Halo Moon?

[Drew.Gardonia]

I was taking my puppy out last night for a potty break, and I looked up and happened to notice a strange halo around the moon. The sky was mostly clear, but a few clouds off in the distance.

What struck me as odd was the halo was perfect, but the lack of clouds around the moon was piqued my curiosity.

Anyone ever seen this before? I can't say that I have, so I would like an explanation if anyone knows.

 

[Skip Talbot]

That halo was visible from most of the midwest last night. It's caused by a layer of high altitude ice crystals refracting the moon's light. A photogenic bonus from Sandy.

 

[Drew.Gardonia]

someone told me it was called the "Moon Dog" earlier today. pretty interesting effect.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_dog

 

[Skip Talbot]

Looks like just a halo to me. A moon (or sun) dog is a bright spot to the left or right (or both sides) of the moon (or sun). Like the moon (or sun) has a little pet companion.

 

[Alex Heimberger]

Christine got these while taking our dog out.

 

[STexan]

Don't mean to hijack the "halo" thread but speaking of the moon. Got this on top of Mount Magazine, AR last full moon.
The air was very "polluted" (burn ban lifted I guess was the issue) and I was not happy with the clarity that low.