Observable events that result from the interaction of light and matter
Optical phenomena are any observable events that result from the interaction of
light and
matter.
All
optical phenomena coincide with
quantum phenomena.[1] Common optical phenomena are often due to the interaction of light from the Sun or Moon with the atmosphere, clouds, water, dust, and other particulates. One common example is the
rainbow, when light from the Sun is reflected and refracted by water droplets. Some phenomena, such as the
green ray, are so rare they are sometimes thought to be mythical.[2] Others, such as
Fata Morganas, are commonplace in favored locations.
Other phenomena are simply interesting aspects of
optics, or optical effects. For instance, the colors generated by a
prism are often shown in classrooms.
Scope
Optical phenomena include those arising from the optical properties of the
atmosphere; the rest of nature (other phenomena); of
objects, whether natural or human-made (optical effects); and of our
eyes (Entoptic phenomena). Also listed here are unexplained phenomena that could have an optical explanation and "
optical illusions" for which optical explanations have been excluded.
There are many phenomena that result from either the
particle or the
wave nature of light. Some are quite subtle and observable only by precise measurement using scientific instruments. One famous observation is of the bending of light from a star by the
Sun observed during a solar eclipse. This demonstrates that
space is curved, as the
theory of relativity predicts.
Phosphenes from stimulation other than by light (e.g., mechanical, electrical) of the
rod cells and
cones of the eye or of other neurons of the visual system
Some phenomena are yet to be conclusively explained and may possibly be some form of optical phenomena. Some[weasel words] consider many of these "mysteries" to simply be local
tourist attractions that are not worthy of thorough investigation.[4]