Rare phenomenon surprises residents in a Brazilian city. Photo: Reproduction X @BollitoWillyam
Last Saturday (26), the skies over Picos, in the city of Teresina, Brazil, were the stage for a rare and impressive phenomenon: a “fire rainbow.” The spectacle was captured by local residents and quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention from users across the country.
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The optical effect, which occurs only on rare occasions, is scientifically known as a circumhorizontal arc and is created by the refraction of sunlight in ice crystals found in high-altitude cirrus clouds. For the “fire rainbow” to appear, the sun needs to be at a specific angle of 58º in the sky, a condition that makes this phenomenon rare.
In regions at extreme latitudes, such as the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere and the far south of the Southern Hemisphere, this phenomenon cannot be seen, which makes it even more special when it appears in places like Brazil.
The video captured in Picos shows vibrant colors spread across the sky, forming a horizontal rainbow instead of the typical arched shape. This phenomenon not only provides unique beauty but also evokes curiosity and fascination among those fortunate enough to witness it.
Video and photo: Reproduction X @BollitoWillyam. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
