Moon Haloes: What Are They and How Do They Form?
Have you ever noticed the moon with a prominent halo around it when gazing up at the night sky? The other night that's exactly what I saw and the halo was enormous! Why does this happen?
Humans have long been enchanted by this magnificent sight. The halo often referred to as a lunar halo or moon ring, is a phenomenon that occurs when light from the moon is bent by ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere. We'll look into the science behind this stunning natural phenomenon in this post. What causes These Moon Haloes? Let's first explore the causes of haloes. Light changes direction when it penetrates a material with a variable refractive index. Refraction is the term for this. In the event of a lunar halo, the moon's light reaches the Earth's atmosphere, which is made up of minute ice crystals. Ice crystals function as prisms, bending the light and forming the moon's halo. The halo has a circular shape and is typically bigger than the moon itself. This is due to the fact that the ice crystals in the atmosphere have various sizes, which causes the light's refraction to vary depending on where it enters and exits the crystals. A bigger halo occurs from more light being bent by larger crystals. In places with a cold and dry climate, moon halos are most frequently observed. Moon halos are particularly common in the Arctic and Antarctic areas. A moon halo may appear depending on the moon's phase as well. When the moon is full, when it is the brightest and the light can most easily penetrate through the ice crystals, it is more likely to be seen. Moon halo sightings have sparked tales and legends across many cultures for eons. For instance, a moon halo was considered to be a warning of approaching rain or a storm in ancient Greek mythology. It was regarded in Chinese culture as a sign of luck and prosperity. Moon halo frequency varies, however, they are not particularly uncommon. Depending on the conditions and location, they can be spotted several times a year. They might be visible repeatedly every month in some areas, such as the Arctic and Antarctic. Moon halo dimensions can also differ greatly. A moon halo can have a diameter of 22 degrees or 44 degrees, with 22 degrees being the most prevalent. In Sweden in 1996, the largest moon halo ever seen was recorded. The halo was one of the largest ever seen, measuring 46 degrees in diameter. It is possible to photograph moon halos, however, it can be challenging. To image the halo's faint glow, the camera settings must be changed, and the photographer may need to use a tripod to stabilize the camera. Furthermore, the photographer must be in a location with very little light pollution because this can obscure the halo's visibility. In conclusion, depending on the location and environment, moon halos are a stunning and regular occurrence that can be witnessed many times a year. While not especially uncommon, they are nonetheless an impressive and fascinating sight.