A Mesmerizing Midday Miracle

SINGAPORE – On August 25, a stunning ring of light graced the skyline of Singapore around noon, captivating citizens of all ages. This breathtaking natural phenomenon, known as a sun halo, had many hastily pulling out their cameras to capture the moment and share it online.

What Causes This Enchanting Halo?

A sun halo forms when sunlight interacts with ice crystals high in the atmosphere. These crystals, unlike typical water droplets, are composed of ice due to their elevated position. The result? A mesmerizing optical display that few get to witness firsthand.

Social Media Buzz!

Photos of the sun halo quickly spread across social media, prompting many netizens to urge others to step outside for a glimpse. One excited TikTok user enthusiastically advised, "Don’t miss it, guys! Go out and watch it (with) sunglasses!" While the halo is safe to admire, the National Environment Agency (NEA) cautioned that looking directly at the sun without proper eyewear can be harmful.

Personal Stories: Emotions and Memories

Among those who experienced the halo was Ms. Natalie Neo, who spotted it while working from home on Farrer Road. This was her first encounter with such a remarkable sight, and she felt profoundly grateful: "I felt blessed that I was able to see something like that!" said the 34-year-old finance professional.

Mr. Ow Yong Weng Leong shared a poignant moment as he noticed the halo in town around 1 PM. For him, seeing this natural spectacle evoked cherished memories of his grandmother. "Today is granny’s lunar birthday... Our family knows she is looking over us from heaven, with her trademark smile," he fondly recalled.

Science Behind the Magic

According to Professor Matthias Roth from the National University of Singapore, the halo appears when light enters one side of an ice crystal and exits through another, bending about 22 degrees. This bending light creates the halo, with its distinct radius.

A Rare Sight in Singapore

The NEA noted that sun halos are not a common occurrence in Singapore due to the frequent presence of low to mid-level clouds. Additionally, predicting the precise location of the ice crystals necessary for the formation of halos remains a challenge. The last reported halo sighting happened on March 15.

Residents were left in awe of this extraordinary spectacle, reminding us all of the natural wonders our world has to offer!