CINCINNATI -- If you noticed a huge ring around the moon last night, you’re not alone. Many Tri-State residents who were out and about Thursday night witnessed a halo effect encircling the nearly full moon.
WCPO Chief Meteorologist Steve Raleigh explains that ice crystals high above the Tri-State are responsible for the beautiful atmospheric condition.
Ice crystals around the moon forming that halo effect https://t.co/B6qxhOMWiO
— Steve Raleigh WCPO (@Cincywxman) January 22, 2016
Solar or lunar halos are associated with thin, high cirrus clouds, which often precede a storm (sound familiar at all?). The clouds contain millions of tiny ice crystals that both refract (or bend) and reflect moonlight to wrap a halo around Earth's satellite.
Lunar halos are most often colorless, but their solar counterparts can feature reddish hues near the inside of the halo and blues on the outside.
@Cincywxman Lunar halo around the moon in Maineville at TPC Riversbend. Pictures don't do it justice! Very large! pic.twitter.com/Kck3imMpfc
— jon froah (@jfroah) January 22, 2016
@Cincywxman what is this big ring around the moon? pic.twitter.com/m3NwFLMODQ
— John Mederer (@sportstaxidad) January 22, 2016
