Editing Atmospheric diffraction (section)

{{distinguish|Atmospheric refraction}}
[[File:C solarcorona2003.gif|right|thumbnail|Sunrise animation (15 seconds/frame) with diffraction rings caused by water droplets and only visible when the Sun is near the horizon]]

'''Atmospheric diffraction''' is manifested in the following principal ways:

* Optical atmospheric diffraction
* [[Radio wave]] [[diffraction]] is the scattering of [[radio]] [[frequency]] or lower frequencies from the Earth's ionosphere, resulting in the ability to achieve greater distance radio [[broadcasting]].
* [[Sound wave]] [[diffraction]] is the bending of sound waves, as the sound travels around edges of geometric objects.  This produces the effect of being able to hear even when the source is blocked by a solid object.  The [[sound wave]]s bend appreciably around the solid object.

However, if the object has a diameter greater than the [[acoustics|acoustic]] wavelength, a 'sound shadow' is cast behind the object where the sound is inaudible. (Note: some sound may be propagated through the object depending on material).