Rare and Mesmerizing Ice Crystal Halos Spotted Above Antarctica

Dr. Peter Neff, a University of Minnesota professor, recently witnessed and documented an incredible atmospheric optics display while conducting research in Antarctica.

The dazzling show of ice halos lighting up the sky included ice crystal phenomena like sun dogs, halos, tangent arcs, and more. Neff captured the natural spectacle on video, calling it "the best Antarctic sun halos" he's ever seen.

A Rare Sight

Neff is the Director of Field Research and Data for COLDEX, an organization exploring extremely old ice cores in Antarctica to extract ancient climate records.

While monitoring weather conditions crucial to that research on January 18th, the optimal environment for ice halos emerged. Neff seized the opportunity to document the rare, stunning sight.