Circumscribed Halo, The Netherlands - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Circumscribed Halo: A Spectacular Atmospheric Optics Phenomenon in the Netherlands

The Netherlands recently experienced a mesmerizing display of atmospheric optics known as the circumscribed halo. This captivating phenomenon was captured by Marion Glas, who expertly documented the celestial spectacle. The image showcases several distinct features, including the inner circular halo, the faint parhelic circle, and the outer baggy halo, which is the circumscribed halo itself.

The inner circular halo, commonly referred to as the 22° halo, is a well-known atmospheric optical phenomenon. It forms a perfect circle around the sun at an angle of 22 degrees. In Marion Glas's image, we can observe this halo encircled by the circumscribed halo, which appears as a baggy shape surrounding the 22° halo. The circumscribed halo tangentially intersects the 22° halo directly above and below the sun.

During sunrise, another captivating feature becomes visible: symmetrical upper and lower tangent arcs. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the upper tangent arc starts to droop over the 22° halo, creating an awe-inspiring visual effect. Once the sun reaches an angle of 29 degrees, the tangent arcs merge with the circumscribed halo, resulting in a tighter and more defined shape around the 22° halo. At this point, it becomes challenging to distinguish between the two halos due to their close proximity.

The formation of the circumscribed halo is attributed to singly oriented column crystals in the atmosphere. These ice crystals play a crucial role in creating this remarkable optical phenomenon. As light passes through these crystals, it undergoes various refractions and reflections, leading to the formation of halos. In the case of the circumscribed halo, the orientation of the column crystals is crucial in determining its appearance.

The Netherlands' occurrence of the circumscribed halo is truly a sight to behold. It showcases the intricacies of atmospheric optics and highlights the beauty of natural phenomena. By capturing this phenomenon, Marion Glas has provided us with a rare glimpse into the wonders of the sky.

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In conclusion, the circumscribed halo observed over The Netherlands is a captivating atmospheric optics phenomenon. It consists of the familiar 22° halo surrounded by the outer baggy halo, which is the circumscribed halo itself. As the sun rises, tangent arcs form and eventually merge with the circumscribed halo, creating a stunning visual display. The formation of the circumscribed halo is attributed to singly oriented column crystals in the atmosphere. Marion Glas's photograph beautifully captures this celestial spectacle, allowing us to appreciate the wonders of atmospheric optics.

Circumscribed Halo

Imaged by Marion Glas during the recent intense halo display over The Netherlands.

The inner circular halo is the familiar 22° halo. A faint parhelic circle cuts across it and the sun.

The outer baggy halo is the circumscribed. It is tangent to the 22° halo directly above and below the sun

Image ©Marion Glas

At sunrise there are symmetrical upper and lower tangent arcs. As the sun climbs the upper one's wings increasingly droop low over the 22° halo.

Come 29° and the tangent arcs fuse into the circumscribed halo. It tightens around the 22° halo and at high sun the two can be hard to distinguish.

Singly oriented column crystals make it.

Note: this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. You can find the original article here.

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