Halo (11 photos)

A halo (ἅλως; also known as a nimbus, icebow or Gloriole) is an optical phenomenon produced by ice crystals creating colored or white arcs and spots in the sky. Many are near the sun or moon but others are elsewhere and even in the opposite part of the sky. They can also form around artificial lights in very cold weather when ice crystals called diamond dust are floating in the nearby air.

There are many types of ice halos. They are produced by the ice crystals in cirrus clouds high (5–10 km, or 3–6 miles) in the upper troposphere. The particular shape and orientation of the crystals is responsible for the type of halo observed. Light is reflected and refracted by the ice crystals and may split up into colors because of dispersion. The crystals behave like prisms and mirrors, refracting and reflecting sunlight between their faces, sending shafts of light in particular directions.

Atmospheric phenomena such as halos were used as part of weather lore as an empirical means of weather forecasting before meteorology was developed.

Other common optical phenomena involving water droplets rather than ice crystals include the glory and the rainbow.

Environmental Photographer 2010 award winners

The Environmental Photographer of the Year is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography, honouring amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The categories are Mott MacDonald's Changing Climates; The Natural World; Quality of Life; Innovation in the Environment (New for 2010); The Underwater World (New for 2010); A View From the Western World (New for 2010); and the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year (Under 16 & Under 21).

The Underwater World (New Category for 2010)

Three-quarters of the world's surface is water and almost half of the world's population lives on or close to a coastline, but to many the wonders of the underwater world are virtually unknown. This category allowed photographers to share the incredible secrets the oceans, lakes and even ponds hold, as well as highlight the vital role they play in our world's survival.

Environmental Photographer of the Year Overall Winner: Flight of the Rays Florian by Schulz

Florian Schulz - Flight of the Rays

An amazing picture of thousands of rays swimming through the ocean in a colossal school has scooped top prize in the CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 awards. The group of Munkiana Devil Rays were spotted in Baja California Sur, Mexico, by German conservation photographer Florian Schulz. He described how he was able to take his winning image, Flight of the Rays:

Saint Petersburg From Above

Pencil Tip Sculptures by Dalton Ghetti / Карандашное искусство Далтона Гетти

3D Photos (snowboard) / Трехмерные фотографии (сноуборд)

click pictures to see 3D effect ;) 

Beautiful Orthodox Landscapes / Православные пейзажи