Värviaurude

Värviaurude, an Estonian term, translates to "color fog" or "color mist." It refers to a phenomenon observed in nature, particularly in the sky, where iridescent colors appear to shimmer or swirl, often resembling a fog or haze. These visual effects are typically caused by the diffraction of light through small water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. The precise colors and patterns seen in värviaurude depend on the size and uniformity of these particles, as well as the angle of the light source.

Similar to phenomena like cloud iridescence or halos, värviaurude are optical illusions created by the interaction of light with atmospheric particles. They are not indicative of any specific weather condition or chemical composition of the air, but rather a result of light scattering. These beautiful displays are often most vivid when the sun is low in the sky, such as during sunrise or sunset, or when viewed in the direction opposite the sun. While the term is specific to Estonian, the visual phenomena it describes are universal and can be observed worldwide under appropriate conditions.