Crepuscular rays or Sun rays are rays of sunlight that appear to radiate from the point in the sky where the sun is located. These rays, which stream through gaps in clouds or between other objects, are columns of sunlit air. Despite seeming to converge at a point, the rays are in fact near-parallel shafts of sunlight, and their apparent convergence is a perspective effect (similar, for example, to the way that parallel railway lines seem to converge at a point in the distance).
What to do when your power is out? I stepped outside and enjoyed this very nice complete rainbow out my front door! It was a real nice one too. Lasted a good 20 minutes and only faded with the sunlight. I hope those of you in the DFW area were able to see one. Apparently there were a bunch across the region this afternoon as several lines of thunder showers moved through. Here’s a few shots of the one I saw.
On February 24, 2007 a massive west Texas dust storm blew into north central Texas. These images show the extent of the dust in the atmosphere. Drivers had to use their headlights in the afternoon. Folks with breathing problems were warned to stay indoors, etc. The storm left a layer of dust on everything. Note the during and after shot below.
Sundogs are always a thrill for me. I was lucky enough to see a couple in October and November and took a few pictures with my cellphone. These are not the highest quality images but they did turn out pretty good, if I do say so myself, for just quick snapshots. I’ve added these images to others I have on my Sundog page on my web site. I hope you enjoy them. Stay on the lookout for sundogs in the late afternoon hours. They are more prevalent in the winter months around these parts.
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