Solar Halo Appears in Singapore: What You Need to Know
On August 25th, a striking solar halo graced the skies of Singapore, prompting widespread interest and questions. What exactly is this phenomenon, how often does it occur, and is it safe to observe? Let's delve into the details.
What is a Solar Halo?
When we look up at the sky, we typically see white clouds, the sun, or the blue sky. The sky appears blue because the atmosphere filters out other colors from sunlight. A solar halo occurs when sunlight passes through a filter of tiny ice crystals high in the atmosphere, specifically within special, high-altitude clouds. These ice crystals bend the sunlight, creating a ring around the sun.
The Science Behind the Halo
The halo appears when the ice crystals are shaped and aligned correctly to bend the light. The most common type is the 22° halo, which was observed on August 25th. This means the ring is approximately 22 degrees away from the sun, which is the angle at which the light is bent. Therefore, the solar halo is a natural optical phenomenon, not a portal for spirits.
Frequency of Solar Halos
Solar halos are not entirely uncommon, but they often go unnoticed. The high-altitude clouds responsible for the halo can be obscured by lower, more common cloud formations. This makes the appearance of a clearly visible solar halo a relatively rare and noteworthy event. For example, a solar halo was observed in March of the same year and photographed by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While predicting their occurrence is difficult, news outlets like Mothership often report them quickly.
How to Observe a Solar Halo Safely
While the solar halo itself is safe to look at, it is crucial not to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. The sun's rays remain just as intense, even with the halo present. To observe the solar halo safely, consider using your phone's camera to view and capture the phenomenon, rather than looking directly at it with your eyes.
Conclusion
The solar halo that appeared on August 25th was a beautiful and fascinating natural event. Although they occur occasionally, they are often hidden by cloud cover making sightings relatively rare. Remember to protect your eyes when observing this or any other solar phenomenon.