I am looking at the full moon right now from North Devon in UK. It appears to have a white then orange and a fainter blue aura around it. I've not seen this before (perhaps I havn't been looking). What causes this and why?
2006-11-06 07:09:17 · 11 answers · asked by Gin & Tonic 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It's called a lunar halo. It is caused by refraction of light by water droplets in the atmosphere, in much the same way that a rainbow is caused, and there is a solar halo, as well, at times. if you see it again, place your closed fist at arm's length at one side of the halo and see how many fists it takes to get across to the other side. It should be two, plus about two fingers worth, 22.5 degrees diameter (same for the solar halo). At times the solar halo is broken into two very bright spots 11 degrees or so either side of the sun: these are popularly called "sun dogs". If thin ice crystal clouds are the cause there is usually no coloration associated with the halo.
2006-11-06 07:32:00 · answer #1 · answered by David A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to notice when I was a kid swimming at night the moon appeared to have an aura around it, that was because of having water in my eyes though.
I've heard an old wise tale about seeing an aura around the moon meant it was going to snow.
2006-11-06 07:13:47 · answer #2 · answered by Sean 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The orange is probably due to various particles in the atmosphere, dust and the like. The halo is caused by moonlight being reflected and refracted by ice crystals or water droplets in high-level clouds.
2006-11-06 09:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Joseph Q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i assume whilst the moon is complete I replace right into a sprint greater serene. i glance out over the lower back backyard, it is in part lined with trees. i admire the way the total moon makes issues inspect nighttime, in basic terms approximately like sunlight hours with an exceedingly susceptible mild as against the sunlight. It in basic terms supplies each thing a delightful look, variety of like a regularly occurring snow of the season. I catch myself in basic terms staring out the window on nights like that. i assume that makes me unusual, i do no longer strengthen to be werewolfe, sorry. stable success.
2016-10-03 08:37:15 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. The effect is due to very thin clouds or haze. The orange I saw on Halloween here in the US and jokingly called it "The Pumpkin Moon".
2006-11-06 07:12:35 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are looking at it through a layer of high altitude ice-crystals. Lunar halos are said to predict a cold night and a frosty morning! (Ring around the moon)
2006-11-06 07:14:40 · answer #6 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either ice crystals or pollution in the upper atmosphere.
Check out the link below:
2006-11-06 07:30:38 · answer #7 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
really?? i'm in new jersey USA and i saw the same thing last night. i must keep an eye on this as i would really like to know as well. - - - thanx for the question!
2006-11-06 07:19:57 · answer #8 · answered by tirebiter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cataracts.
2006-11-06 07:18:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Reflection off my head
2006-11-06 07:11:05 · answer #10 · answered by Jet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋