The heavenly bite of iridescence

* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
13 September 2023 Wednesday 04:41
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The heavenly bite of iridescence

* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia

I have been able to capture for La Vanguardia Readers' Photos this spectacular image of the iridescence in the sky of Gavà, in Baix Llobregat, where it seems to take the shape of a mouth that is about to take a bite out of the sun.

Iridescence is an optical phenomenon characterized as the property of certain surfaces in which the tone of light varies according to the angle from which the surface is observed, such as oil stains, soap bubbles, the wings of a butterfly and the playable side of the laser disc, whether CD or DVD.

Iridescence is caused by multiple reflections of light from multiple semitransparent surfaces, where subsequent phase changes and interference of the reflections modulate the light by amplification or attenuation of different wavelengths.

Depending on the angle at which the surface is illuminated, it will look different colors. Iridescence is very common in nature, we can easily see it in insects, birds and fish, and even in plants.

Iris, in Greek mythology, is the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, who left a trail of luminous colors behind her.