On Tuesday afternoon, Hong Kong was treated to a breathtaking natural phenomenon: a stunning solar halo that encircled the sun, captivating onlookers across the city. This rare meteorological marvel, spotted prominently over Tsim Sha Tsui, sparked excitement and wonder, with dozens of residents sharing their awe-inspiring photos and experiences on social media.
The Hong Kong Observatory captured the ethereal display at noon, posting striking images from its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters. The circular band of light, glowing softly against the sky, prompted the Observatory to invite the public to share their own glimpses of this celestial spectacle. The response was overwhelming, as people from various corners of the city posted their views of the halo, marveling at its beauty and rarity.
According to Jennifer Yip Ling, a scientific officer at the Observatory, solar halos occur when sunlight interacts with ice crystals suspended in high-altitude clouds, typically between 23,000 and 40,000 feet (7,010 to 12,192 meters) above the ground. These translucent clouds, often composed of aggregated ice crystals, refract or reflect sunlight to create the halo’s signature ring-like effect. “High clouds are required, and sunlight needs to shine through the layers of ice crystals,” Yip explained.
Tuesday’s halo, observed at noon and again at 1 pm, was classified as a “small halo” with an angular radius of 22 degrees. It featured a delicate pale red lining and, at times, a subtle purple aura, adding to its otherworldly charm. Yip noted that while small halos are more common, a rarer “large halo” with a 46-degree radius can also occur, though it is dimmer and less frequently seen in Hong Kong.
The phenomenon was made even more spectacular by the occasional appearance of “sundogs,” bright spots resembling miniature suns that sometimes accompany halos. These vibrant patches of light, caused by the same ice crystal refraction, added an extra layer of magic to the display.
This wasn’t the first time Hong Kong residents have been treated to such a sight this month, as the halo has made several appearances in recent weeks. Each occurrence has reignited fascination with this natural wonder, which can form year-round when atmospheric conditions align perfectly.
However, Yip cautioned that observing solar halos requires care. “Never look directly at the sun, as strong sunlight can cause blindness,” she warned, urging the public to protect their eyes while enjoying the phenomenon.
The solar halo’s fleeting appearance left Hong Kong buzzing with excitement, as residents marveled at the city’s brush with the cosmos. For a moment, the urban skyline was upstaged by a celestial masterpiece, reminding everyone of the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
