Ice Halos around the Sun and the Moon are caused by light being refracted and reflected by ice crystals in the upper troposphere, around 5 miles high. They come in various forms from frequent 22 degree halos to more complex infrequent displays. Whenever the sky looks hazy with thin cirrus type clouds, have a look up near the sun but not looking directly at it by shielding it with your hands, and you may see a halo in some form.
For lots more information, visit the section on Halos on Les Cowley's excellent site
called Atmospheric Optics -
email gordon@mackayphotography.co.uk
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