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Watch: Karachiites witness mesmerising halo around sun
Web Desk GTV
19 July, 2024 18:10
A stunning solar halo, also known as a “sun halo,” has appeared in the skies over Karachi, mesmerizing residents with its breathtaking beauty.
According to meteorologists, this optical phenomenon is caused by the presence of high-altitude cirrus clouds containing ice crystals that scatter sunlight, creating the halo effect.
What is a solar halo?
A solar halo, also referred to as a “22-degree halo,” is formed when sunlight is refracted by millions of hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
How does it form?
The resulting ring around the sun or moon has a radius of approximately 22 degrees. This phenomenon is specifically caused by cirrus clouds, thin and wispy clouds located at altitudes above 20,000 feet. The ice crystals in these clouds act like prisms and mirrors, reflecting light in specific directions and creating the halo effect.
When sunlight is refracted by ice crystals, a solar halo occurs, sometimes splitting into different colors. Historically, solar halos were used to predict weather before modern meteorological instruments. The appearance of a halo often indicated impending rain within the next 24 hours.
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