Seasons and sky
22-Degree Halo
Direct answer
22-Degree Halo: A 22-Degree Halo is a circular ring around the Sun or Moon with an apparent radius near 22 degrees, formed by refraction through hexagonal ice crystals.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related
- Sun Pillar, Sundog, Astronomical Season, Equinox
A 22-Degree Halo is the common ice-crystal ring around the Sun or Moon.
A Sun-Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.
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The story behind 22-Degree Halo
Geometric optics connected the ring minimum deviation angle with light passing through sixty-degree ice-crystal prisms.
Why 22-Degree Halo matters
22-Degree Halo is a frequent sign of high ice clouds and a foundation for identifying more complex halo displays.
22-Degree Halo in practice: an example
An outstretched hand span can help estimate the broad radius between the Sun and the halo.
Where readings of 22-Degree Halo go wrong
Block the Sun with a building or hand and never look through unfiltered optical equipment.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- National Weather Service: Atmospheric Optics - NWS science reference for halos, pillars, sundogs, green flashes, rays, and related optical displays.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Measure the common halo
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Common questions
What is a 22-Degree Halo?
A 22-Degree Halo is a circular ring around the Sun or Moon with an apparent radius near 22 degrees, formed by refraction through hexagonal ice crystals.
What do people get wrong about a 22-Degree Halo?
Block the Sun with a building or hand and never look through unfiltered optical equipment.
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