Spectacular Solar Halo Over Karachi’s Sky Attracts Morning Viewers

Karachi:Currently, a vast and enchanting solar halo adorns the skies of Karachi, known in English as a “sun halo.” According to meteorologists, high-altitude cirrus clouds are present over the city, containing ice crystals that scatter sunlight, creating these stunning vistas.
What is a Solar Halo?
A solar halo, also referred to as a “22-degree halo,” is an optical phenomenon caused by sunlight reflecting off millions of hexagonal ice crystals spread throughout the atmosphere. This halo typically forms a ring approximately 22 degrees around the sun or moon, resembling the shape of a thumb ring.
Where Do Solar Halos Form?
These halos form specifically in cirrus clouds, which are thin and wispy compared to other cloud types, located high in the atmosphere at altitudes exceeding twenty thousand feet.
What Causes the Appearance of Solar Halos?
This spectacle occurs when sunlight is reflected off ice crystals in the form of snowflakes. Depending on the angle of reflection, halos can display various colors due to the crystals acting like prisms or mirrors, directing light in specific directions.
Historical and Predictive Significance
In the past, phenomena like solar halos were used as experimental tools to predict weather patterns before the advancement of meteorological instruments. Observing such halos often indicated rain within the next 24 hours.
Visual Characteristics
Viewed from the correct angle, a solar halo resembles a complete rainbow arch. While sometimes appearing white, these halos often exhibit a full spectrum of colors from the light spectrum, thanks to the collective reflection of millions of crystals directing light in a specialized manner.
This celestial display over Karachi’s skies not only captivates with its natural beauty but also serves as a reminder of the intricate physics of light and atmospheric optics.