A solar halo was spotted in the sky by residents across Macao yesterday, according to multiple news sources.
Photos posted by the University of Macau and the Macao Meteorological Society on social media depict a large ring-like object surrounding the sun.
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (also known by its Portuguese initials SMG) issued a statement yesterday in response to the sightings, as well as others reported in recent days.
The department noted that solar halos are caused by ice crystals high up in the atmosphere that refract or reflect sunlight, which causes the appearance of a ring or arc.
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It also pointed out that there are many different types of solar halos, including a 22-degree halo, which is the most common variety, as well as the rarer 46-degree halo, which is bigger and less visible.
SMG said that yesterday’s was a 22-degree halo and that a higher amount of ice crystals can cause the phenomenon to appear more clearly.
Macao was not the only place where a solar halo was visible, as neighbouring Hong Kong also reported multiple instances of the phenomenon in recent days.
