Rare Solar Halo Phenomenon Captivates Residents of the UAE

On Saturday afternoon, residents of the United Arab Emirates witnessed a rare celestial spectacle—a 22-degree solar halo encircling the sun. The striking optical phenomenon, which created a luminous ring around the sun, quickly became a sensation among onlookers and across social media. Both locals and tourists in the region were mesmerized by the breathtaking sight.

Among those who managed to capture the phenomenon was a 51-year-old engineer, a long-time resident of the UAE. Spotting the solar halo from his apartment window in Abu Dhabi, he recognized its rarity and immediately grabbed his camera, braving the intense heat to photograph the event. His images, showcasing the stunning ring of light, quickly went viral, drawing widespread admiration online.

Solar halos occur when sunlight refracts through hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. As light passes through these crystals, it bends at a 22-degree angle, creating a circular glow around the sun. This phenomenon can sometimes indicate shifting weather patterns, such as an approaching low-pressure system, making it not only visually captivating but also meteorologically significant.

A representative from the Dubai Astronomy Group clarified that solar halos are unrelated to recent solar storms. While solar storms result from the sun’s activity and can disrupt satellites and power grids, halos are purely atmospheric, visible only under specific conditions. The rare sighting in the UAE served as a reminder of nature’s ability to create moments of wonder, even in the most unexpected places.

Source: Khaleej Times