Anthelia

/ænˈθiːliə/ noun

Definition

Plural of anthelion; a rare optical phenomenon in the sky appearing as a bright spot directly opposite the sun, similar to a subhalo.

Etymology

From Greek anthos (flower) + helios (sun), literally 'anti-sun.' The term describes the optical effect created by ice crystals in the atmosphere reflecting sunlight in a specific geometric pattern.

Kelly Says

You're more likely to see a unicorn than an anthelion — it requires perfectly aligned ice crystals at exactly the right angle, making it one of the rarest atmospheric phenomena astronomers and observers chase.

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