parahelic arc

par-uh-HEE-lik ark

An arc of light passing through the sun, parallel to the horizon — caused by sunlight refracting through hexagonal ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. One of the rarer atmospheric optical phenomena. When it appears, the sky becomes geometry.
Etymology
Greek: para (beside) + hēlios (sun). An arc alongside the sun.
celestial light/atmosphere
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