. Coronae and iridescent clouds result when minute cloud droplets diffract sunlight. The altocumulus clouds in this photo are composed of such droplets. In general, when the drop sizes are similar throughout the cloud, the corona's colors are purer and brighter. Helping to add to this corona's vivid appearance is the altitude at which the photo was snapped -- approximately 9,450 feet (2,880 m). At this altitude, the air is much more transparent than at sea level. Always use caution when looking anywhere near the Sun.
Photo Details: Camera: Apple iPhone 6; Exposure Time: 0.0000s (1/40000); Aperture: ƒ/2.2; ISO equivalent: 50; Focal Length (35mm): 31. 12:45 p.m. No filter, no photo enhancement and no photo editing.
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