OPOD - Canada Halos

Last updated on September 16, 2023

OPOD - Canada Halos: A Captivating Display of Atmospheric Optics

The stunning photographs captured by Ian Cameron, a talented photographer, depict a mesmerizing phenomenon known as halos in the skies of Fernie, Canada. These awe-inspiring images were taken early in the morning while skiing in the mountains of Fernie. The display of halos became increasingly remarkable, with multiple halos adorning the sky and the diffused sun casting shadows on the treeline. The photographs were captured with a high-end compact camera, showcasing the beauty of this natural spectacle.

Halos are optical phenomena caused by the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. In this particular display, a vibrant 22° halo arcs over the treeline, created by randomly oriented ice crystals. Adjacent to the top of the halo, an upper tangent arc can be observed. This arc is formed by hexagonal column crystals drifting with their long axes nearly horizontal. Above the tangent arc, concave to the sun, a rare Parry arc can be seen. This unique feature is produced by column crystals with their long axes horizontal and two prism faces also horizontal.

The captivating display of halos in Fernie was brought about by diamond dust, which consists of tiny ice crystals drifting nearby. These ice crystals interacted with sunlight, creating a spectacle of vibrant colors and intricate formations in the sky. The images reveal individual crystal glints, resembling sparkling spots against the backdrop of the halo.

It is important to note that the images presented here have not undergone any additional processing. The lens used for capturing these photographs had a 35mm equivalent focal length, which means that a significant portion of the 22° halo and other halos may not be fully shown. Nonetheless, even with this limitation, the halos appeared intensely colorful and left spectators in awe.

Halos are a common atmospheric optical phenomenon that can occur under various weather conditions. They are not exclusive to specific regions or climates. However, the conditions necessary for their formation, such as the presence of ice crystals in the atmosphere, can vary. In this case, the combination of cold temperatures and diamond dust created the perfect environment for the formation of these striking halos in the skies of Fernie.

The beauty of halos lies in their ephemeral nature. They can appear and disappear quickly, leaving spectators amazed and enchanted by their transient presence. The presence of multiple halos in a single display, as seen in these photographs, is relatively rare and adds to the uniqueness of the event.

The images captured by Ian Cameron not only showcase the natural beauty of atmospheric optics but also serve as a reminder of the wonders that surround us. The intricate formations and vibrant colors of the halos in Fernie's skies evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the extraordinary phenomena that can occur in our atmosphere.

In conclusion, the photographs of halos captured in Fernie, Canada, provide a captivating glimpse into the world of atmospheric optics. These natural phenomena, caused by the interaction of sunlight with ice crystals, create a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and intricate formations in the sky. The rarity of multiple halos appearing together adds to the enchantment of the event. These images serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the natural world and inspire us to appreciate and marvel at the wonders that surround us.

Halos at Fernie, Canada ~ By Ian Cameron, transientlight photography. "The images were taken with a high end compact camera with considerable incredulity and awe whilst skiing in the mountains high up in the resort of Fernie first thing after the lifts opened approx. 9.30am in early Feb 2012. The display got better and better with multiple halos while a diffused sun spread shadows of the treeline. There is no additional processing on the main image. The lens used was 35mm equivalent so a considerable proportion of the 22° halo and others are not shown. Nevertheless they were intensely colourful and several skiers who also stopped in wonder exclaimed that they had clearly died and gone to heaven." Images ©Ian Cameron, shown with permission.

A colourful 22° halo from randomly oriented ice crystals arches over the treeline. Touching its top is an upper tangent arc produced by hexagonal column crystals drifting with their long axes nearly horizontal. Above the tangent arc and concave to the sun is a rare Parry arc. Its progenitors were column crystals oriented with long axes horizontal and two prism faces horizontal.

Diamond dust, ice crystals drifting nearby, produced the display. The 'spots' on the top image are individual crystal glints.

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