FACT CHECK: Are ‘Strange Experiments’ Causing Optical Rings To Be Seen Around the Sun?

A post on X claims that “strange experiments” are causing rings to be seen around the sun in a photograph of the Arizona sky.

🇺🇸 Saguaro National Park, Arizona Nov 24

Strange experiments in the atmosphere produce strange results. pic.twitter.com/2F4gZqT0ij

— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) November 21, 2024

Verdict: False

This is called a “solar halo.” This is a natural occurrence, not caused by anything nefarious.

Fact Check:

With “climate change” becoming a hotly debated issue in politics, many users of social media apps have been clinging to conspiracy theories when it comes to abnormal weather events.

The southeastern United States was hit with two major hurricanes within the span of weeks this year, leading many to believe that the government was involved in their creation. Others believe that the government likes to add toxic chemicals into our atmosphere via chemtrails, which have not been proven to exist.

A user on X posted a picture of a ring around the sun seen at twilight in Arizona’s Saguaro National Park this November and claims that unnamed “strange experiments” caused the rare sight. The implication is false, however. What we are seeing is called a solar halo, and it is a natural occurrence. (RELATED: FACT CHECK: Does Viral Video Depict HAARP-Created Clouds Ahead of Hurricane Milton?)

According to the National Weather Service, the halo is caused by light refracting off ice crystals that are present in cirrus clouds. The halos become visible when those crystals align at just the right angles, giving the impression that there are giant rings around the sun or the moon.

The X user claims that “strange experiments” caused this, but there is no proof that any scientific anomalies or demonstrations could have done so.

This is not the first time Check Your Fact has debunked a conspiracy theory about weather manipulation.