Halos: Light Shows in the Sky

light · ice crystals · optical illusion · sky phenomenon

Ice crystals act like tiny mirrors. When ice crystals are suspended high up in the atmosphere, they bend and bounce light in special ways. This creates beautiful rings and arcs that appear to surround the Sun or Moon.

Sun dogs are mini suns. One of the most famous halos is called sun dogs (also known as parhelia). They look like bright spots or extra suns on either side of the real Sun, created when light passes through ice crystals at just the right angle.

Halos come in many shapes. The sky can display circular rings, light pillars that shoot straight up, colorful arcs, and even mysterious spots in parts of the sky you wouldn't expect. Each shape depends on the size and angle of the ice crystals.

The Moon creates halos too. Halos aren't just for the Sun. When moonlight reflects through ice crystals on clear nights, it can create the same beautiful rings and arcs around the Moon.

Some are rare and special. While circular halos and sun dogs appear fairly often, many other types of halos are extremely rare. Some people spend years watching the sky hoping to spot unusual halo formations.