Why Does the Moon Have a Halo Sometimes?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does the Moon have a halo sometimes?

The Big Idea

The Moon has a halo sometimes because ice crystals high in the sky bend its light into a ring. These crystals are in thin, high clouds called cirrus clouds. A lunar halo is a crystal ring!

Ice Clouds Form

Step one: ice clouds form. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds about 6 to 12 kilometers up, where it is cold enough for ice. They are made of tiny ice crystals.

Crystals Bend Light

Step two: crystals bend the light. Many of these crystals have six sides. As moonlight enters and leaves them, it bends by about 22 degrees. That is a very specific angle.

A Ring Appears

Step three: a ring appears. All the crystals that bend light toward you at that angle make a ring around the Moon. It is a lunar halo, often pale white.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a halo! Moonlight travels toward you. It meets thin, high cirrus clouds. Ice crystals bend the light by 22 degrees. And a ring forms around the Moon.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The ring sits about one hand-span from the Moon, held out at arm's length. Halos around the Sun are real too, but never look at the Sun. Cirrus clouds sometimes come before rain or snow. A halo is only a hint, not a promise.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Let's watch the sky. If you see a halo around the Moon, tell a grown-up and take a photo. Check the weather over the next day or two. Did the weather change? Never look at the Sun to hunt for halos.

Outro

A glowing ring around the Moon is a crystal clue in the sky. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!