Outstanding Halo Display, Germany - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Outstanding Halo Display, Germany - OPOD

On January 30th, 2014, atmospheric optics experts Claudia and Wolfgang Hinz were treated to an extraordinary halo display in the Fichtelbergbahn area of the Ore Mountains in Germany. This rare event showcased some of the most exceptional halos ever witnessed outside of Antarctica. The Hinz couple captured a series of breathtaking images, a sample of which is presented here. These unedited photographs promise even more wonders as they are edited and analyzed.

A Halo Spectacle Beyond Imagination

The outstanding halo display in Germany featured a multitude of rare and stunning phenomena. Among the highlights were the Parry supralateral and infralateral arcs, which are exceedingly uncommon. Unlike most occurrences where these arcs merely brighten the other halos, they appeared in their full forms. The display also showcased helic arcs curving from the sun, with hints of a right-hand upper Lowitz arc and a Moilanen arc. Moreover, the Parry, infralateral, supernatural arcs, and the 46° halo, typically regarded as rare themselves, were almost commonplace during this extraordinary event.

Unveiling the Crown Jewels of Halos

The near zenith centred view provided a glimpse of some truly remarkable halo rarities. This section of the sky revealed complex ray paths resulting from near optically perfect singly oriented and Parry oriented column crystals. The Hastings and Wegener arcs were enhanced to better showcase their beauty. However, for the other halos, the original untouched images provided a more accurate representation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the halo display was the helic arc. Formed through internal and external reflections off Parry columns, this arc looped through the sun and extended towards the zenith. Tangent to it was the rare antisolar arc, which also originated from Parry columns but involved an additional internal reflection from a column end face. The ray paths of the antisolar arc were particularly intricate and added to the complexity of the event.

Exploring the Halo Details

The outstanding halo display in Germany captivated Claudia and Wolfgang Hinz, as well as anyone who had the opportunity to witness it. The images captured during this event serve as a testament to the beauty and diversity of atmospheric optics. Here are some additional details about the halos observed during this exceptional display:

• The parhelic circle, encircling the horizon, featured numerous 120° parhelia. Crossed by tricker arcs at the anthelic point opposite the sun, the parhelic circle also displayed diffuse arcs below it. The Parry crystal antisolar arc gracefully descended in a loop, while the helic arc ran tangent to it from the top.
• The Hastings and Wegener arcs gracefully curved downwards towards the anthelic point, accompanied by a faint subhelic arc crossing them.
• The elusive blue spot, where color-dependent total internal reflection ceased in the crystals, was observed adjacent to the 120° parhelion on the parhelic circle. Blue hues persisted longer in this area, adding an extra touch of enchantment to the halo display.

The Legacy of Claudia and Wolfgang Hinz

Claudia and Wolfgang Hinz's documentation of this outstanding halo display in Germany has left an indelible mark on atmospheric optics. Their dedication to capturing and sharing these rare phenomena has enriched our understanding of the natural wonders that occur in our skies. The images they have shared offer a glimpse into a world that often goes unnoticed, reminding us of the immense beauty and complexity of our atmosphere.

In conclusion, the exceptional halo display witnessed by Claudia and Wolfgang Hinz in Germany on January 30th, 2014, was a testament to the incredible diversity and splendor of atmospheric optics. The rare halos, intricate ray paths, and vibrant colors on display left observers in awe. Thanks to the Hinz couple's dedication and skill, we are fortunate to have these remarkable images that capture the essence of this extraordinary event. The legacy of their work will continue to inspire and educate future generations about the wonders of our atmosphere.

Be careful what you wish for! ~ Atmospheric optics experts Claudia & Wolfang Hinz witnessed one of the finest halo displays ever seen outside of Antarctica on 30th January '14. They were in the Fichtelbergbahn area of the Ore Mountains in the east of Germany. The rarest halos were present. Life for a halo observer must surely be an anticlimax after this. All images ©Claudia & Wolfgang Hinz, shown with permission

These images (just a sample of the total) are unedited and we can expect more wonders as they edit and analyse them.

That at top looks sunward through the diamond dust. At right I have made a colour subtraction enhancement - not that one is needed.

Note all four(!) of the exceeding rare Parry supralateral and infralateral (Tape) arcs. At most these are usually only a brightening on the other arcs, here we see their full forms.

Helic arcs curve from the sun. There is a trace of a right-hand upper Lowitz arc and a Moilanen arc.

Beside all that the Parry, infralateral, supernatural arcs and 46° halo are almost commonplace.

See here for more details of the halos.

Below: The near zenith centred view shows some of the crown jewels - even greater halo rarities.

This is the sky region of complex ray paths through near optically perfect singly oriented and Parry oriented column crystals.

At right is an enhancement better to show the Hastings and Wegener arcs but for the other halos the original untouched image is better.

The helic arc from internal and external reflections off Parry columns loops through the sun and then out to near the zenith. Tangent to it is the rare antisolar arc (again from Parry columns). It is related to the helic arc but with an additional internal reflection from a column end face. However, some of its ray paths are very complicated.

For more details of all these halos see pages following this one.

Ray paths for the Wegener arc (singly oriented columns) and the rarer Hastings arc (Parry columns)

Above: This image alone deserves an entire essay.

The lower arc around the horizon is the parhelic circle studded with 120° parhelia. Tricker arcs cross it at the anthelic point opposite the sun with diffuse arcs spilling below. We see the downward loop of the (Parry crystal) antisolar arc and tangent to it at top the helic arc.

The Hastings and Wegener arcs curve downwards to the anthelic point. Crossing them is a faint subhelic arc.

Compare this image with one at the South Pole where the halos are labelled and described.

Right: A close-up of the 120° parhelion on the parhelic circle.

To its right (arrowed) is the elusive blue spot where colour dependent total internal reflection in the crystals ceases. Blue lasts longest.

Above: This image alone deserve

Claudia and Wolfgang in the sky with diamonds.

A rare Parry infralateral (Tape) arc blazes.

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