Parhelia, also known as sundogs, are atmospheric optical phenomena that generate bright spots on both sides of the sun. This visual effect is produced by the refraction of sunlight through hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. To understand their geometry and dynamics, we turn to scientific visualization tools and multiphysics simulation. In this article, we explore how VGSTUDIO MAX, COMSOL Multiphysics, and Materialise Mimics allow us to model and analyze this natural spectacle from a technical perspective.
Volumetric Analysis and Electromagnetic Simulation of Ice Crystals 🌞
The first step is the segmentation of suspended ice particles using Materialise Mimics. This software allows isolating hexagonal crystals from tomography or micro-CT data, generating precise 3D models of their morphology. Subsequently, we import these geometries into VGSTUDIO MAX for detailed volumetric analysis. Here we examine the spatial distribution, porosity, and orientation of the crystals, critical factors that determine the path of light. Finally, we use COMSOL Multiphysics in its Bio-electromagnetism module to simulate the interaction of electromagnetic waves (visible light) with the hexagonal structure. The simulation reveals how the angle of incidence and the symmetry of the crystal generate the characteristic bright spots at 22 degrees from the sun.
From the Ice Cloud to the Screen: The Value of Scientific Visualization 🔬
Beyond aesthetics, this workflow demonstrates the power of 3D modeling to explain complex natural phenomena. The combination of medical segmentation (Mimics), industrial analysis (VGSTUDIO MAX), and physical simulation (COMSOL) allows scientists not only to see the parhelion but to predict its behavior under different atmospheric conditions. Each image generated by these programs becomes a didactic tool that translates abstract data into a tangible visual representation, bringing optical meteorology closer to engineers and science communicators alike.
How the random orientation of hexagonal ice crystals is modeled in the 3D simulation to reproduce the position and shape of parhelia observed in reality
(PS: modeling manta rays is easy; the hard part is making them not look like floating plastic bags)