2007-11-22 19:30:43 · 16 answers · asked by ginner37 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Its called a lunar halo. its caused by crystals of ice formed high up in the stratosphere. The moon's light refracts around these crystals and forms what looks like a ring around the moon.
2007-11-22 19:33:51 · answer #1 · answered by Christopher H 2 · 9⤊ 1⤋
The ring around the Moon is caused by the refraction of Moonlight (which of course is reflected sunlight) from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. The shape of the ice crystals results in a focusing of the light into a ring. Since the ice crystals typically have the same shape, namely a hexagonal shape, the Moon ring is almost always the same size.
2007-11-23 03:33:59 · answer #2 · answered by DaveNCUSA 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
-sorry, I'm not gonna answer. I do have some things to clear out-
The halo last night was a lot bigger than usual. If it does indicate a storm, would the storm also be stronger?
And if refraction of ice crystals forms the halo, why should the halo be bigger now, in relation to the incoming storm?
2007-11-23 03:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by yellow_hubble 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it was high altitude ice-crystals, acting as a diffraction grating. Such halos are very beautiful, and in folk lore predict a heavy frost the next day!
2007-11-23 03:42:48 · answer #4 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. (Usually an indication of an oncoming storm 2 or 5 days away)
2007-11-23 03:34:45 · answer #5 · answered by Scott 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It got engaged! Congratulations, Moon!
Nah, Christopher's answer is worth the 10pts.
2007-11-23 03:42:03 · answer #6 · answered by Just some guy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was almost certainly a halo. See link for a picture.
2007-11-23 07:03:36 · answer #7 · answered by za 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is called the crown of the moon, it's an optical illusion made by our atmosphere and droplets of water floating in the sky, with the right position and angle you will see this phenomenon, regards
2007-11-23 04:20:40 · answer #8 · answered by mx 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Reflection of Saturn Ring in an elliptical mirage with the sunlight supervision.
2007-11-23 03:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by secretuser 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Humidity.
2007-11-23 03:33:07 · answer #10 · answered by Sam 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋