Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the polarization angle of a light source relative to the polarization angle of a viewing filter, so as to permit adjustment of visual contrast between interposed specular media and an object to be viewed and/or photographed, wherein the interposed specular media is an atmospheric phenomenon comprising a seemingly infinite number of dispersed specularly reflective particles enveloping at least one of an observer or a scene of interest. The light source includes a light generation mechanism for generating polarized light, and an optional source polarization angle determination mechanism for adjusting the angle of polarization of the light source. The viewing filter includes a filter polarization angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one of the polarization angle of maximum light attenuation and the polarization angle of minimum light attenuation.

Abstract: A visibility-enhancing system includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the polarization of a light source relative to the polarization of a viewing filter, so as to provide adjustable control of visual contrast between interposing media and an object to be viewed. The light source includes a light generation mechanism for generating polarized light, and an optional source polarization angle determination mechanism for adjusting the angle of polarization of the light source. The viewing filter includes a filter polarization angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one of the polarization angle of maximum light attenuation and the polarization angle of minimum light attenuation. An observer adjusts at least one of the source polarization angle determination mechanism and the filter polarization angle adjustment mechanism so as to improve the visibility of the object to be viewed in the presence of interposing media.