Rainbows, Sun dogs and Halos.
22⁰ Sun Halo
This is a very rare and unique phenomenon occurring when there are ice crystals near the sun or the moon. These crystals refract light and form a rainbow. Also known as an upside-down rainbow if this occurs in summer it is known as a summer halo or sun halo and if it occurs in the winter it is known as a winter halo or moon halo. It is called a 22⁰ halo because it forms at an angle of 22⁰.
I was very lucky to see it …. I saw it on 2nd June and it was marvellous.
Rainbows or Moonbows?
We all know about Rainbows right? But have you ever heard of Moonbows? Now you might be thinking ” is Moonbow even a thing?” Well, it is a rare natural atmospheric phenomenon in which the light of the moon is reflected and refracted off the water droplets. Moonbows are much fainter than rainbows made by the sun as the light reflected by the moon is much lighter.
Three Suns?
Ever seen three suns in the sky, and you rub your eyes again to be sure what you are seeing is true or not. Well, it is true! and is a rare phenomenon, that occurs when it is a very foggy day and there are many ice crystals in the atmosphere. Sunlight through the ice crystals causes the light to be refracted. It can be seen as a circle around the sun or just three sparkling dots in the sky. The two other bright spots on the left and right sides of the actual sun are called ‘phantom suns’. This phenomenon is called a sun dog.