Nature’s Wonder: Massive sun’s halo delights Hyderabadis on a busy Tuesday afternoon
Observing the sun’s halo is a unique experience, as the ring extended approximately 22 degrees around the sun, creating a striking celestial spectacle.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 27 Jun 2023 2:14 PM GMT
Hyderabad: The residents of Hyderabad were treated to a fascinating sight in the sky—a sun halo at 11:12 am on Tuesday.
The phenomenon, characterised by a massive ring-like structure surrounding the sun captured the attention of onlookers in the city. While it was specific to Hyderabad and its surroundings, its visibility may vary depending on the observer’s location.
Observing the sun’s halo is a unique experience, as the ring extended approximately 22 degrees around the sun, creating a striking celestial spectacle. The same can occur around a moon too. In 2020, a similar incident occurred near Yadagiri Gutta.
What are halos?
Sun halo, also known as ‘22 degree halo,’ is an optical phenomenon that occurs due to sunlight refracting in millions of hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. It takes the form of a ring with a radius of approximately 22 degrees around the sun or the moon.
Halos are a sign of high, thin Cirrus clouds drifting 20,000 feet or more above our heads. These clouds contain millions of tiny ice crystals. Just like a rainbow, a halo is visible when viewed from the right angle - sometimes appearing just white but often with colours of the spectrum also clearly present.
