Kuuline

Kuuline is a term that refers to a specific type of optical phenomenon. It is most commonly observed as a halo or a luminous ring that appears around a light source, such as the sun or the moon. These halos are caused by the refraction and reflection of light by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. The shape and appearance of kuuline can vary depending on the size, shape, and orientation of these ice crystals, as well as the angle of observation.

Different types of kuuline can be distinguished based on their visual characteristics. For example, a 22-degree halo is a common type, appearing as a ring with a radius of approximately 22 degrees around the sun or moon. Other types include parhelia (sundogs), which are bright spots of light that appear on either side of the sun, and circumzenithal arcs, which are vibrant arcs of color seen high in the sky. These phenomena are often associated with high-altitude clouds, such as cirrus or cirrostratus clouds.

The observation of kuuline is not limited to specific geographic locations and can be seen worldwide. However, they are more frequently observed in regions with colder climates where atmospheric ice crystals are more prevalent. The study of kuuline has contributed to our understanding of atmospheric optics and the behavior of light in the presence of ice particles. While often aesthetically pleasing, these optical displays are natural occurrences resulting from the interaction of light with atmospheric ice.