Upper North Island Dazzled by Rare Sun ‘Halo’ in the Skies

By Lions Roar News Weather Desk

WHITIANGI, NZ (January 6, 2026) — Residents across the Upper North Island were treated to a spectacular atmospheric phenomenon today: a brilliant sun “halo” encircling the sun. The ethereal ring of light captivated onlookers, many of whom quickly took to social media to share their awe-inspiring sightings.

While seemingly rare, MetService has confirmed that these celestial rings, also known as 22° halos, occur more frequently than rainbows, though they are often missed.

✨ The Science Behind the Halo

MetService explained the mesmerizing display, which was particularly vivid today due to specific atmospheric conditions:

• Ice Crystals: The halo is formed by the refraction of sunlight through a thin veil of high-altitude clouds composed of randomly oriented hexagonal prism-shaped ice crystals.
• Refraction: As light enters one face of these tiny ice crystals and exits through another, it bends or “refracts.”
• 22° Angle: Due to the precise geometry of the ice crystals, light rays are deflected at various angles, but a significant concentration occurs at approximately 22 degrees, creating the distinct bright circle around the sun.

📸 Social Media Lights Up

The unusual sight quickly became a trending topic on social media platforms, with residents from Whitianga to Tauranga sharing stunning photographs of the phenomenon.

• Whitianga Witness: Heather, a Whitianga resident, captured a particularly striking image that was shared by MetService, showcasing the clarity of the halo.
• Tauranga Sightings: Tracey Lee from Tauranga told 1News she had previously witnessed the phenomenon, highlighting that while not unique, each sighting remains a special event.

☁️ A Frequent, Yet Often Unnoticed, Occurrence

MetService emphasized that these ice halos are a relatively common occurrence, happening even more often than rainbows. Their visibility, however, depends on having the right combination of high, thin cirrus clouds and direct sunlight. Today, conditions were perfect across the Upper North Island for many to gaze upwards and witness this natural wonder.