How Do You Spell ANTHELION?

Pronunciation: [anθˈɛli͡ən] (IPA)

Anthelion is a unique term used in astronomy to refer to a bright spot on the sky, opposite the position of the sun. This atmospheric phenomenon is caused by the presence of ice crystals in the upper layers of the atmosphere. The IPA transcription of "anthelion" is /ænˈθiːliən/, which breaks down into "an" pronounced as /æn/, "the" pronounced as /ðiː/, and "lion" pronounced as /liən/. The emphasis is placed on the second syllable, "θi", which is pronounced as /θiː/.

ANTHELION Meaning and Definition

1. The term "anthelion" refers to a celestial optical phenomenon observed in the Earth's atmosphere. It is the counterpart of the sun, appearing as a bright, white spot opposite the sun's position in the sky. Derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning opposite and "helios" meaning sun, the anthelion is formed by the scattering and reflection of sunlight by ice crystals present in the atmosphere.

   Typically observed in cold, polar regions, the anthelion occurs when sunlight passes through hexagonal ice crystals in high-altitude clouds, forming a halo of light. These ice crystals act as prisms, bending and spreading the light, resulting in its dispersion in the opposite direction from the sun's position.

   The anthelion is often characterized by its circular shape and its position on the opposite side of the sky from the sun, at a 180-degree angle. It is commonly seen alongside other atmospheric optical phenomena, such as sundogs, halos, and arcs, adding to the spectacle of the sky.

   Although the anthelion is most commonly observed in polar regions, it can occur in other locations under specific atmospheric conditions. Its appearance is a reminder of the intricate interactions between sunlight, ice crystals, and the Earth's atmosphere, creating a fascinating display of refracted light and showcasing the wonders of nature.

2. A bright spot opposite to the sun.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ANTHELION

• znthelion
• snthelion
• wnthelion
• qnthelion
• abthelion
• amthelion
• ajthelion
• ahthelion
• anrhelion
• anfhelion
• anghelion
• anyhelion
• an6helion
• an5helion
• antgelion
• antbelion
• antnelion
• antjelion
• antuelion

Etymology of ANTHELION

The word "anthelion" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "anthos" meaning "flower" and "helios" meaning "sun". The term was coined in the early 19th century by the German naturalist Christoph Girtanner to describe a phenomenon related to the reflection and refraction of sunlight. The name "anthelion" was given due to the appearance of "flower-like" shapes formed around the sun in certain atmospheric conditions.

Similar spelling word for ANTHELION

• enneathlon.

Plural form of ANTHELION is ANTHELIA