Nov 4, 2011

Captivating Solar Phenomenon Seen by Many

Solar halo portends high temperatures to come

CAMPO GRANDE, Moto Grosso do Sul – A phenomenon known as a solar halo, a sort of rainbow encircling the sun, was seen early on Friday in some cities in the northern part of the state, such as Costa Rica and Chapadão do Sul.

Solar Halo seen in Northern Moto Grosso do Sul Friday 04 November 2011

Solar Halo (photo: g1.globo.com)

According to Natálio Abraão, a meteorologist and coordinator of the Meteorological Station Uniderp/Anhanguera, this phenomenon arises in the presence of cirri-stratus clouds, and are formed by ice crystals between 3 and 6 miles high, in the troposphere.

The meteorologist explains that when the sun's rays focus in these ice crystals, the sunlight breaks down into the colors of the rainbow, forming the colorful circle around the sun.

Also according to Abraão, this phenomenon is not as rare as one might think. He goes on to say that the appearance of these clouds indicates that temperatures should be high in the coming days.

According to Wikipedia, atmospheric phenomena such as halos were used as part of weather lore as empirical means of weather forecasting before meteorology was developed.

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