Since posting my photo of the huge ring around the Sun I have done some
research. Like Corey Anne wrote, the ring is caused by light passing
through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. In my case, it did precede
a light shower which was very unusual in my location at this time of
year. I live in the San Joaquin Valley in California (Porterville).
Normally the rains stop in April and don't resume until November.

Here are links to wikipedia for Halos around the Sun and also 'Sun Dogs':

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_(optical_phenomenon)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dogs

What I photographed may have been the more rare 46 degree halo.

Link to Wikipedia's '46 degree Halo':
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46%C2%B0_halo

In my previous post (
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2011/bobware68.htm ) I was very
close on my estimate of the size of the ring around the Sun in my photo.
A 46 degree arc of the horizon is very close to 1/4 of the visible sky.

I have posted articles describing a circle with a circumference equal to
3 x 2368 (the Greek gematria of 'JESUS CHRIST'). Each 45 degree arc of
this circle equals the Greek gematria of 'JESUS' (888). So this 46 degree
halo could literally be a sign pointing to the imminent return of our
Lord.

I'm not sure what you were requesting in your post Carol, I hope I have
provided the information you requested.

bobware88@juno.com