OPOD - Ice Fog Halos, Norway

Last updated on September 16, 2023

OPOD - Ice Fog Halos, Norway: A Captivating Display of Atmospheric Optics

Norway, known for its stunning natural landscapes, is also a prime location to witness captivating atmospheric optics phenomena. One such spectacle is the occurrence of ice fog halos, which were recently captured by Therese and Steinar Midtskogen in Oslo. These halos, formed by wobbly plate crystals in low-level ice fog, created an intense sub-horizon display that included a lower sun pillar and a colored arc linking a sundog and subparhelion.

The Intricate Beauty of Ice Fog Halos

Ice fog halos are a mesmerizing display of light bending and refraction in the atmosphere. When plate crystals suspended in low-level ice fog interact with sunlight, they create a range of optical effects that can be observed by keen observers. In this particular instance, the plate crystals glinted their light towards the camera, forming a striking sun pillar. Contrary to popular belief, sun pillars are not upward or downward "beams of light," but rather the result of light interacting with these suspended crystals.

Unveiling the Rare Moilanen Arc

In a time-lapse video by Steinar Midtskogen, an additional rare optical phenomenon called the Moilanen arc can be seen flickering back and forth into visibility. The Moilanen arc is a faint arc of light that appears below the sundog and is caused by the interaction of sunlight with horizontally oriented plate crystals. Its elusive nature adds to the intrigue and beauty of this atmospheric spectacle.

Dynamic Halos: Coming and Going with the Sun's Descent

As the sun slides downwards during a frosty December afternoon, the halos captured by Steinar Midtskogen's video demonstrate their dynamic nature. The halos can be seen appearing and disappearing, evolving alongside the changing position of the sun. This interplay between light and ice crystals creates a captivating show for those lucky enough to witness it.

Elongated Sundogs and Sub-Parhelia: A Continuous Arc of Beauty

The wobbly plate crystals responsible for the ice fog halos also produce elongated sundogs and sub-parhelia. Sundogs are bright spots that appear on either side of the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals. Sub-parhelia, on the other hand, are bright spots that form below the sun due to the same refraction process. In certain instances, these elongated sundogs and sub-parhelia can overlap, forming a continuous arc of ethereal beauty in the sky.

Appreciating the Wonder of Atmospheric Optics

Witnessing atmospheric optics phenomena, such as ice fog halos, Moilanen arcs, and elongated sundogs, reminds us of the awe-inspiring intricacies of nature. These phenomena serve as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our atmosphere, showcasing the interplay between light and atmospheric particles. By taking the time to observe and appreciate these natural wonders, we gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place within it.

Conclusion

The ice fog halos captured in Norway by Therese and Steinar Midtskogen provide a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of atmospheric optics. Through the interaction of sunlight with wobbly plate crystals in low-level ice fog, a breathtaking display unfolds, featuring a lower sun pillar, a colored arc linking a sundog and subparhelion, and even the elusive Moilanen arc. These phenomena serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our atmosphere, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of nature that surround us. So next time you find yourself in Norway on a frosty winter day, keep your eyes to the sky and prepare to be captivated by the ethereal dance of ice fog halos.

Ice Fog Halos

Therese Midtskogen captured these halos at Oslo. Wobbly plate crystals in low level ice fog produced intense sub-horizon halos - a lower sun pillar and, at right, the coloured arc linking sundog and subparhelion. In a time lapse video by Steinar Midtskogen a rare Moilanen arc flickers back and forth into visibility.

©Therese & Steinar Midtskogen.

Individual plate crystals glint their light towards the camera to form the sun pillar. Pillars are not - as too often stated - upwards and downward 'beams of light'!

Left: Steinar Midtskogen's video shows a rare Moilanen arc and halos coming and going as the sun slides downwards during a frosty December afternoon.

Right: Wobbly plate crystals produce elongated sundogs and sub-parhelia that can overlap to form a continuous arc.

Below the sun, the plates glint an intense lower sun pillar.

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