Inp.polri.go.id - Labuan Bajo. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) explained the halo phenomenon observed in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), during the ordination of its first bishop, Monsignor Maksimus Regus.

"This natural occurrence, caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight through ice crystals in Cirrus clouds at altitudes of 5-10 km, is quite rare," said Maria Seran,t he Head of the Komodo Meteorological Station, on Friday (1/11/2024).

The halo appeared directly above St. Peter's Church in Sernaru, capturing the attention of attendees and quickly going viral on social media, according to antaranews.com.

At certain angles, the position of the sun and ice crystals align perfectly, creating a light circle resembling a ring around the sun. While halos are typically seen during the day, they can also occur at night under bright moonlight and thin Cirrus clouds.

Maria emphasized that halos are optical phenomena, similar to rainbows, and do not indicate any unusual weather changes. 

“It is the timing of the halo during such a significant event that added a special meaning for the local community,” she said.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)