Many Estcourt residents were left amazed by the unusual appearance of the sun today (November 27). People took to social media, asking why the sun appeared to be surrounded by a bright ring.

So, what exactly was happening?

According to weather experts, a halo around the sun occurs when sunlight passes through millions of tiny ice crystals found in high-altitude cirrus clouds. These crystals, which are often shaped like hexagons, bend and refract the sunlight at a 22-degree angle. This bending of light creates the bright circular ring, known as a 22-degree halo, that can be seen around the sun.

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Should we be worried?

This natural phenomenon is harmless and fairly common, but it always leaves people in awe when it appears.

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