posted 01-17-2002 10:38 AM            

I have a question for all of you.

In years past, during the summer months, I have noticed a halo around the sun. The actual dates, well, I can not remember. I am certain it was in the summer, I was wearing shorts, and certain that it was about 11-3, the sun was over head.

I came across this site will I was researching Antarctica. Here is the link.
http://www.coolantarctica.com/

Anyways, go the "fact file", then "weather phenomena". There is a picture there of a solar halo, and it gives a description. It says:

"Another of the many optical atmospheric phenomena frequently seen in the Antarctic as a result of the scattering of light by ice particles suspended in the air. Such phenomena are usually encountered in the winter rather than summer when lower temperatures make such occurrences more likely.

Has anyone noticed these halos? It is pretty remarkable to see. From the website quote listed about, particals cause this? If so, what particles would cause this in the summertime over minnesota? The sun would be high in the sky this time of year for the northern hemisphere. Any information or help on this would be greatly appreciated.

A side note: a few people that I know in this area say that they have not seen them (halos) before, but how many people actually look at the sun?