A lunar “halo” around the moon has been spotted in the skies above Kent

The phenomenon was pictured above West Malling but has also been spotted elsewhere in the county and across the UK.

It is known as a “lunar halo” and occurs by the refraction of moonlight from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere.

The halo can only be seen in the skies at night.

It is thought when one appears it signals incoming rain, according to the Met Office.

The weather company explained: "The halo is caused by ice crystals formed in high clouds.

"These ice crystals then refract the light from the Moon or Sun.

"As the ice crystals travel lower, precipitation becomes more likely. In summer months particularly, the Halo can be a sign of approaching storms."