1. A rare optical phenomenon in which a bright spot appears in the sky opposite the sun, often seen in polar regions or at high altitudes; the plural of anthelion.
Usage: technical; meteorology; plural form

Examples

• Anthelions are sometimes observed by mountaineers and polar explorers when conditions are right.
• The anthelions appeared as a glowing spot directly opposite the sun in the sky.
• Photographers in Antarctica have documented rare anthelions during certain atmospheric conditions.
• Unlike halos, anthelions occur on the opposite side of the sun from the observer.