An Unusual Phenomenon in Southern Finland’s Sky – 'Olympic Rings'
Finnish readers observed a strange cloud phenomenon resembling Olympic rings in the sky over several cities including Helsinki, Tampere, and Porvoo.
Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat reported on a peculiar cloud formation observed on a Friday morning, as readers sent in multiple sightings of the phenomenon. These clouds appeared above Helsinki, near Lapinlahti, just before eight o'clock, and similar structures were spotted in other cities like Tampere and Porvoo. One observer humorously speculated whether the formation, resembling three intertwined rings, was a nod to the ongoing Olympic Games.
Petteri Pyykkö, a meteorologist from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, noted the phenomenon as intriguing and speculated on its possible causes. He suggested that the cloud formation might be due to meteorological factors related to wind or temperature changes in the area. When clouds are predominantly composed of ice crystals, they are more sensitive to variations in wind direction and speed, which could explain the unusual shape of the clouds observed.
Additionally, Pyykkö mentioned the possibility that the formation could have been caused by a stunt plane or a similar aircraft, adding a layer of curiosity about what was seen in the sky. While it remains uncertain whether the formation is purely natural or man-made, the incident sparked interest and playful speculation among the public, linking it to the Olympic spirit.