The Nature of Light and Colour in the Open Air (Dover Books on Earth Sciences) (Paperback)

by M. Minnaert (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A highly engaging study of mirages, illusions of multiple moons, the fata morgana, colored shadows and scores of other phenomena in a book praised as "a great depository of projects, science fair ventures, experiments, and always pure pleasure" — Science and Math Weekly. 202 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1954)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486201961
• ISBN-13: 978-0486201962
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #438,082 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scientific optical classic in an economy edition, June 26, 1997

By A Customer

It is impossible to truly review this book. Well over its 40 years old, it has become a classic. It attempts to explain, with little math but excellent science, everything we see from the appearance of the horizon, to the rainbow, to the light shining of telephone cables. This edition is old fashioned in appearance, there are no fancy full color spreads. It is a well written book, clearly organized that shows a grasp of the subject and a deep affection for it

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very readable description of optical effects seen outdoors., December 2, 1997

By A Customer

Hundreds of optical phenomena visible to the naked eye are described in this classic text, ranging from colors in rainbows, halos, "sun-dogs" and other effects from water droplets and ice crystals in the atmosphere, to the iridescent colors of an oil spill and the visual effects of wet branches in front of street lamps. Explanations are aimed at the layman. Many line drawings and some b+w photographs accompany the sometimes wonderfully old-fashioned text. If you have ever wondered what some of the puzzling optical effects are that you see outdoors, then this book is for you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book, November 29, 2007

By	J. Maynard Gelinas "maynard255" (Somerville, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My father gave me a copy of this when I was a kid. I've kept it ever since. The book is very easy to read, with plenty of line illustrations to explain the optics with as little math as possible. Though one will find some mathematics in the work, anyone who has taken high school physics, algebra, and geometry will have no trouble understanding the material. But what makes this work really shine is Minnaert's attention to detail when explaining the many kinds of behavior light exhibits in various environments. Everything from iridescence, refraction and reflection is given deep explanation through many examples of everyday phenomena. What the viewer might think of as distinct and separate optical effects, the author cleverly shows to be related. By the time a layperson finishes this work he or she will have a very good basic understanding of optics. Certainly well enough to ace that section of any undergraduate physics exam.