2007-12-22 13:58:06 · 10 answers · asked by Nancy D 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/atmos/moonhalo.html
2007-12-22 16:41:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dark Matter Physicist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That ring is caused by high-altitude ice crystals in the atmosphere above your area. Often such a ring around the moon (..or sun, too..) means that a change in the weather is on the way, usually a down turn. Each tiny crystal acts like a prism, so what you're looking at is what a rainbow would look like if the Earth's horizon didn't get in the way.
2007-12-22 14:12:41 · answer #2 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Nancy;
I don't know where you are, but I'm in northern Illinois, and I just saw the same thing a few moments ago whilst outside, having a smoke...
Bad habit, I know, but it's a New Year resolution to stop...
That ring around the moon is caused by high altitude ice crystals, WAY up in the stratus clouds.
This is not an uncommon thing to see, but it IS neat when you see it!
The same phenonmenon can be witnessed during daylight hours on really cold days (sometimes) in our winters.
I hope this shed a little light...
Bobby
2007-12-22 14:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by Bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 22 degree halo is caused by hexagonal ice crystals, usually found in very high clouds.
since you see the Moon and the halo, I assume that you are seeing the Moon through Cirrus or cirro-stratus clouds (thin, high and make of ice crystals).
These clouds are usually at the front end of a warm-front system: Cirrus, cirro-stratus, alto-stratus (opaque enough to hide the halo and almost hide the Moon and Sun), and finally nimbo-stratus (the rain cloud of warm fronts).
That is why some say that seeing a 22-degree halo around the Sun or Moon, means precipitation from 24 to 48 hours later. They are right most of the time (but not all the time).
2007-12-22 14:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by Raymond 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because high in the atmosphere there are ice crystals floating in the sky that refract the light reflected by the moon. This produces a colored circle around the moon, sometimes is violet, sometimes greenish-reddish, and this is called a "lunar corona" or a "lunar halo".
2007-12-22 14:28:02 · answer #5 · answered by Asker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rings around the Moon are caused by certain types of high thin clouds. It is a local phenomenon, kind of like a rain bow, visible only in a local area for a limited time.
2007-12-22 14:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
NASA is testing some alien technology at Area 51. I'm staying indoors with my aluminum helmet just to be safe.
2007-12-22 14:01:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it's your weather wherever you are. The air is a little moist and there are probably clouds out and about.
2007-12-22 14:05:04 · answer #8 · answered by sunny-d alright! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what it is but I see it too. Okay, so I'm not crazy! lol
2007-12-22 15:50:30 · answer #9 · answered by [Krystle] 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not here!!! It must be slightly cloudy or overcast there.
2007-12-22 14:02:45 · answer #10 · answered by eek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋