Pronunciation: [hˈe͡ɪlə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "haloes" refers to a ring of light around an object. It is spelled with the combination of "hal" and "oes" - "hal" being pronounced as /heɪl/ and "oes" as /oʊz/. This word is often misspelled as "halos" due to its similarity in pronunciation. It is important to pay attention to the plural form of this word, as singular "halo" and plural "haloes" have a different spelling and usage.
Haloes, also spelled halos, refers to luminous circles or rings that appear around the sun, moon, or other celestial bodies, as well as around certain artificial light sources. These optical phenomena occur due to the interaction of light with ice crystals or water droplets suspended in the atmosphere.
The most common type of halo is the 22-degree halo, which forms a circular ring around the sun or moon. It is caused when light rays passing through hexagonal ice crystals are refracted, or bent, at angles of 22 degrees. The result is the dispersion of light into its component colors, creating a colorful ring of light.
There are also other types of haloes, including the rare 46-degree halo and the more commonly observed circumhorizontal arc, also known as the fire rainbow. These unique optical phenomena occur when sunlight passes through plate-shaped ice crystals and is refracted at specific angles.
Haloes have long been the subject of fascination and folklore, often associated with mystical or supernatural events. They can be observed in various weather conditions, such as in the presence of high-altitude cirrus clouds or during cold winter days when ice crystals form in the air. Haloes are beautiful and awe-inspiring natural occurrences that continue to captivate observers and serve as a reminder of the intricacies of light and atmosphere.
The word haloes is derived from the Greek word halos, meaning disk or ring. In ancient Greek mythology and art, a halo refers to a circular disk or ring of light that is depicted around the head of a deity, saint, or holy person in artistic representations. The Greek word halos itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *kwel- meaning revolve or move around, which also gave rise to words like wheel and cycle.
