FIlenews 12 December 2024
Increased mainly high clouds were the characteristic of the last days and this fact gave us wonderful photos, especially in the evenings, of the characteristic phenomenon that these clouds create. The reason for the halo (Halo).
What is 'halo' and how is it created?
Halo is an optical phenomenon that appears in the sky around the sun or moon, usually in the form of a bright ring (halo).
This phenomenon is caused by the reflection and refraction of light through the ice crystals of which the high clouds are composed, i.e. thin tufts (cirrus) or cirroscopic layers (cirrostratus). These crystals act like tiny prisms and mirrors, bending and reflecting light.
The most common halo is a 22-degree ring around the sun or moon, but other forms such as bright arcs or spots can also appear.
The basic prerequisites for the occurrence of this phenomenon are the existence of high clouds and therefore ice crystals, as well as the appropriate angle of light incidence in these crystals.
The observation of the halo often suggests that some change in weather is imminent, such as the arrival of a warm front since these clouds are usually preceded by a frontal system. However, as the Department of Meteorology explains, the front or disturbance may not reach the area or, if it does, be weakened and without any phenomena.
