Weather & Radar
Home / Weather News /

Incredible ice halos appear in Germany: A sky spectacle

04:16 PM
December 13, 2023

A sky spectacle
Incredible ice halos appear in Germany

Ice fog in Füssen, Germany.© @bastianw.de via Instagram

Have you ever looked up and seen a bright ring or arc in the sky around the sun or moon? These are ice halos, a stunning natural light show that's both a marvel and a mystery to many.

Ice halos are created when sunlight or moonlight is refracted (bent), reflected, and dispersed by ice crystals in the atmosphere. These ice crystals, found in cirrus clouds high in the sky, act like tiny prisms and mirrors. Depending on how these crystals are oriented, they can produce various shapes of halos, from circular rings to bright spots and arcs.

In the United States, ice halos are more frequently observed in colder regions. The northern states such as Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire are prime spots for ice halo sightings, especially during the colder months. However, these atmospheric wonders aren't exclusive to the north. They can appear anywhere in the country, given the right conditions, like the presence of those ice-crystal-laden cirrus clouds.

ice fog 1ice fog 2ice fog 3ice fog 4
1/4

Ice halos usually occur at high altitudes, where the air is cold enough to form the ice crystals needed for this phenomenon. However, in rare instances, similar effects can be seen closer to the ground, especially when diamond dust is present. This phenomenon, involving small ice crystals near the ground, can create light pillars and effects similar to ice halos, as shown in the images above.

Send us your weather & nature photosread more

Ice halos are a fascinating intersection of weather and light physics. They remind us of the intricate and delicate balance of our atmosphere. So, next time you spot one of these ethereal rings or arcs, take a moment to appreciate this splendid display of nature's artistry and -wink, wink- send us a photo. We would love to see it!

Federico Di Catarina
More on the topic
Saturday, May 3, 2025

May astronomy outlook

Meteor shower and the Flower Moon
Happy Earth Day
Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Employ renewable energy

Earth Day 2025 - Our Power, Our Planet
Man sits with telescope looking up at the Milky Way.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025

April astronomy outlook

A micromoon & the oldest known meteors
All weather news
This might also interest you
Sunday, May 18, 2025

London, Ky.

Violent tornado hits, over a dozen dead
Friday, May 16, 2025

Breakfast Brief

Severe weather outbreak on the way
Saturday, May 17, 2025

You can be ready

When severe storms strike...
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info