These are called "sun dogs" - they are caused by refraction of the sun's rays through ice crystals. You often see one either side of the sun - I forget which angle, but 22.5° seems familiar. Google "sun dogs" and you'll find out lots.
Guest
12-Dec-2005 06:35
Glad to see you have FORD in the US LOL.
Nice photo Vern
I call those "Cloud Rainbows", but I am sure there is a more technical name for them. We get them quite frequently around here. But not nearly as vivid as this one.
Vern, I'm concerned: it could be caused by extra-terrestrials. If you want more info, see John Cooper's excellent treatment of the subject athttp://www.pbase.com/john_cooper/ufo .