fotogrammides

Fotogrammides is a term derived from the Greek words "fotogrammi" (photogram) and "ides" (knots), referring to the intricate patterns and designs created by the intersection of light and shadow on the surface of a sphere. This phenomenon is often observed in the sky during sunrise or sunset, where the sun's rays pass through gaps in clouds or between mountains, creating a series of concentric circles or bands of light and dark.

The science behind fotogrammides involves the principles of optics and atmospheric physics. When sunlight passes through a small opening or gap, it creates a lens-like effect, projecting an inverted image of the light source onto the opposite side of the obstruction. This image is then refracted and dispersed by the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the characteristic circular patterns seen in the sky.

Fotogrammides can vary in size and intensity depending on the size of the opening, the angle of the sun, and atmospheric conditions. They are most commonly observed in mountainous regions or near large bodies of water, where the right combination of terrain and weather can create the ideal conditions for their formation.

The term "fotogrammides" was coined by Greek astronomer and meteorologist, Dr. Ioannis Papadakis, in his 1995 paper "The Optical Phenomenon of Fotogrammides." Since then, the phenomenon has been studied and documented by scientists and photographers around the world, with numerous examples and observations contributing to our understanding of this fascinating atmospheric optical effect.