anthelion (redirected from anthelia)

ant·he·li·on  (nt-hl-n, n-th-)

n. pl. ant·he·li·a (-l-) or ant·he·li·ons

A luminous, white, halolike area occasionally seen in the sky opposite the sun on the parhelic circle.

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[Greek anthlion, from neuter of anthlios, opposite the sun : anti-, anti- + hlios, sun; see swel- in Indo-European roots.]

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anthelion  (nt-hl-n, n-th-)

Plural anthelia

A bright white or colored spot appearing at times in the sky opposite the Sun. White anthelia are believed to form from light that is reflected off atmospheric ice crystals; colored anthelia are believed to form from light that is refracted by atmospheric ice crystals. Compare parhelion.