Lunar Halo and Jupiter Too
June 17, 2005
Referred by: Rainer Ehlert
Summary authors & editors: Jim Foster; Rainer Ehlert
This photo of a noble lunar halo was taken a little after midnight from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on March 27, 2005. Lunar halos often result when moonlight enters randomly- oriented hexagonal ice crystals in wispy cirrus clouds. Refraction of light produces a 22 degree ring or halo around the Moon (or Sun). In order for a halo to appear, the Moon (or Sun) must be at least 22 degrees above the horizon. Interestingly, Jupiter was also positioned approximately 22° from the Moon on this night -- near the top of the halo.
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