anthelion
(ænˈθiːlɪən, ænth-)
Pl. -a.
[late Gr. ἀνθήλιον, neut. of ἀνθήλιος, earlier ἀντήλιος, opposite to the sun, f. ἀντί over against + ἥλιος sun.]
A luminous ring or nimbus seen (chiefly in alpine or polar regions) surrounding the shadow of the observer's head projected on a cloud or fog bank opposite to the sun. As many as four such concentric rings have been seen, decreasing in brightness to the outer at 40° from the centre.
| 1670 Phil. Trans. V. 1072 The Anthelion, observed by M. Hevelius Sept. 6, 1661, in which there were two coloured Arches of a circle. 1760 Swinton ibid. LII. 94 A very distinguishable Mock-Sun, opposite to the true one, which I take to have been an Anthelion. 1859 Tennent Ceylon 72 Anthelia..may probably have suggested to the early painters the idea of the glory surrounding the heads of beatified saints. |