03/12/2025
lunar halo — a real atmospheric phenomenon tonight.
A halo like this forms when moonlight passes through millions of tiny ice crystals high in the upper atmosphere (usually in thin cirrus clouds). Those crystals bend the light at a consistent angle, creating a perfect circular ring around the Moon.
A few notes about what you’re seeing:
• The common halo radius is 22°, which is why the ring looks fairly large.
• It usually means ice crystals are present ahead of a weather system, so it can sometimes hint that rain is on the way.
• The glow and ring appear strongest when thin clouds drift across the Moon, just like in your photo. ゚viralシfypシ゚
