Optical Phenomena | NESDIS | National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
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Optical Phenomena
The optical phenomena our satellites observe are often due to the interaction of light from the Sun on our Earth and Ocean, as well as shadows from the Moon.
Common types of Optical Phenomena
Solar Eclipse
During a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, causing its shadow to move across the planet.
Learn more about eclipses
Solar Eclipse
Changing of the Seasons
Throughout the year, seasons change as different parts of the planet receive more of the sun's rays due to the planet's tilt.
The changing of seasons
Changing of the Seasons
Sunrise and Sunset
We can see the sun rise and set via satellite by watching the solar terminator, the moving line that divides the daylit and dark night side of the planet.
The solar terminator
Sunrise and Sunset
Sunglint
When sunlight is reflected off the Earth's surface at the same angle that the satellite's sensor views it, the effect is known as sunglint.
An example of sunglint
Sunglint
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