Citizens in Nagpur, on Wednesday, witnessed a rare celestial phenomenon early afternoon. The optical phenomenon called ‘Lunar or Sun Halo’, a bright rainbow-coloured ring around the Sun, was also witnessed in neighbouring districts like Chandrapur, Gondia and Wardha. According to Prof Suresh Chopane, a Chandrapur-based Astronomy expert, “A rare optic phenomenon, the ‘Sun Halo’ or ‘22 degree halo’ appears like a rainbow encircling the sun or moon at a radius of approximately 22 degrees. It occurs due to sunlight refracting in millions of hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. It takes the form of a ring with a radius of approximately 22 degrees around the sun or the moon. Circular halos specifically are produced by cirrus clouds, which are thin, detached, hair-like clouds.” Nagpurians were left marvelling as the ‘halo’ appeared suddenly around the sun on Wednesday.

 

The photos of the celestial phenomenon spread on social media like a wild fire. Many citizens came out, witnessed and recorded the unusual visual spectacle on their mobile phones and shared it on the social media. Prof Chopane said, the celestial phenomenon took place in Chandrapur couple of times earlier, mainly during last week of May. Whereas this celestial event was new for people of Nagpur. “This celestial phenomenon indicates some extreme weather events like thunderstorm and heavy rains.

 

Though it is indicating upcoming extreme weather events, there is no need to panic as it may happen 2-3 times in a year,” said Prof Chopane. Mentioning about Brihat Samhita, an ancient Indian encyclopaedia of astronomy and astrology written by Varahamihira, the renowned Astro Meteorologist Dr Mukund Moholkar said, “Lunar Halo is indicating some extreme weather activity in coming days in the region. If this celestial phenomenon remains for three hours, then as per ‘Brihat Samhita’, the extreme weather activity will take place within three days in the region.” Nagpur district may witness heavy rains, thunderstorm with hailstorm in the next three days.

 

The Weather Department has also predicted thunderstorm for the week, informed Dr Moholkar while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the thunderstorm activity will take place in next few days across Vidarbha and possibility of light to moderate rains is also there.