A solar phenomenom
Trip Start
Jan 04, 2008
1
21
27
Trip End
Apr 01, 2008
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Manzanillo, Colima,
Mexico
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday, March 22nd, we were enjoying a lazy day at Punta Perula, Terry was outside, under our awning, reading a book, I was inside, at my laptop. Terry called to me to come out and see something interesting. He said that there was a ring around the Sun.
Sure enough, by holding my hand up to cover the actual Sun, I could see the complete circle around the Sun. I really didn't think that my camera would capture it very well, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I did get.
Solar Corona ring
I'm not sure how long it lasted, but I was able to point it out to our neighbors so they could also see it.
Lower view of solar Corona
I've seen both solar and lunar eclipses before, and also lots of full circle rainbows when flying, especially in helicopters. However, I don't remember seeing a solar corona ring before.
They are caused when the Sun shines through a thin layer of clouds. Sort of similarly to rainbows, only with rainbows the Sun would be behind you shining on clouds or other moisture in front of you.
With the Corona rings, the clouds are between you and the Sun. I imagine it's not a rare phenomenon, maybe almost as common as rainbows, however, we don't often look right at the Sun to notice the Corona rings.
If you're interested to find out more information about solar Coronas, or Corona Aureoles, you can check out the following site, or search elsewhere, for other sites, too. I just thought it was interesting enough to share with you.
http://www.weatherscapes.com/techniques.php?cat=optics&page=corona
