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What is the circle of light above you when you’re underwater?
Science and emotion
Experiencing a circle of light above you when submerged in water is a captivating phenomenon that merges the principles of physics with personal emotions. As someone who has developed a phobia of being fully immersed in water after a near-drowning incident in childhood, I find myself in a constant state of both fear and fascination regarding the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. The circle of light, often visible when looking up from underwater, can be explained through the scientific principles of refraction and reflection, which together create a visual spectacle that is both beautiful and complex.
Understanding the Circle of Light
When you are underwater and gaze upward, the light from the sun or any artificial source interacts with the water’s surface. This interaction is primarily due to refraction, a phenomenon that occurs when light passes from one medium, such as water, to another, like air. The bending of light rays as they transition between these two different densities results in the circular pattern of light that you observe.
The Science of Refraction
Refraction is a fundamental concept in optics. When light enters the water, it slows down and bends…
