Residents of Jos the Plateau State capital on Tuesday witnessed a striking atmospheric phenomenon as a bright ring formed around the Sun, accompanied by two luminous spots on either side, a display scientifically known as a 22-degree solar halo with sundogs (parhelia).
The spectacle, which gave the sky a hazy appearance, quickly drew attention on social media, with many observers describing it as “two suns,” a “sun ring,” or a “rainbow around the sun.”
Experts explain that the phenomenon occurs when sunlight passes through tiny ice crystals suspended in high-altitude clouds, particularly cirrostratus clouds. These ice crystals act like prisms, bending and scattering light to produce a circular halo around the Sun, while creating bright patches, the sundogs to its left and right, The News Chronicle gathered.
According to atmospheric scientists, the effect appeared especially vivid over Jos due to the Plateau’s high altitude, cooler temperatures, thin high-level clouds, and prevailing haze, often linked to Harmattan dust and moisture in the upper atmosphere. These conditions enhance the visibility of halos and sundogs.
Despite its dramatic appearance, the sun halo poses no danger to humans. It is a completely natural optical event. However, meteorologists note that such halos can sometimes signal a change in weather, as cirrostratus clouds often precede rainfall or storm systems.
While commonly referred to by various local names, scientists classify the event as a 22-degree solar halo accompanied by sundogs, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals high in the atmosphere.
Observers have been advised to enjoy the rare sight without concern, as it remains one of nature’s most visually captivating and harmless displays.
