Airglow Ripples: A Celestial Dance Over Mount Rainier

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and seen a faint, otherworldly glow? This phenomenon, known as airglow, is a natural light emission from Earth's upper atmosphere. In a truly breathtaking display captured over Lake Tipsoo at Mount Rainier, these faint glowing ripples tell a story of atmospheric dynamics.

What Causes These Ethereal Ripples?

The radiant bands seen in this image are a result of atmospheric gravity waves. These are not the gravitational waves we associate with black holes, but rather vertical oscillations in the atmosphere. They form when air masses are disturbed, often by obstacles like mountain ranges. As air is forced upwards by mountains, it oscillates, much like a wave on water. These oscillations then cause the airglow to bend and shift, creating the ripple-like patterns we observe.

The airglow itself is created when molecules in the upper atmosphere, particularly oxygen, release energy after being excited by sunlight during the day. This stored energy is then gradually released as light, creating a faint, persistent glow.

While this particular display wasn't visible to the naked eye, the image captured with a Nikon D850 and Nikkor 24-70mm lens (at f/2.8, ISO 6400, 25 seconds) beautifully showcases the intricate details of this atmospheric dance. It's a powerful reminder of the dynamic and often unseen processes happening in our own atmosphere.

This phenomenon is not unique to Mount Rainier; similar displays have been captured in other locations, highlighting the universal nature of these atmospheric waves.

A Glimpse into Atmospheric Dynamics

• Airglow: Natural light emission from Earth's upper atmosphere.
• Gravity Waves: Vertical oscillations in the atmosphere, often caused by obstacles like mountains.
• Formation: Rising air against obstacles leads to oscillations, which ripple through the airglow.

This stunning photograph not only showcases the beauty of our planet's natural phenomena but also offers a visual explanation of complex atmospheric processes. It's a testament to the wonder that awaits when we look up at the night sky.

Want to see more? Check out a short timelapse of this event on .