Where Did That Halo In The Sky Sunday Come From?
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Ro - did you see the "Halo" in the sky on Sunday? –Mike Davich, Pleasanton
A: You bet! And I snapped a photo! Here's a better look:
I was working in my garden when I glanced up and saw the most tremendous and expansive halo! Many people have asked me about it, not quite sure what causes a halo to form around the sun or the moon. Many have asked, "does it mean there will be rain soon?"
Yes, there could be! High cirrus clouds often come before a storm. Sun or moon halos are a sign of high thin cirrus clouds. These clouds are usually 20,000 feet high in the sky (or higher).
Cirrus clouds can contain millions of tiny ice crystals. The halos you see are caused by both refraction and by reflection. As the sunlight shines through the ice crystals a halo can form. However, it's all about location, location, location! The tiny ice crystals need to be positioned perfectly with respect to your eyes, in order for the halo to appear. I received photos from people in the East Bay who saw the same halo, but people in San Francisco and San Jose did not.
What I found fascinating is that I was standing with two people when I saw the halo. One saw it brilliantly, while the other was not so overwhelmed. If I would have been on my game, I would have requested all three of us to shoot the same halo for comparison! Everyone sees their own halo created by their own ice crystals!
Oh yes, back to the halo and the reference to rain. There will be scattered light afternoon showers in the North Bay this afternoon and evening, then again another chance Friday and Saturday.
Did you see Sunday's Halo? I would love to hear from you! If you have a question, picture or comment please email me at: Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com
