Optical phenomena are any observable events that result from the interaction oflight andmatter.
Alloptical phenomena coincide withquantum phenomena.[1] Common optical phenomena are often due to the interaction of light from the Sun or Moon with the atmosphere, clouds, water, dust, and other particulates. One common example is therainbow, when light from the Sun is reflected and refracted by water droplets. Some phenomena, such as thegreen ray, are so rare they are sometimes thought to be mythical.[2] Others, such asFata Morganas, are commonplace in favored locations.
Other phenomena are simply interesting aspects ofoptics, or optical effects. For instance, the colors generated by aprism are often shown in classrooms.
Optical phenomena encompass a broad range of events, including those caused by atmospheric optical properties, other natural occurrences, man-made effects, and interactions involving human vision (entoptic phenomena). Also listed here are unexplained phenomena that could have an optical explanation and "optical illusions" for which optical explanations have been excluded.
There are multiple phenomena that result from either theparticle or thewave nature of light. Some are quite subtle and observable only by precise measurement using scientific instruments. A famous example is the bending of starlight by the Sun during a solar eclipse, a phenomenon that serves as evidence for the curvature of space as predicted by the theory of relativity.
Phosphenes from stimulation other than by light (e.g., mechanical, electrical) of therod cells andcones of the eye or of other neurons of the visual system
