Watch: Rare sun halo dazzles KZN skies
Residents in northern Natal paused to capture a vivid 22-degree halo, a fleeting atmospheric display that often hints at shifting weather ahead.
A rare sun halo was on display for Ballito and Vryheid residents today, drawing eyes skyward to witness a striking ring of light around the sun.
North Coast Courier reports that, according to the South African Weather Service, a sun halo forms when sunlight is refracted by tiny ice crystals suspended in high-level cirrus clouds.
These thin, wispy clouds sit more than 6 000m above the Earth and contain ice rather than water droplets, creating the ideal conditions for the natural spectacle.
The luminous ring is known scientifically as a 22-degree halo, named for the angle at which sunlight bends as it passes through six-sided ice crystals. As the light enters and exits the crystals, it is dispersed into its component colours, often producing a subtle rainbow-like glow around the circle.
Sun halos are relatively uncommon and tend to catch people by surprise, often prompting a flurry of photographs and social media posts. While visually striking, the phenomenon is completely harmless.
Weather experts note that halos can sometimes indicate a shift in weather patterns. Cirrus clouds frequently form ahead of approaching rain or storm systems, meaning today’s spectacle may signal changing conditions later in the week.
Vryheid residents also stopped in their tracks to witness the bright circular halo this morning and shared photos on social media.
Northern Natal News reports that while the display looked almost otherworldly above town, experts confirmed that it’s a well-understood natural event known as a 22-degree halo.
Residents capture the moment
Residents across Vryheid, from the CBD to Bhekuzulu, reported the halo appearing shortly after 10:00. Many described the ring as ‘rainbow-like’ and ‘perfectly round’.
Although the sight drew plenty of excitement, meteorologists caution that people should never look directly at the sun when trying to photograph a halo.
Watch the video published by Northern Natal News:
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
