Have you ever looked up at the sky and seen something out of the ordinary? Unusual meteorological phenomena have fascinated humanity for centuries, fueling both scientific curiosity and popular imagination. Between legends, ancient chronicles, and modern studies, the atmosphere presents us with events as strange as they are beautiful, capable of making us question what we see.
In this article we will take you on a journey through the strangest meteorological phenomena in history.From rainstorms that look like something out of a horror story to spectacular optical illusions in the sky, here you'll discover how nature can surprise even experts. Ready to be amazed by the power and mystery of the weather?
The three suns: the parhelion phenomenon
Seeing three suns aligned on the horizon is not a fantasy, but one of the most impressive optical effects of the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as parhelion, occurs when Sunlight is refracted and reflected by small ice crystals floating in high cirrus or cirriform clouds.The two "false" suns are seen on either side of the real sun, usually forming an angle of 22 degrees.
The parhelion is most common in cold countries, especially when temperatures are very low. It can be seen accompanied by a luminous circle, the parhelic circleThere is even a night variant, called paraselene, in which the moon seems to multiply in the sky. Although it happens more frequently than we think, it often goes unnoticed because we avoid looking directly at the sunReports of this curious phenomenon date back to ancient times, and it still amazes both scientists and those fortunate enough to witness it.
Rain of Blood: When the Sky Turns the Earth Red
Imagine going out into the street and finding the rain falling It is an intense red color, as if the sky were bleeding. The so-called rain of blood has puzzled humanity since ancient times., even being interpreted as a bad omen in classical works such as Homer's Iliad. For centuries, it was believed that this rain contained real blood, fueling superstitions and legends.
However, The real explanation lies in the dust of the Sahara DesertWhen storms kick up sand particles, they travel thousands of miles on the wind until they meet up with rain in other regions. When they mix, the water takes on a reddish or brown hue, and once dry, it leaves a fine layer of dust on cars, roofs and sidewalks.
It is not a phenomenon exclusive to Europe or the Mediterranean; Episodes of red rain have been documented in places as far away as India, for example, in Kerala during 2001. Variants have also been recorded, such as the so-called red rain in Zamora caused by the presence of microalgae.
Ball lightning: the inexplicable electric sphere
Ball lightning, also known as lightning in balls or lightning bolts, is among the most puzzling electrical phenomena in meteorology. It manifests as a luminous sphere that appears during storms, with a diameter between 10 and 40 centimeters.. Although accounts of its appearance have been documented for a long time, Science still debates its exact nature and origin..
Its movement is unpredictable: it can float in the air, move in straight lines, follow spiral shapes or even remain motionless. Sometimes it is accompanied by buzzing sounds, it gives off a smell of ozone, sulfur and oxides, and even is capable of causing considerable material damage. It is credited with the ability to burn objects, open holes, and evaporate water or metals. As for colors, it can be white, blue, green, red, or yellow, and can appear and disappear explosively.
Ball lightning is especially rare in the Iberian Peninsula, but it has been sighted and documented on several occasions. It is undoubtedly one of the most disturbing and fascinating phenomena on our planet.
St. Elmo's Fire: Blue Lights in the Storm
This phenomenon has a legendary name, but it is supported by a very specific physical explanation. St. Elmo's Fire is a luminescent electrical discharge, usually blue or violet in color., which appears on sharp metal objects exposed to a strong electric field during thunderstorms. It's often seen on the tips of ship masts, lightning rods, towers, or chimneys, and has occasionally even been observed on the horns of cattle.
In reality, it is about an ionization of the air by static electricity, causing a small, visible plasma flash. For centuries, sailors interpreted these lights as divine signs or omens, when in fact They announced the approach of a thunderstorm and, potentially, lightning strikes.
The phenomenon can also occur when planes pass through highly electrically charged clouds or even near erupting volcanoes. Popular culture has captured this in numerous works, such as the novel Moby Dick, which describes this spectacular event.
Specters, halos and other extraordinary optical illusions
The atmosphere, when interacting with sunlight and specific conditions, can generate Optical illusions so strange and surprising that they have given rise to stories of ghosts and mythical creatures. Among them, the following phenomena stand out:
- pillars of lightVertical columns of light that emerge above natural or artificial light sources, caused by reflections off ice crystals in high clouds. They can appear in different colors depending on the light source.
- Brocken Spectre: It occurs in mountains or high places when a person stands high up, with the sun at their back and fog or low clouds in front of them. The shadow appears projected above the fog, surrounded by a rainbow-colored halo of light, creating the illusion of a giant figure surrounded by a halo.
- Fata Morgana: A mirage produced by a temperature inversion, which distorts and multiplies the image of distant objects, making them appear like floating ships or castles in the air.
Clouds that look like they're from another planet: Lenticular clouds, asperatus clouds, and morning glory clouds
Not all clouds are the same. Some take on such strange shapes that they seem to be taken from a science fiction story.Among the most amazing we find:
- Lenticular clouds: With their bulging saucer or lentil shape, they form primarily in mountainous areas due to undulations in the air. They have often been mistaken for UFOs due to their unusual appearance and large size.
- Asperatus cloudsOfficially recorded by the World Meteorological Organization in 2015, these formations present a wavy, eerie appearance in the sky, resembling ocean waves in the air. They are not usually associated with rain or storms, but their presence is truly spectacular.
- morning gloryA unique, roll-shaped cloud that can measure up to 1.000 kilometers long and move at high speed. It's typical of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia, where humid conditions and the clash of sea breezes make it possible. Paragliders and flight enthusiasts consider it a unique spectacle.
Rains of fish, frogs and other oddities: when the sky throws animals
Among the most curious phenomena, the rain of animals occupies a prominent place.Throughout history, there have been documented episodes in which fish, frogs, and even more surprising elements have literally fallen from the sky. How does this happen?
The most accepted explanation is the action of waterspouts or water tornadoesThese powerful columns of air can sucking animals from rivers, lakes or seas and lifting them to great heights, carrying them for several kilometers before returning them in the form of rain. There have been cases where, in addition to fish and frogs, Pieces of meat, squid, spiders and even catfish have fallen from the skySometimes, science has not yet found a definitive reason for some of the objects that fall from the sky.
Colored snow: watermelon snow or pink snow
Although we are used to white snow, in certain areas and conditions It can take on a pinkish or reddish hue, giving rise to the so-called watermelon snowThis natural spectacle is produced by the presence of a microalga called Chlamydomonas nivalisThese algae, adapted to extreme temperatures, contain a red pigment called astaxanthin that colors the snow around them.
When solar radiation increases in spring, Algae release pigmented spores to protect themselves, giving the snow a particularly intense color in the high mountains. In addition to its beauty, this phenomenon contributes to the snow absorb more solar energy and melt faster, affecting the dynamics of glaciers and mountain ecosystems.
Extreme fire whirls and tornadoes
Among the extreme phenomena, Fire whirlwinds – also known as fire tornadoes – are the most terrifying. They form when hot air rises with such force during a fire that it begins to spin, creating a burning column capable of reaching tens of meters in height.. If conditions are right, They can grow up to 300 meters in length and generate winds of more than 160 km/h..
Although their duration is usually short, in extreme situations they have caused great destruction, as occurred in Japan in 1923 or during World War II in Germany. These tornadoes combine the virulence of fire with the destructive force of wind., making them a feared threat in areas affected by forest fires.
Thermal bursts and microbursts: the wind that surprises and destroys
Thermal burst It is a phenomenon that has gained notoriety in recent years, especially due to extreme episodes at festivals and outdoor events. It consists of the sudden descent of a mass of warm, dry air from the upper layers of the atmosphere, triggering intense and very hot gusts of wind at ground level.This usually happens when The rain from a storm evaporates before reaching the ground, cooling the air by evaporation and accelerating its fall.
For its part, microbursts occur when the air descends sharply and expands upon reaching the ground, causing winds in all directions with a force capable of breaking trees, lifting heavy objects and damaging infrastructure. Unlike tornadoes, which suck upward, Microbursts concentrate all their energy on the ground.
Meteosunamis, waterspouts and strange whirlpools
The variety of strange atmospheric phenomena does not end on land. Among the most notable maritime events is the Meteotsunami o rissaga, well known in the Balearic Islands. These are abrupt variations in sea level, similar to a tsunami but caused by atmospheric changes and strong winds., which can cause climbs of up to two meters in just a few minutes.
The waterspouts, also called water sleeves, are whirlpools that form on the surface of the sea and can suck water and small animals, giving them an impressive appearance. There are also whirlpools on land, such as the dust devils (dust and sand), snorkels (funnel clouds descending from a convective cloud) and gust vortices, known as gutsnado, all capable of lifting large amounts of material and surprising those who observe them.
Donuts or snow rollers: ephemeral natural sculptures
On rare occasions, the combination of wet snow, near-freezing temperatures and strong winds gives rise to snow rollers, also known as "snow donuts." They are formed when The wind carries small snowballs down gentle slopes, causing them to roll and accumulate layers, ending with shapes resembling a donut or a hollow cylinder. These objects, as ephemeral as they are fascinating, are truly unique and surprise those who find them.
Howling, howling, howling winds: the roar of the atmosphere
In the Southern Hemisphere, sailors have given such expressive names as "the roaring 40s," "the furious 50s," and "the roaring 60s" to describe the extreme winds that dominate these latitudes. These air currents, famous for their intensity and danger to navigation, are part of maritime folklore and have been recorded in numerous literary works.. The sound of the wind and the sea in those southernmost regions It remains one of the most breathtaking spectacles in meteorology.
Meteorology never ceases to amaze. From unusual showers to true optical wonders and fiery whirlwinds, the Earth's atmosphere is full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Many of these phenomena remain shrouded in mystery and fuel human fascination with the sky.. Observing these events, whether by chance or through history, reminds us of the complexity and the power of nature, as well as our privileged position to continue being amazed by its wonders.
