Rare Solar Halo in Saudi Arabia Mistaken for Doomsday: Experts Clarify Natural Phenomenon
On Thursday morning, residents of Aseer in Saudi Arabia were treated to a breathtaking sight — a rare solar halo forming a perfect, translucent ring around the sun. The extraordinary phenomenon quickly went viral after a video surfaced online showing a man speaking in Malayalam, claiming that the bright halo was a sign of an impending doomsday. The video stirred anxiety and confusion among many viewers worldwide.
However, leading scientists and weather experts were quick to step in and clarify the true nature of the phenomenon. According to meteorologists, what people witnessed was a natural atmospheric event called a solar halo, specifically a 22-degree halo, which is quite common but rarely observed in some parts of the world.
What Causes a Solar Halo?
The 22-degree halo occurs when sunlight passes through millions of tiny, hexagonal ice crystals suspended high up in cirrostratus clouds. These clouds form at altitudes above 20,000 feet, where temperatures are freezing. When sunlight enters and exits these ice crystals, it bends (or refracts) at a precise angle of 22 degrees, creating a large, luminous ring around the sun. Sometimes, the ring can also display faint rainbow-like colors due to dispersion of light.
As explained by Dr. Abdullah Al-Musa, a researcher and agricultural calendar specialist in the Asir region, “The 22 degrees mentioned refer to the radius of the halo from the sun, not the angle of light refraction. It is a pure optical phenomenon and carries no danger whatsoever to the Earth or humanity.”
This clarification debunks the viral claims suggesting apocalyptic meanings behind the solar halo. It is simply nature at work.
Similar Sightings Across the Region
Interestingly, a similar solar halo was observed over the United Arab Emirates just a few days later, on Saturday afternoon. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, noted that while such phenomena are well-documented, they are rare in the Gulf region because of the typically hot and dry weather conditions. Such climates do not often favor the formation of the thin, icy clouds needed for halos to appear.
“Despite their rarity here, solar halos are a known atmospheric event worldwide,” Al Jarwan stated. “They are beautiful, harmless, and should not be feared.”
Experts Urge Public to Stay Calm
Khadija Al Hariri, operations manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, also spoke out to dispel myths. She emphasized that the solar halo is not related to solar storms, earthquakes, or any other forms of natural disaster. “The sun halos are simply caused by ice crystals in the Earth’s atmosphere bending sunlight. They are entirely natural and pose no threat whatsoever,” she said.
She further encouraged people to admire such natural spectacles but to verify information before spreading panic online.
Solar Halos in India and Beyond
Solar halos are not new to observers worldwide. In recent years, cities across India including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Prayagraj have also reported sightings of stunning solar halos. On each occasion, social media was flooded with images and videos, some filled with awe and wonder, while others were shadowed by fear due to misunderstanding.
In May 2021, residents in Bengaluru captured incredible images of a bright halo around the sun that lasted for over an hour, sparking both scientific interest and widespread curiosity. Experts at the time quickly educated the public, stressing that while rare, these halos are part of normal weather phenomena and not signs of any forthcoming disasters.
Why We Mistake Natural Events for Warnings
Throughout history, humans have often looked to the skies for signs of change or doom. Celestial phenomena like eclipses, comets, and halos have been interpreted in various cultures as harbingers of major events. Today, however, science allows us to understand these events in a rational, evidence-based way.
Experts stress that public education plays a critical role in ensuring that natural wonders like solar halos are appreciated for their beauty rather than feared as ominous warnings.
The Beauty of the Natural World
While the sight of a solar halo can be mesmerizing, it’s important to appreciate it for what it truly is — a stunning, natural optical illusion created by the unique interaction of light and ice in the atmosphere. It reminds us of the incredible and often overlooked beauty surrounding us every day.
By relying on scientific understanding rather than superstition or viral misinformation, we can enjoy these rare moments with awe and gratitude instead of fear.
In conclusion, the solar halo seen over Saudi Arabia is a powerful example of nature’s artistry. Experts urge the public to marvel at such phenomena, trust verified information, and continue exploring the wonders of the world around us with curiosity and wonder — not fear.
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