Parhelion (Noun)
Meaning
A bright spot on the parhelic circle; caused by diffraction by ice crystals; "two or more parhelia are usually seen at once".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The photographer was thrilled to capture a rare photo of a parhelion, a bright spot in the parhelic circle, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
- A faint parhelion was visible on either side of the sun, a beautiful optical phenomenon that was a delight to behold on this winter morning.
- Aurora borealis was accompanied by a brilliant parhelion that shone brightly in the polar skies, a real treat for sky gazers and scientists alike.
- While observing the ice halos around the sun, the meteorologist noticed a stunning example of a parhelion, which he quickly noted in his journal for further study.
- Travelers to the Arctic Circle often report seeing a parhelion, or two or more, while taking in the breathtaking polar landscapes of snow and ice.