A Dazzling Moon Halo Captured in New Zealand

Look up at the night sky, and sometimes, you're rewarded with something truly magical. Recently, a breathtaking moon halo was captured over New Zealand, painting a ring of light around our celestial neighbor.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

But what exactly causes these enchanting displays? These moon halos, often referred to as '22-degree halos', are a beautiful demonstration of atmospheric optics. They are created by the refraction of moonlight through countless tiny ice crystals suspended in the upper atmosphere, typically found in cirrus clouds. When light passes through these hexagonal ice crystals, it's bent, or refracted, at an angle of approximately 22 degrees, forming the distinctive ring we observe.

This particular halo was exceptionally well-defined, allowing for the subtle emergence of colors within the ring – a testament to the perfect conditions and the skill of the photographer.

Witnessing such phenomena reminds us of the intricate and often unseen beauty that surrounds us, even in the familiar glow of the moon.