Rare Solar Halo Stuns Astana Residents in Winter Display

A rare but striking solar halo appeared over Astana on December 10, 2025. The bright ring encircled the sun, drawing attention from residents across the city. Photos of the phenomenon quickly spread online after a local woman shared them around 3:00 PM. The halo formed when sunlight refracted through tiny ice crystals high in the atmosphere. These conditions are typical during extreme cold, which Kazakhstan’s northern regions often experience. The most frequently seen version, a 22-degree halo, creates a vivid coloured arc or full circle around the sun.

Such displays are not unusual in parts of Kazakhstan, particularly in winter. The ice crystals act like prisms, bending light into a visible ring. While visually striking, the phenomenon poses no danger to observers.

The event lasted long enough for many in Astana to capture images and share them on social media. Scientists confirm that solar halos occur regularly in cold climates, though their appearance still surprises those unfamiliar with the effect. No further unusual weather patterns were reported in the area following the sighting.