Prairie Halos - OPOD

Prairie Halos - A Mesmerizing Atmospheric Phenomenon

Have you ever witnessed the breathtaking beauty of prairie halos? These enchanting optical displays occur in the vast expanse of the Canadian prairies, where the interplay of light and ice crystals creates a mesmerizing spectacle. In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of prairie halos, exploring their formation, unique characteristics, and the sheer wonder they inspire.

A Snapshot of Prairie Halos

Let's start with a remarkable photograph captured by Roy Bishop on a bitterly cold January afternoon in the Canadian prairies. The image showcases a stunning scene where a strong north wind fills the air near ground level with drifting snow. In the midst of this wintry landscape, we see a young child standing on the road, surrounded by an ethereal halo. The ambient temperature during this capture was a bone-chilling -23°C.

Unraveling the Mysteries

To better understand the intricacies of prairie halos, we turn to ray tracing simulations. These simulations employ ice crystals, primarily plate crystals, to recreate the optical phenomena observed in these halos. By manipulating the shape and orientation of these crystals, researchers can shed light on the specific features seen in prairie halos.

The simulations reveal that wobbly plates play a crucial role in producing the tall sundogs and pillar observed in prairie halos. On the other hand, well-oriented plates contribute to the formation of a distinct parhelic circle through the sun. However, it's important to note that these simulations present only one possibility among several others.

Diamond Dust Displays and Crystal Composition

One fascinating aspect of prairie halos is their potential association with diamond dust displays. In these scenarios, the brightness of the halo may be most pronounced near the horizon due to the increased path length through a shallow layer of ice crystals. Consequently, some of the tall "sundogs" witnessed in prairie halos might actually be segments of a 22° halo. Additionally, the pillar itself could be attributed to the presence of column crystals.

The Enigmatic Beauty of Prairie Halos

While scientific analysis provides valuable insights into the formation of prairie halos, it is important to appreciate their sheer beauty without overanalyzing every detail. Indeed, the image captured by Roy Bishop serves as a poignant reminder that the allure of these halos lies not only in their scientific significance but also in their ability to evoke a sense of desolation and wonder.

As we gaze upon the vast prairie landscapes adorned with these ethereal halos, we are reminded of the boundless mysteries that nature presents. Prairie halos stand as a testament to the intricate dance between light and ice crystals, painting the sky with a breathtaking display that captivates our imagination.

Conclusion

Prairie halos are a truly mesmerizing atmospheric phenomenon that grace the Canadian prairies with their ethereal presence. Through ray tracing simulations and observations, scientists have gained valuable insights into the formation and composition of these halos. However, it is in their sheer beauty and ability to transport us to a world of enchantment that prairie halos truly captivate our hearts. So, next time you find yourself in the vast expanse of the Canadian prairies on a cold winter's day, keep your eyes peeled for these wondrous displays and allow yourself to be swept away by their magical allure.

Prairie halos ~ From Roy Bishop. "Here is a photo I took many years ago on a bitterly-cold (-23C) January afternoon on the Canadian prairies. The view is looking west with a strong wind from the north filling the air near ground level with drifting snow. The person on the road is my son, then 5 years old."

©Roy Bishop, shown with permission

At left a ray tracing simulation using only plate crystals. Wobbly plates to produce the tall sundogs and pillar, better oriented plates for a defined parhelic circle through the sun.

There are other possibilities. If it is a diamond dust display, it could be brightest towards the horizon where the path length through a shallow layer of crystals is greatest. Some at least of the tall 'sundogs' could then be segments of a 22° halo. The pillar itself might be from column crystals.

There is not sufficient data. But why make too much analysis - a beautiful and achingly desolate scene is enough.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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  • "Prairie Halos - OPOD". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 28, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/prairie-halos-opod/.

  • "Prairie Halos - OPOD". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/prairie-halos-opod/. Accessed 28 March, 2024

  • Prairie Halos - OPOD. Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/prairie-halos-opod/.