SINGAPORE – A Magical Spectacle

If you happened to glance upward around noon on March 15, you may have witnessed a magical spectacle: a stunning sun halo encircling the sun, captivating residents and prompting a flurry of social media posts!

Captivating Sight Across the Island

This extraordinary phenomenon, spotted around 11 AM, quickly garnered attention, with photos cascading across various platforms as people from all corners of the island, including the picturesque Chinese Garden, bustling Woodlands, delightful Serangoon Gardens, and serene Bedok shared their captures from 11 AM to 3 PM.

A Moment Shared by Leaders

Among the enthusiastic photographers was Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who shared his own photo of the breathtaking display on Facebook at approximately 2:40 PM. "A rare and spectacular sight in the skies above! I am told that this phenomenon is known as a 22-degree halo or a sun halo," he remarked, echoing the amazement of many.

The Science Behind the Halo

So what exactly causes a sun halo? Inspired by the interplay of sunlight and ice crystals high in the atmosphere, this optical wonder appears when conditions are just right. These crystals, formed in thin, icy clouds, bend sunlight at a specific angle, resulting in the iconic 22-degree radius of the halo.

Professor Matthias Roth, a geography lecturer at the National University of Singapore, explained, "As light enters one face of the ice crystals and exits through another, it is bent by about 22 degrees, which accounts for the radius of the halo."

Rarity of Sun Halos in Singapore

Interestingly, sun halos are not a common sight in Singapore, primarily because low to mid-level clouds usually inhibit their formation. The National Environment Agency notes that predicting where these ice crystals might be present in the atmosphere is challenging, which makes the appearance of a sun halo even more special.

Safety First!

While it's perfectly safe to admire the halo itself with your naked eye, the agency warns that looking directly at the sun without proper protection can be harmful. So, gather your friends and prepare for a day outside during such incredible phenomena, but remember to wear sunglasses when looking toward the sun!

A Beautiful Surprise

This remarkable event isn't without precedent; a similar sun halo graced Singapore's skies on September 22, 2020. As residents keep their eyes peeled for the next celestial occurrence, one thing is certain: nature has a way of surprising us with its beauty, making ordinary days anything but ordinary. Don't miss the chance to witness such wonders whenever they arise!