Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
DOI
10.1119/5.0205625
Publication Title
The Physics Teacher
Volume
62
Issue
8
Pages
687
Abstract
The article discusses the formation of a circumzenithal arc (CZA) in the sky, caused by specific light ray paths through hexagonal ice crystals in cirrus clouds. The CZA is visible when the Sun's altitude is about 32° or less. The text includes questions for readers to explore the physics behind the formation of CZAs and circumhorizontal arcs (CHAs). The author acknowledges photographers for providing images and invites readers to find answers online.
Rights
© Copyright 2026 AIP Publishing LLC
This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and AIP Publishing. This article appeared in
Adam, J. (2024). Sky smiley face. The Physics Teacher, 62(8), 687.
and may be found at https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0205625
Original Publication Citation
Adam, J. (2024). Sky smiley face. The Physics Teacher, 62(8), 687. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0205625
ORCID
0000-0001-5537-2889 (Adam)
Repository Citation
Adam, John, "Sky Smiley Face" (2024). Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications. 315.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/mathstat_fac_pubs/315