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parhelic ring

parhelic ring

9.9
A bright ring across the sky at the same height as the sun formed when sunlight passes through ice crystals
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑːrˌhɛlɪk rɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anillo parélico
  • Scientists explained that the appearance of a parhelic ring results from sunlight passing through ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Examples

  • Photographers eagerly captured the parhelic ring that formed during the cold, clear morning.

  • The rare parhelic ring stretched across the sky, creating a stunning optical illusion.

  • Look at that beautiful parhelic ring over the mountains!

  • The sky displayed a stunning parhelic ring today.

  • Photographers eagerly captured the parhelic ring that formed during the cold, clear morning.

  • Scientists explained that the appearance of a parhelic ring results from sunlight passing through ice crystals in the atmosphere.

  • The rare parhelic ring stretched across the sky, creating a stunning optical illusion.

Synonyms

halo
vsparhelic ring
28 5.6

A circle of light around the sun or moon when ice in the air bends light

is limited to a horizontal light feature at the sun's height
parhelic circle
vsparhelic ring
  • Specialized
9.9

A white or pale circle in the sky that runs along the horizon when sunlight hits ice crystals

is the same phenomenon but known by another term
solar halo
vsparhelic ring
  • Specialized
8.4

A bright circle of light around the sun caused by ice crystals in the sky

is similar but described using general interaction rather than specifying refraction
aureola
vsparhelic ring
  • Specialized
9.8

A ring of light around the sun or moon seen in the sky

is more specific, naming a horizontal band at the sun's height

How Bright

solar halo
  • Specialized
8.4
parhelic ring
  • Specialized
9.9
sky glow
  • Specialized
1 6.9

Surface Forms

parhelic ring singular

Morphology

parhelic + ring

The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'parhelic' (relating to parhelions/halo phenomena) combined with 'ring' (a circular formation) yields a circular halo associated with parhelions. Although the term is technical and rare, a learner who understands both constituents can transparently infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Parhelic ring names a bright, horizontal ring that appears at the same height as the sun when sunlight hits flat ice crystals in the air. So, the simple picture of a bright line following the sun helps you remember it means 'a rare ring of light at the sun's height'.