World-Class Atmospheric Halo Display over Burgos, Spain: Complete Wegener Arc under the Jet Stream
Taken by Jesús Conde on October 29, 2026 @
Peñahorada (BURGOS) SPAIN
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Details:
An extraordinary and highly complex atmospheric optics display was captured today, October 29, 2026, in Peñahorada, Burgos, Spain (42.68° N, 3.71° W).
This 200-degree panoramic photograph faces West at 11:37 AM local time. At the time of the observation, the surface pressure was dominated by a strong Atlantic anticyclone (1022 hPa), maintaining stable, calm conditions with ground temperatures around 13°C and low wind speeds (4-6 km/h N-NE).
Running horizontally across the entire sky is a sharp and continuous Parhelic Circle, generated by pure light reflection inside oriented plate ice crystals. At the center of the image (facing due West, opposite to the Sun’s azimuth) and positioned roughly 30° above the horizon, a distinct white spotlight is visible on the line: a rare Anthelion / 120° Paranthelion combination.
Most notably, the large V-shaped intersecting bands framing the central spotlight belong to a highly elusive, complete Wegener Arc. The loops of this arc descend symmetrically toward the horizon, intersecting perfectly with the parhelic circle.
Upper-air analysis confirms that the Polar Jet Stream was running directly over Northern Spain at cruise altitudes (9,000–11,000 meters / approx. FL300–FL360) with W-NW winds exceeding 120 knots. At these altitudes, temperatures dropped to severe levels between -45°C and -58°C. Peñahorada was located right along the shear edge of the jet stream. This specific high-altitude dynamic forced the column ice crystals into a highly organized, horizontal alignment (Parry orientation), preventing aerodynamic tumbling and yielding a world-class diamond dust display of extreme rarity for the Iberian Peninsula.
Earlier at 10:49 AM, looking East, a bright 22° halo with intense colorful sundogs (parhelia) and an upper tangent/circumzenithal arc assembly had already developed, marking the onset of the display.
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