Parhelion sunlight phenomenon observed in Naha City and Urasoe City

Parhelion sunlight phenomenon observed in Naha City and Urasoe City

A parhelion appears as rainbows on both sides of the sun at 5:23 p.m. on February 11 in Makiminato, Urasoe City (photograph courtesy of Yumiko Ai)


February 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

On the evening of February 11, a light phenomenon in which light appears in the sky horizontal to the sun, called a “parhelion (genjitsu)”, was observed in Naha City and Urasoe City.

The light appearing to both sides of the sun made it seem as though there were three suns, and with the light on the right side shining white, red, and yellow, a wonderous scene sprawled across the sky.

According to the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, a parhelion is a phenomenon that occurs when sunlight hits ice particles in the clouds and refracts.

This was made possible on February 11 by cold air flowing into the upper stratum and thin clouds.

Given that the Meteorological Observatory did not make observaton of the phenomenon, a spokesperson mentioned it “cannot conclude that this was a parhelion”.

However, after several inquiries, a spokeperson said: “From the characteristics it is likely that this was a parhelion.

Similarly, a parhelion appears as a rainbow at the same height as the sun at 5:28 p.m. on February 11 in Irijima, Urasoe City (photograph courtesy of Yasuhide Matayoshi)

In view of the weather conditions it is not strange that this would occur”.

Translator’s note: The phenomenon called a parhelion is also commonly known as a “sundog”.

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

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