NEWS – A rare celestial phenomenon known as a “double sun halo” was witnessed in the skies over Ladakh recently

HIGHLIGHTS

What is a Double Sun Halo?

• Variation of the 22-degree halo
• Two visible halos: inner (22 degrees) and outer (46 degrees)
• Formation due to ice crystal shapes and orientation

Formation of Double Sun Halo

• Role of ice crystals in cirrus clouds
• Hexagonal shape acting as natural prisms
• Refraction and reflection of sunlight creating halos
• Alignment of crystals for inner and outer halos

Significance and Observations

• Breathtaking spectacle witnessed in Ladakh
• Astronomical and scientific significance
• Insights into atmospheric conditions and ice crystal properties
• Potential for improving weather forecasting and atmospheric optics understanding