Simulation examples

In this page some introductory HaloPoint 2.0 parameter files can be downloaded, and a few simulation trials are presented to give a new user something to start with. Simulations are easy to set up, but fine tuning may require a lot of effort. The simulations of the displays below are not perfect - try improving them!


Davos, 20th Dec 2005

Photo by Claudio Silberroth

Strong Parry arc but no helic arc? How can helic arc be suppressed still maintaining a strong Parry arc? And what happened to the upper 46° Parry arc?


Find out!

Malden, 2nd June 1991

Photo by Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure

Does the intensity difference between Wegener anthelic arcs and parhelic circle tell anything about the aspect ratio of the column crystals? Does the brightening at the anthelic point arise easily?


Find out!

Churanov, 5th January 2010

Photo by Roman Szpuk

Multiple scattering halos in HaloPoint 2.0 are implemented so that the density and height of the ice crystal layer are defined for the computer. Simulating a recent halo display with a 44° parhelion puts these parameters into test.

Read more!

Sievi, 17th December 2005

Photo by Marko Mikkilä

Marko Mikkilä photographed puzzling displays close to Sievi ski resort in December 2005. This display is one of them, and has proven to be a truly challenging one to simulate.

Read more!

Rovaniemi, 7/8th Dec 2008

Photo by Marko Riikonen

During the night between 7th and 8th of December 2008 Marko Riikonen captured many new halo phenomena in diamond dust conditions using a spotlight. This image is one of them. How is it simulated?

Read more!

Pälkäne, 22nd January 2006

Photo by Jari Luomanen

Reflected Lowitz arcs are occasionally seen rising from parhelia - always in diamond dust. How are these arcs formed?

Read more!

Fairbanks, 31st Dec 2008

Photo by Walt Tape

Odd radius displays pose a challenge for simulation maker. This enchanting display from Alaska is no exception: how to get all halos and their relative intensities right?

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Riihimäki, 25th March 2007

Photo by Jukka Ruoskanen

All three Lowitz components are closely related to each other. However, they are not always seen together, as is the case in this display, where only the upper Lowitz component is visible. How is that explained?

Read more!

Riihimäki, 5th June 2008

Photo by Jukka Ruoskanen

Another odd radius challenge. Usually the 22-24° area is one diffuse ring of light, but in this display the halos can be separated from each other. If it happens in the sky, can it happen in a simulation too?

Read more!

South Pole, 11 January 1999

Photos by Jarmo Moilanen

The grand display from South Pole. Simulating this display should pose no problems. But is it as straightforward as one might expect?

Read more!

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