Several physical
phenomena are illustrated in this scenic view
of the full moon rising above Willoughby Lake, Vermont. The
photograph was made soon after
sunset on July 29, 2004.
The
most obvious phenomenon is "specular
reflection". Specular reflection is the reflection of the
moon's image in the foreground by the relatively smooth water.
The reflection is called "specular" because
the reflection is caused by the partial reflection by a surface (water
or glass) which has a different refractive index from air. You
can see a similar specular or partial reflection of light with an
ordinary window - especially when you are trying to see inside a house
from the outside. The moon's image in the foreground is distorted
by the small waves on the lake.
There are at least two
additional optical phenomena demonstrated in
the photo. See if you can identify the other optical
effects. Click on this link to
see the answers.
Total Lunar Eclipse - October 27,
2004. Don't forget the total lunar eclipse
Wednesday, October 27, 2004. This eclipse is visible over much of
the Western Hemisphere (see Sky and Telescope web site).
The moon begins its entry into earth's dark shadow at 9:14 pm EDT, the
eclipse will be total from 10:23 pm to 11:25 pm. The Warren
Wilson Physics Department will have telescopes for public viewing at
the Garden Cabin on Warren Wilson Campus. Please: no alcohol or
tobacco use at the public viewing. Click here
to see images of an eclipse in May, 2003.
Due to Fall Break there will be no Physics Photo of the Week next week
(October, 22). The next Physics Photo of the Week will be
published soon after the eclipse - October 29, 2004.
Photo by Donald F. Collins, Warren Wilson College
Physics
Photo of the Week is
published weekly during the academic year on Fridays by the Warren
Wilson College Physics
Department. These photos feature an interesting phenomena in
the world around us. Students, faculty, and others are invited to
submit digital (or film) photographs for publication and
explanation. Atmospheric phenomena are especially welcome.
Please send any photos to dcollins@warren-wilson.edu.
