The Buddha’s Light in the Clouds: A Rare Halo Spotlighted from an Airplane Flight

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Rare ‘Buddha’s Light’ Phenomenon Captured Over Hong Kong Skies

A Stunning Optical Display, Known As “glory” Or “Buddha’s Light,” Recently Enchanted Observers In Hong Kong, Both From The Ground And In Flight. The Hong Kong Observatory Confirmed The Sightings, Explaining The Science Behind This Rare Atmospheric Event. The Phenomenon, Characterized By Colorful, Concentric Rings Surrounding The Shadow Of An Observer Or Aircraft, Has Captivated Skywatchers And Sparked Wonder.

What Is ‘Buddha’s Light’?

The “Buddha’s light,” Officially Termed A Glory, Is An Optical Phenomenon That Manifests As A Series Of Circular, Rainbow-Hued Rings Enveloping The Shadow Of An Object When Viewed Against A Radiant background, Usually Clouds Or Fog. It’s Created By The Backscattering Of Sunlight Through Water Droplets. The Effect Is Moast Visible When The Sun Is Behind The Observer, And The shadow Is Projected Onto The Cloud Cover Below.

According To The Hong Kong Observatory, The Appearance Of A Glory Requires Specific Conditions. it Only Occurs When the Sun Is At Your Back And You Are Looking At Water Droplets Suspended In The Air. This Explains Why It’s Frequently enough Seen From Airplanes,Mountain Peaks,Or Near Waterfalls.

Recent Sightings And Captivating Images

Netizens Shared Images And Videos Of The Phenomenon After Spotting It From Airplanes. One Pilot Captured Footage Showing the Halo Flanking Thier Aircraft, Creating A Breathtaking Visual. Individuals On High Ground Have Also Reported Observing Similar Displays, With Some Capturing Their Shadows Surrounded By The Luminous Rings.

The Observatory Shared A Photo taken From Tai Mo Shan, A Popular Hiking Destination, Illustrating How The Glory Can Be Experienced From Elevated Locations. This Highlights The Accessibility Of Witnessing This Phenomenon Beyond Air Travel.

The Science Behind The Spectacle

The Observatory Provided An In-Depth Description Of The Glory On Its Website, Detailing How Sunlight Is Refracted And Reflected within

What causes the Buddha’s Light (glory) halo to appear around a plane’s shadow in clouds?

The Buddha’s Light in the Clouds: A Rare Halo Spotlighted from an Airplane Flight

The phenomenon known as “Buddha’s Light” or a “glory” is a breathtaking optical display, often observed from airplanes, and occasionally from mountaintops or even ground level. It appears as a luminous, circular halo surrounding the aircraft’s shadow cast upon clouds. This isn’t a religious experience exclusive to Buddhist observers – it’s a scientifically explained atmospheric optics event, though its ethereal beauty often evokes a sense of wonder and reverence.

Understanding the science Behind the Halo

The creation of a glory relies on a specific alignment of several factors:

* Sunlight: The sun must be positioned behind the observer (in this case, the airplane).

* Water Droplets: Clouds composed of uniform-sized water droplets are crucial.These droplets act as tiny prisms and reflectors.

* Diffraction & reflection: Sunlight enters the droplets, undergoes diffraction (bending of light waves), and is then backscattered – reflected directly towards the source of the light (the airplane and its occupants).

* Shadow Formation: The airplane casts a shadow onto the cloud layer. The glory appears around this shadow.

The smaller and more uniform the water droplets, the brighter and more vibrant the glory.This is why it’s more commonly seen in clouds formed over oceans or after rainfall. The halo isn’t a reflection off the clouds, but rather light being scattered within them.

Distinguishing a Glory from Other Halo Phenomena

Several other atmospheric optical phenomena can appear similar, leading to confusion. Here’s a breakdown:

* Rainbows: Rainbows are formed by refraction and reflection within raindrops, and always appear opposite the sun. A glory, however, is centered on the antisolar point (the point directly opposite the sun from the observer).

* Sun Dogs (Parhelia): These are shining spots appearing on either side of the sun, caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere. They are typically seen at the same altitude as the sun.

* Circumzenithal Arc: A brightly colored arc appearing above the sun, also formed by ice crystals.

* Corona: A series of colored rings surrounding the sun or moon, caused by diffraction of light by small water droplets or ice crystals. Coronas are generally less vibrant and more diffuse then glories.

The key differentiator for a glory is its position relative to the aircraft’s shadow and the antisolar point. It’s always centered on that point, creating a truly unique visual experience.

Factors Influencing Glory Visibility

Not every airplane flight offers a view of Buddha’s Light. Several factors influence whether you’ll witness this spectacle:

* Altitude: Lower altitudes, closer to cloud layers, increase the chances of observation.

* Cloud Type: Stratocumulus and altocumulus clouds, with their relatively uniform droplet size, are prime candidates.

* Sun Angle: The sun needs to be at a relatively low angle – not directly overhead. Early morning or late afternoon flights are often best.

* Aircraft Position: The aircraft needs to be positioned with the sun directly behind it.Window seat selection is, naturally, crucial.

* Atmospheric Clarity: Haze or pollution can diminish the clarity of the glory.

Historical Accounts and Cultural Significance

The phenomenon has been observed and documented for centuries. Pilots have reported seeing glories sence the early days of aviation. The name “buddha’s Light” originates from observations made in mountainous regions of Asia, where the halo appeared around the shadows of mountains, resembling the radiant aura often depicted around Buddha in religious art.

Historically, these sightings were often interpreted as religious omens or signs of divine presence. While science now provides a clear description, the spiritual resonance remains for many.

Capturing the Glory: Photography Tips

Photographing a glory can be challenging,but rewarding. Here are some tips:

1. Use a Fast Shutter Speed: To freeze the motion of the aircraft and capture the sharp details of the halo.
2. Adjust Exposure: The glory can be quite bright, so you may need to underexpose slightly to avoid blowing out the highlights.
3. wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens will help capture the entire glory and the surrounding cloudscape.
4. Shoot in RAW Format: this allows for greater versatility in post-processing.
5. Stabilization: Use image stabilization (in-lens or camera-based) to minimize blur.
6. Clean Window: Ensure the airplane window is clean to avoid unwanted reflections and distortions.

Real-World Examples & Pilot Reports

Numerous pilot reports and passenger accounts document glory sightings. Aviation forums and meteorological websites frequently enough feature stunning