A curious phenomenon formed in the sky of Mexico last Monday (4). The “solar halo” is an optical event that occurs in the atmosphere and creates the impression of a rainbow around the Sun.
According to information from meteorologist Josélia Pegorim, from Climatempo, the phenomenon “only forms if the solar disk is surrounded by a layer of high clouds of the Cirrostratus type”.
This type of cloud is located at an altitude of 6km to 10km and is formed by small ice crystals in a hexagonal shape.
Thus, when the sun’s rays meet them, the phenomenon of refraction occurs and white light is separated into different colors.
According to experts, halo is a common phenomenon and can occur anywhere if there are appropriate conditions.
Although the solar halo is easier to see, the same can happen with the Moon – in this case, it is called a “lunar halo”.
“In some situations, the presence of the solar (lunar) halo may precede a storm because it is common for high cloud cover to appear before the arrival of heavy clouds that cause heavy rain, with lightning and gusts of wind. However, many high clouds can also arise when there is a strong divergence of winds at the highest levels of the atmosphere”, explains Pegorim.
Source: CNN Brasil
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