Wales Pyramidal Halo

Last updated on September 16, 2023

The Enigmatic Beauty of the Wales Pyramidal Halo

Have you ever looked up at the sky and been captivated by the sight of a halo encircling the sun or moon? These optical phenomena, known as halos, often leave us in awe of the wonders of the natural world. One such mesmerizing halo, known as the Wales Pyramidal Halo, was recently captured in all its glory near Bangor, North Wales. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating atmospheric spectacle and unravel its mysteries.

Unveiling the Elements of the Halo

The Wales Pyramidal Halo consists of two distinct rings: an outer circular ring and an inner halo. The outer ring, with a radius of approximately 22 degrees, is a common occurrence caused by randomly oriented ice crystals in cirrus clouds. These crystals are typically hexagonal prisms with flat ends perpendicular to the prism side faces.

However, it is the inner halo that sets the Wales Pyramidal Halo apart. With a radius of about 9 degrees, this inner halo is formed by pyramidal ice crystals. Unlike the typical hexagonal prisms, these crystals have hexagonal pyramids as their end caps. The presence of these additional faces, numbering up to 20, provides alternate paths for light rays and gives rise to a range of "odd radius" halos.

Unraveling the Formation Process

To understand how the 9-degree halo is formed, we must examine the interaction between light rays and the pyramidal ice crystals. Rays of light pass between one of the original prism side faces and an opposite pyramidal face, creating the inner halo. The inclination of these two faces is approximately 28 degrees, in contrast to the 60-degree inclination that produces the outer 22-degree halo.

The Intriguing Variety of Halos

The presence of pyramidal ice crystals introduces an element of unpredictability to the appearance of halos. When these crystals are present, outer halos can manifest in a variety of radii, ranging from 20 to 24 degrees. This variability adds to the allure and mystique of the Wales Pyramidal Halo, as each sighting can be a unique and rare occurrence.

Exploring the Ephemeral Beauty

The Wales Pyramidal Halo, like many atmospheric optical phenomena, is a transient spectacle. It is often a fleeting moment that demands our attention and appreciation. To witness such a halo is to glimpse into the intricate workings of nature's artistic canvas. The interplay of light and ice crystals creates a breathtaking display that reminds us of the immense beauty that surrounds us.

A Glimpse into Atmospheric Optics

The Wales Pyramidal Halo serves as a gateway to exploring the vast realm of atmospheric optics. It highlights the complexities and nuances that contribute to the formation of these mesmerizing phenomena. By studying halos and their various manifestations, scientists gain valuable insights into the physics of light and the behavior of ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Unleashing the Potential for Discovery

The study of halos, including the Wales Pyramidal Halo, is an ongoing endeavor that presents endless opportunities for scientific discovery. As researchers delve deeper into the intricacies of ice crystal formation and light scattering, new insights emerge, unraveling the secrets behind these ethereal displays. Each observation, such as the one captured near Bangor, North Wales, adds another piece to the puzzle, bringing us closer to a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric optics.

Embracing Wonder and Curiosity

The Wales Pyramidal Halo invites us to embrace our innate sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us. It encourages us to look up at the sky with awe and appreciation, recognizing that even in the seemingly ordinary, extraordinary beauty can be found. Whether it's the delicate interplay of light and ice crystals or the enigmatic dance of atmospheric phenomena, there is always something captivating waiting to be discovered.

A Reminder of Nature's Artistry

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, the Wales Pyramidal Halo serves as a gentle reminder to pause, look up, and marvel at the intricate tapestry woven by nature. It reminds us to take a moment to appreciate the fleeting beauty that surrounds us and to find solace in the ever-changing sky above. The Wales Pyramidal Halo is a testament to the boundless wonders that await those who dare to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

Embracing the Mysteries Above

As we gaze upon the Wales Pyramidal Halo, we are reminded of the vastness of our universe and the mysteries that lie beyond our reach. It encourages us to keep exploring, to keep seeking answers, and to never lose our sense of wonder. The enigmatic beauty of the Wales Pyramidal Halo beckons us to continue our journey of discovery, both within ourselves and in the vast expanse of the cosmos.

Welsh Pyramidal Halo - Imaged this morning (July 13) near Bangor, North Wales by Graham A Stephen. ©Graham A Stephen, shown with permission.

The outer circular ring is probably.. a common or garden 22� halo from poorly or randomly oriented ice crystals in the cirrus cloud.

The inner halo is a rarer 9� radius halo produced by pyramidal ice crystals.

Most cloud crystals are varieties of hexagonal prisms with flat ends perpendicular to the prism side faces. But sometimes the crystals are capped instead by hexagonal pyramids. The additional faces (up to 20) offer extra routes for light rays and can produce a number of extra �odd radius� halos.

The 9� halo is formed by rays passing between one of the �original� prism side faces and an opposite pyramidal face. The two faces are inclined equivalent to a prism of angle 28�. This compares with the 60� inclination that yields the outer 22� halo.

..Probably � When pyramidal crystals are about, outer halos can be one or combinations of 20,22, 23 and 24 degree radius halos!

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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