How to differentiate the 46°-ring from the supralateral arc?
A distinction between the 46° ring and the supralateral arc is not always easy, especially if you only see the upper part. The following distinguishing features can help determine the correct halo type.
Common Features
These criteria are usually sufficient to identify the halo in the 46° region. If the halo still cannot be clearly determined based on these characteristics, then also check the criteria at the corresponding solar altitude.
46°-Ring
- Halo is colorless (usually only red, orange, and white are visible)
- no 22° contact arcs present or they are much weaker than the 22° ring
- no infralateral arc present
Supralateral arc
- Halo is colorful (also blue and green are visible)
- Touch arcs are present and the 22° ring is not visible or is significantly weaker than the touch arcs
- Supralateral arc always touches the circumzenithal arc (note that at solar elevations between 15° -27°, the 46° ring also touches the CZA)
- Infralateral arc is present
46° Ring & Supralateral Arc
- 22° ring and contact arcs have a similar brightness or are both clearly recognizable
- Halo in the 46° area has distinctly two different sections: colorful and low-color parts or weaker and brighter parts
- in good displays, both are simultaneously visible
- an infralateral arc may be faintly present
Sun elevation < 15°
The supralateral arc touches the 46° ring at the sides. When the sun is near the horizon, the contact arcs are at the level of the sun dogs.
46° Ring
- Gap between 46° ring and circumzenithal arc
- Halo is only visible in the upper part
Supralateral Arch
- Halo is symmetrical and only visible on the sides
46° Ring & Supralateral Arch
- very colorful or bright segment on both sides of the 46° ring
Sun Elevation 15° - 27°
The identification of both types of halos is very difficult because they overlap.
46°-Ring
- Touch of the circumzenithal arc
Supralateral Arc
- Touching the Circumzenithal Arc
46° Ring & Supralateral Arch
- Halos are very similar
- Use common features to distinguish
Sun altitude 27° - 32°
The halos do not touch each other.
46° Ring
- Gap between 46° ring and circumzenithal arc
Supralateral arc
- The distance from the sun is greater than 46°.
46°-Ring & Supralateral Arc
- bright or colored segment above the 46° Ring
- two separate halos are clearly visible
Sun altitude > 32°
The supralateral arc no longer exists when the sun is higher than 32°.
46° Ring
- Halo in the 46° area is always a 46° ring
Supralateral arch
- not possible
46°-Ring & Supralateral Arch
- not possible
