Optical phenomena are any observable events that result from the interaction of light and matter. 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. Gaston Tissandier (November 21, 1843 - August 30, 1899) was a French chemist, meteorologist, aviator and editor. His interest in meteorology led him to take up aviation. He reported his meteorological observations to the French Academy of Sciences. In 1873 he founded the weekly scientific magazine La Nature, which he edited until 1896, after which it was continued by others. He died in 1899 at the age of 52.