RING OF RAINBOW: A couple of office workers caught by the beauty of the halo-effect around the sun, as viewed from Plaza Damansara in Damansara Heights. Pix: SM AminKUALA LUMPUR: Klang Valley residents, usually preoccupied with the trappings of work and their daily routine, took time out today to appreciate a rarely-experienced daytime phenomenon of a 'sun halo' in the skies.

The phenomenon, which began around 12.30pm, showed a large rainbow encircling the sun, a sight which drew gasps of wonder from office workers on their way to lunch.

Many were seen using their camera phones to snap pictures of the meteorological phenomenon.

The 'rainbow around the sun' effect is known as a 22-degree halo or a sun halo. This is caused by tiny ice crystals contained in high cirrostratus clouds.

The sunlight then refracts through the ice at a 22-degree angle, producing the circular rainbow effect.

A Meteorological Department spokesman said 22-degree halos are not very common in Malaysia, as it is usually a night-time phenomenon.

"In layman terms, this occurs when a there is layer of clouds below the sun, and a division of light spectrum exists in between, which creates a halo effect.

"It has occurred before in Malaysia, but not very frequently. The phenomenon is more common at night," said the spokesman.

The spokesman said it is a harmless and natural occurrence, but nevertheless cautioned members of the public who wished to view the phenomenon to wear sunglasses and not stare directly into the sun to safeguard their eyesight.

- mD