In a surreal spectacle that left onlookers stunned, a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as the “Phantom Sun” (also called “Sun Dog” or “Parhelion”) recently made its dazzling appearance in the skies above Vemdalen, a popular ski resort in western Sweden. The event quickly gained viral attention across social media platforms, where it was dubbed the “Ghost Sun” or “Fake Sun” due to its eerie and otherworldly glow.
What Is the Phantom Sun?
Scientifically known as a parhelion, the Phantom Sun is a natural optical illusion caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals suspended in the upper atmosphere. This phenomenon typically forms a **halo—often at a 22-degree angle—**around the Sun, and sometimes even appears as multiple bright spots in the sky, creating the illusion of several suns.
According to meteorologists cited by The Independent, this particular event in Sweden occurred because the real Sun was rising low on the horizon, surrounded by high-altitude cirrus clouds. These clouds, floating at approximately 6,100 meters (20,000 feet) above the ground, contain millions of hexagonal ice crystals that act like tiny prisms. As sunlight passes through them, it bends and scatters, generating luminous halos or light patches known as sun dogs.
“It’s like seeing a portal open in the sky. It feels unreal, like something out of a movie,” said one skier who captured the moment on camera.
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A Rare Sight, Even in Cold Climates
Though Sweden’s icy winters make it more likely for such atmospheric conditions to occur, witnessing a perfect parhelion is still exceedingly rare. This optical illusion requires precise alignment of the Sun, the ice crystals, and the viewer’s perspective, which is why it typically lasts only a few minutes—making photos and videos even more valuable to science and awe-inspiring to the public.
Similar phenomena have been documented in other countries such as Canada, Russia, and parts of northern China, but this specific display in Vemdalen was especially vivid due to ideal weather conditions, including cold air, clear skies, and a low solar angle.
NASA has described sun dogs as “the most frequently seen of the large halo family,” but emphasized that not all are as bright or symmetrical as the one observed in Sweden.
Not Just the Sun – A Lunar Version Exists
Interestingly, the same visual effect can occur at night when moonlight passes through ice crystals, creating what’s known as a “Moon Halo.” However, these lunar versions are much harder to see due to the Moon’s lower intensity compared to the Sun.
Why Are People Fascinated by the Phantom Sun?
The Phantom Sun isn’t just a scientific curiosity—it has inspired folklore and mythology across the world. In Norse mythology, for example, multiple suns were seen as omens or signs from the gods. In ancient China, such occurrences were often believed to signal major changes in weather or political shifts.
In modern times, the phenomenon continues to captivate photographers, travelers, and scientists alike. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok are flooded with mesmerizing images and videos of the event, helping raise awareness about the beauty and complexity of our atmosphere.
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Best Places in the World to Witness a Phantom Sun
If you’re dreaming of seeing this mystical phenomenon for yourself, here are a few locations known for frequent sightings:
- Sweden (Lapland & Vemdalen)
- Northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories)
- Siberia, Russia
- Alaska, USA
- Himalayan regions during winter
Your best chance is during very cold, clear winter mornings, especially in areas with high cirrus cloud cover and minimal pollution.
A Reminder of Nature’s Hidden Wonders
The sighting of the Phantom Sun in Sweden serves as a reminder that planet Earth still holds countless visual marvels, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to look up. Whether you’re a skywatcher, a traveler, or simply someone who appreciates the strange and beautiful, the Ghost Sun is a celestial event worth chasing.
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So next time you’re in a snow-covered landscape with a clear winter sky, don’t forget to glance toward the Sun—you might just catch a glimpse of another world shimmering around it.
