Öllasuren

Öllasuren is a local term for a rare atmospheric optical phenomenon observed in the Ölla valley and surrounding regions of northern Scandinavia. It is described as a bright, oval halo that may surround the Sun or, less commonly, the Moon, accompanied by vivid colors and a distinct shimmer along the edge. The name is used by residents and regional field guides to refer to this specific manifestation of halos.

Etymology and history: The name combines the region’s name Ölla with suren, a local term for the Sun. The expression appears in parish records and oral history dating to the 19th century, with later documentation by local naturalists and travelers who noted its beauty and rarity.

Formation and appearance: Öllasuren belongs to the family of atmospheric halos produced by ice crystals high in the atmosphere. Light refracted and reflected by hexagonal ice crystals in cirrus clouds yields a luminous ring around the Sun or Moon, often with a colored gradient and a slightly elongated shape. In some cases, secondary features such as bright spots or faint arcs may accompany the halo.

Distribution and timing: Sightings are most common in the Ölla region during late autumn to early winter, when cold air and thin, stable cirrus layers prevail. Clear or partly cloudy skies with a low sun angle increase the likelihood of observation. Reports are sporadic rather than predictable.

Impact and status: Öllasuren has cultural resonance in local folklore, sometimes linked to seasonal change or warnings from the valley’s guardians. In scientific terms, it is understood as a regional name for a type of ice-crystal halo; observers in the region contribute to broader observations of halos in northern latitudes.