A stunning optical phenomenon known as a halo was recently recorded at the Galindez Island, home to the Ukrainian Antarctic station 'Akademik Vernadsky'. The event occurred around the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine, creating a radiant circle that appeared to envelop the flag.
The National Antarctic Scientific Center explained that the halo forms when light interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere. During the filming, the Sun was shining directly at the flag, providing the necessary light source for this enchanting display.
Halos are frequently observed near the 'Akademik Vernadsky' station due to the area's cold temperatures and high humidity, which are conducive to their formation. The phenomenon typically arises when there is a significant accumulation of ice crystals in the atmosphere, which refract and reflect light, resulting in the secondary glow around the light source.
The presence of cirrostratus clouds, which are nearly transparent and composed of ice crystals, often contributes to the formation of halos. These clouds cover the sky in a thin, uniform veil or a white, fibrous haze with distinct bands. Scientists noted that such conditions, combined with sunlight, created the halo effect around the Ukrainian flag.