WATCH: Rare halo phenomenon spotted in Israel’s skies

A rare sight was seen in Israel’s northern skies on Saturday, a halo surrounding the sun.

The striking halo was reportedly spotted by residents in the city of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee Panhandle and at Shavei Zion beach near Nahariya in the Western Galilee.

Dr. Amir Givati, director of the Israel Meteorological Service, told Ynet that the phenomenon is the result of high-altitude clouds typical of heatwave conditions.

Due to their high altitudes of four to five miles in the atmosphere, they are composed of ice particles, Givati continued.

When the sun’s rays hit these particles, they create a ring of light around the sun, he said.