Within Weather Records
When rain turns lights into UFOs
Rain, mist and wet air can put halos around ordinary lights and make aircraft, beacons or runway lights seem larger and stranger.
On this page
- How moisture creates halos and fuzzy edges
- Aircraft, beacons and approach lights as candidates
- Weather clues that prevent overclaiming
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Introduction
Among the many weather-related causes of UFO reports, rain halos around ordinary lights are one of the most easily overlooked and most effective at producing misidentifications. A witness may be looking at a completely ordinary aircraft landing light, airport approach light, navigation beacon, streetlight, tower light or other bright source, yet perceive a glowing sphere, an unusually large luminous object, a hovering disc or a mysterious orb. The object itself has not changed. What has changed is the atmosphere between the observer and the light source.
Rain, drizzle, mist and fog fill the air with countless microscopic water droplets. These droplets scatter light in multiple directions, reducing contrast, blurring edges and producing luminous halos around bright sources. Researchers studying visibility in fog note that halos are a direct consequence of light scattering by water droplets, while meteorological agencies define fog and mist as conditions in which suspended droplets significantly reduce visibility. [Hal Science]hal.scienceNighttime Visibility Analysis and Estimation Method in the…by R Gallen · 2015 · Cited by 84 — However, fog induces the pres- ence of h… [Met Office]metoffice.gov.ukwhats the difference between mist fog and hazeMist, fog, and haze: What's the difference?10 Sept 2025 — Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibilit…
For UFO investigation, this mechanism matters because human observers often estimate size, distance and motion from visual appearance. When moisture enlarges and distorts a light source, those estimates can become highly unreliable. A distant aircraft can appear enormous. A runway light can seem airborne. A beacon can appear to pulse or expand. What looks unusual may be a predictable optical consequence of wet air.
How Moisture Creates Halos and Fuzzy Edges
The fundamental mechanism is atmospheric scattering. When light encounters suspended water droplets, part of that light is redirected rather than travelling directly from source to observer. The result is a diffuse glow surrounding the original light source. The brighter the source and the greater the concentration of droplets, the more pronounced the effect becomes. [visualexpert.com]visualexpert.comWeather and Accidents: Rain & Fogscattering effect in rain—light hits moisture droplets and scatters. As droplet size decreases, however, both the type and mount of scatt… [EnviroSensors]renkeer.comEnviro Sensors How is Weather Visibility Measured?EnviroSensorsHow is Weather Visibility Measured? - Renke10 Sept 2024 — Fog, haze, dust and even rain and snow can cause visibility to dec…
Fog and mist are especially effective because they consist of enormous numbers of tiny droplets suspended in the air. The Met Office describes fog as a cloud at ground level composed of water droplets that reduce visibility below 1,000 metres, while aviation meteorology sources use similar definitions. [Met Office]metoffice.gov.ukwhats the difference between mist fog and hazeMist, fog, and haze: What's the difference?10 Sept 2025 — Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibilit… [Met Office]metoffice.gov.ukwhats the difference between mist fog and hazeMist, fog, and haze: What's the difference?10 Sept 2025 — Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibilit…
From a witness’s perspective, several perceptual changes occur simultaneously:
- The apparent diameter of the light increases.
- Sharp boundaries disappear.
- The centre remains bright while a diffuse glow spreads outward.
- Contrast with the surrounding sky decreases.
- Distance becomes harder to estimate.
- Multiple nearby lights can visually merge into one object.
These effects are not merely theoretical. Visibility researchers studying night-time observation in fog specifically note that fog induces halos around light sources because of scattering by water droplets. [Hal Science]hal.scienceNighttime Visibility Analysis and Estimation Method in the…by R Gallen · 2015 · Cited by 84 — However, fog induces the pres- ence of h…
An important distinction should be made between the halo-like glow discussed here and the large circular atmospheric halos sometimes seen around the Sun or Moon. Classical atmospheric halos are usually produced by ice crystals and involve refraction through specific crystal geometries. Rain halos around aircraft lights are primarily scattering phenomena associated with liquid water droplets and reduced visibility. [National Weather Service]weather.govNational Weather ServiceWhat Causes Halos, Sundogs and Sun Pillars?Halos: A halo is a ring or light that forms around the sun or moon as… [MeteoSwiss]meteoswiss.admin.chMeteoSwissHalo phenomena – optical phenomena at fog marginsHalos are caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight on ice crystals…
Why Aircraft Lights Are Frequent UFO Candidates
Aircraft are among the most common sources of UFO reports, and rain halos make them even more deceptive.
Modern aircraft carry several extremely bright lighting systems. Landing lights are designed to be visible from long distances. Aircraft also use taxi lights, strobe lights, navigation lights and anti-collision beacons. When viewed through rain or mist, these lights may dominate the observer’s perception while the aircraft structure itself becomes invisible.
The result can be striking. Instead of seeing an aeroplane, the witness sees only a bright glowing mass suspended in darkness. Because the aircraft body disappears into the night or weather, there may be no visible wings, fuselage or tail to provide context.
This can produce several classic UFO descriptions:
- A bright orb hovering silently.
- A glowing sphere approaching slowly.
- A luminous object that suddenly changes size.
- A large circular light with no visible structure.
- A light that seems much closer or larger than reality.
Distance estimation becomes particularly unreliable. Human observers often judge distance partly from an object’s apparent size. When moisture enlarges a light through scattering, the brain may interpret the object as physically larger rather than optically blurred.
Aircraft on approach to an airport are especially prone to misidentification. An aircraft flying directly toward an observer may show little apparent lateral movement while its landing lights remain visible. Combined with rain-induced halos, this can create the impression of a stationary hovering object. As the aircraft changes heading or passes overhead, the apparent behaviour can suddenly transform, reinforcing the witness’s belief that something unusual has occurred.
The Aviation Evidence for the Rain Halo Effect
Evidence that rain and moisture distort visual perception is not limited to UFO investigations. Aviation safety literature treats the phenomenon as a recognised operational hazard.
The Flight Safety Foundation warns that in light or moderate rain, runways may appear indistinct because of the “rain halo effect”. This can interfere with pilots’ judgement of position and alignment during visual approaches. [Flight Safety Foundation]flightsafety.orgFlight Safety Foundation FSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 – Visual IllusionsFlight Safety FoundationFSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 – Visual IllusionsMarch 2, 2005 — – In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may ap…
Similarly, visual illusion guidance used within aviation safety programmes notes that runways can appear fuzzy in rain because of the same halo effect, increasing the risk that pilots will misjudge their relationship to the runway environment. [Skybrary]skybrary.aeroVisual Illusions AwarenessSkybraryVisual Illusions AwarenessSeptember 22, 2005 — In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may also appear fuzzy because of rain h…
These documents are important because they demonstrate that rain-induced halos are not speculative explanations invented for UFO cases. Professional aviation organisations recognise that moisture changes how bright lights and illuminated structures appear to human observers. If trained pilots can experience visual distortions while looking at known airport lighting systems, it is unsurprising that members of the public may misinterpret unfamiliar lights under similar conditions. [Flight Safety Foundation]flightsafety.orgFlight Safety Foundation FSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 – Visual IllusionsFlight Safety FoundationFSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 – Visual IllusionsMarch 2, 2005 — – In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may ap…
Ground Lights That Seem to Float or Move
Aircraft are not the only sources affected by rain halos. Ground-based lights can also generate convincing UFO reports.
Airport approach lighting systems are particularly important. These installations use powerful lights extending outward from runway thresholds to guide incoming aircraft. The FAA notes that runways employ high-intensity lighting systems specifically designed for operation during darkness and restricted visibility. [Federal Aviation Administration]faa.govFederal Aviation Administration Chapter 2Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual…Runway edge lights are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness…
When viewed through rain, mist or low cloud, individual lights may blur together into larger luminous forms. If terrain obscures the lower part of the lighting system, observers may see only the glowing upper portion. The result can resemble a hovering object rather than a line of fixed ground lights.
Other common sources include:
- Radio tower obstruction lights.
- Coastal beacons.
- Industrial facilities.
- Stadium lighting.
- High-intensity security lighting.
- Distant traffic seen through rain bands.
Because moisture reduces visibility while simultaneously spreading light, observers may lose visual references that normally reveal an object’s true location. A light fixed to the ground can appear detached from the landscape and suspended in the air.
Under variable rain conditions, the effect can change rapidly. As precipitation intensity fluctuates, halos expand and contract. To an observer unfamiliar with atmospheric optics, the light may seem to pulse, grow, shrink or move.
Why Witnesses Often Overestimate Size
One of the most persistent features of UFO reports involving lights is size exaggeration.
A small distant light surrounded by a large scattering halo may appear many times larger than its actual source. The observer does not see the physical dimensions of the object itself; they see the apparent dimensions of the illuminated blur.
Visibility science treats this as a consequence of atmospheric extinction and scattering. Meteorological visibility measurements themselves are based on how particles in the atmosphere reduce the transmission of light. Rain, fog and haze all reduce visibility by scattering and absorbing light along the viewing path. [World Meteorological Organization]community.wmo.intWorld Meteorological Organization AviationWorld Meteorological OrganizationAviation - Hazards - Low Visibility and Low CloudPoor visibility may likewise only affect small areas (i… [Met Office]metoffice.gov.ukwhats the difference between mist fog and hazeMist, fog, and haze: What's the difference?10 Sept 2025 — Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibilit… [KNMI]cdn.knmi.nlstudy of fog detection and visibility estimation…by Z Ramlakhan · Cited by 3 — So-called forward scatter sensors are employed in the m…
The practical consequence is straightforward: a witness describing a light “the size of a house” may actually be describing the angular size of a moisture-induced glow rather than the physical dimensions of an object.
This distinction is crucial in UFO investigations because many reports rely heavily on witness estimates of size and distance. Those estimates become far less reliable once weather-related optical distortion enters the picture.
Weather Clues That Prevent Overclaiming
When evaluating a report involving strange lights, weather records often provide critical context.
Several clues increase the likelihood that rain halos contributed to the observation:
- Rain, drizzle, mist or fog reported near the sighting time.
- Reduced visibility in nearby meteorological observations.
- Aircraft operating near an airport.
- Lights observed low on the horizon.
- Descriptions emphasising glow, fuzziness or diffuse edges.
- Reports that the object appeared larger than expected for a light source.
- Apparent pulsing, swelling or shrinking without corresponding movement.
The World Meteorological Organization notes that poor visibility may result from rain, mist, haze, fog and related phenomena, sometimes affecting only limited areas. This means that localised conditions can distort observations even when broader weather reports describe generally acceptable visibility. [World Meteorological Organization]community.wmo.intWorld Meteorological Organization AviationWorld Meteorological OrganizationAviation - Hazards - Low Visibility and Low CloudPoor visibility may likewise only affect small areas (i…
Investigators who compare witness accounts with airport operations, visibility records and precipitation data often find that apparently extraordinary lights were observed under exactly the conditions most favourable for halo formation.
Why Rain Halos Matter in UFO Analysis
Rain halos illustrate a broader lesson in UFO investigation: unusual appearance does not necessarily imply an unusual object.
A bright aircraft light viewed through wet air can become a glowing orb. A runway approach light can appear airborne. A beacon can seem larger, brighter and more mysterious than reality. The mechanism is well understood, rooted in the scattering of light by water droplets, and recognised in both meteorology and aviation safety research. [Skybrary]skybrary.aeroVisual Illusions AwarenessSkybraryVisual Illusions AwarenessSeptember 22, 2005 — In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may also appear fuzzy because of rain h… [Hal Science]hal.scienceNighttime Visibility Analysis and Estimation Method in the…by R Gallen · 2015 · Cited by 84 — However, fog induces the pres- ence of h… [3visualexpert.com]visualexpert.comWeather and Accidents: Rain & Fogscattering effect in rain—light hits moisture droplets and scatters. As droplet size decreases, however, both the type and mount of scatt…
For that reason, reports involving luminous objects seen during rain, drizzle, mist or fog deserve careful examination before extraordinary conclusions are drawn. In many cases, the most important clue is not the light itself but the moisture-filled atmosphere through which it was seen.
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Further Reading
Books and field guides related to When rain turns lights into UFOs. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
The UFO Experience
Connects atmospheric misidentification with the wider UFO investigation process.
The Cloudspotter's Guide
Explains the cloud and moisture conditions that make ordinary lights look strange.
Light and Color in the Outdoors
Directly addresses optical effects such as halos, scattering and unusual light appearances.
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Endnotes
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Source: hal.science
Link: https://hal.science/hal-01216610/documentSource snippet
Nighttime Visibility Analysis and Estimation Method in the...by R Gallen · 2015 · Cited by 84 — However, fog induces the pres- ence of h...
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Source: visualexpert.com
Title: Weather and Accidents: Rain & Fog
Link: https://www.visualexpert.com/Resources/weather.htmlSource snippet
scattering effect in rain—light hits moisture droplets and scatters. As droplet size decreases, however, both the type and mount of scatt...
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Source: weather.gov
Link: https://www.weather.gov/arx/why_halos_sundogs_pillars -
Source: skybrary.aero
Title: Visual Illusions Awareness
Link: https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/177.pdfSource snippet
SkybraryVisual Illusions AwarenessSeptember 22, 2005 — In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may also appear fuzzy because of rain h...
Published: September 22, 2005
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Source: faa.gov
Title: Federal Aviation Administration Chapter 2
Link: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap2_section_1.htmlSource snippet
Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual...Runway edge lights are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness...
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Source: cdn.knmi.nl
Link: https://cdn.knmi.nl/knmi/pdf/bibliotheek/knmipubIR/IR2015-05.pdfSource snippet
study of fog detection and visibility estimation...by Z Ramlakhan · Cited by 3 — So-called forward scatter sensors are employed in the m...
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Source: metoffice.gov.uk
Title: whats the difference between mist fog and haze
Link: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2025/whats-the-difference-between-mist-fog-and-hazeSource snippet
Mist, fog, and haze: What's the difference?10 Sept 2025 — Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibilit...
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Source: weather.metoffice.gov.uk
Link: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/fogSource snippet
Met OfficeWhat is fog?Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that causes a reduction in visibility to less than 1000 metres. when the...
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Source: renkeer.com
Title: Enviro Sensors How is Weather Visibility Measured?
Link: https://www.renkeer.com/how-is-weather-visibility-measured/Source snippet
EnviroSensorsHow is Weather Visibility Measured? - Renke10 Sept 2024 — Fog, haze, dust and even rain and snow can cause visibility to dec...
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Source: meteoswiss.admin.ch
Link: https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/weather/weather-and-climate-from-a-to-z/halo-phenomena-optical-phenomena-at-fog-margins.htmlSource snippet
MeteoSwissHalo phenomena – optical phenomena at fog marginsHalos are caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight on ice crystals...
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Source: flightsafety.org
Title: Flight Safety Foundation FSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 – Visual Illusions
Link: https://flightsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/alar_bn5-3-illusions.pdfSource snippet
Flight Safety FoundationFSF ALAR Briefing Note 5.3 -- Visual IllusionsMarch 2, 2005 — – In light rain or moderate rain, the runway may ap...
Published: March 2, 2005
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Source: weather.metoffice.gov.uk
Link: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/guides/observations/how-we-measure-visibilitySource snippet
Met OfficeHow we measure visibilityVisibility sensors measure the meteorological optical [range]({{ 'range/' | relative_url }}) which is defined as the length of atmosphe...
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Source: community.wmo.int
Title: World Meteorological Organization Aviation
Link: https://community.wmo.int/site/knowledge-hub/programmes-and-initiatives/aviation/aviation-hazards-low-visibility-and-low-cloudSource snippet
World Meteorological OrganizationAviation - Hazards - Low Visibility and Low CloudPoor visibility may likewise only affect small areas (i...
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Source: weather.metoffice.gov.uk
Link: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/met-office-for-schools/other-content/other-resources/understanding-weatherSource snippet
weatherIn the atmosphere, the gases in it cause the light to slow down, change direction and scatter, for most colours the effect of this...
Additional References
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Source: about.metservice.com
Link: https://about.metservice.com/learning/fog-and-mist-kohu-62r84Source snippet
About MetServiceFogFog, and mist, are created by microscopic water droplets suspended in the air. These tiny water droplets scatter any l...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXVcHo9jKcf/Source snippet
POV: Why do airport crews use fog lights during aircraft...The truth is they help ground crews see the aircraft. This practice is used d...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Visibility-for-different-types-of-weather-fog-mist-haze-and-aerosol-Actual_fig5_302918967Source snippet
an be used to detect atmosphere visibility and distinguish different weather phenomena.Read more...
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Source: swi-wiskunde.nl
Link: https://www.swi-wiskunde.nl/swi2016/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/07/knmi.pdfSource snippet
ed beam of [infrared]({{ 'infrared/' | relative_url }}) light to determine the Meteorological Optical Range (MOR): the...Read more...
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Source: wiki.ivao.aero
Link: https://wiki.ivao.aero/en/home/training/documentation/Fog_mist_and_hazeSource snippet
Fog is a real danger for general aviation pilots, and can even be for one under...Read more...
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Source: rammb.cira.colostate.edu
Link: https://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/dev/hillger/optical-phenomena.htmSource snippet
The term for various circles or arcs of light around the sun or Moon, caused by reflection and refraction of light as it moves through ic...
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Source: aviationx.org
Title: decoding aviation meteorology understanding visibility fog
Link: https://www.aviationx.org/decoding-aviation-meteorology-understanding-visibility-fog/Source snippet
Decoding Aviation Meteorology: Understanding Visibility & Fog3 Feb 2024 — Mist involves the suspension of water droplets in the atmospher...
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Source: theguardian.com
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/17/rare-pink-fog-blankets-parts-of-uk-with-warning-issued-over-poor-visibilitySource snippet
Rare pink fog blankets parts of UK with warning issued...Dec 18, 2025 — Like clouds, fog is caused by tiny water droplets suspended in t...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/Kernow.Weather.Team/posts/fog-mist-and-haze-all-affect-visibility-which-is-an-important-part-of-forecasts-/704326998389666/Source snippet
f forecasts affecting many aspects of life, from driving conditions to shipping...
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Source: aopa.org
Title: seldom seen have you earned your pilots halo
Link: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/september/pilot/seldom-seen-have-you-earned-your-pilots-haloSource snippet
Have you earned your pilot's halo?1 Sept 2025 — Instead, the pilot's halo is formed when water droplets in the cloud, or fog, causes back...
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