The moon with a weird halo thingy (there’s probably an actual explanation and scientific name for this) (not camera lens weirdness as I can see it with my naked eye too) Bristol, UK.
Title: The “Weird Halo Thingy” Around the Moon in Bristol, UK – Science Explained!
Meta Description: Spotted a mysterious ring around the moon in Bristol? Discover the science behind this stunning lunar halo phenomenon, why it’s visible to the naked eye – and where to see it next!
What’s That Strange Ring Around the Moon in Bristol?
If you’ve gazed up at the night sky over Bristol recently and noticed a glowing, circular halo surrounding the moon, you’re not alone! This eerie yet beautiful “weird halo thingy” has captivated skywatchers across the city, sparking everything from folklore theories to weather predictions. But rest assured—it’s not magic, lens flare, or alien activity. This phenomenon has a perfectly scientific explanation, and it’s even more fascinating than you might think!
The Science Behind the Moon’s Halo
The ring you’re seeing is called a lunar halo or 22-degree halo, and it’s caused by tiny ice crystals suspended high in Earth’s atmosphere. These crystals form in thin, wispy clouds known as cirrus clouds, which float 20,000 feet or higher above ground level. When moonlight passes through these hexagonal ice crystals, it bends (refracts) at a precise 22-degree angle, creating a luminous circle around the moon.
Think of it like nature’s prism: the ice crystals split the moonlight into a spectrum of colors, similar to a rainbow. However, lunar halos often appear white to the naked eye because moonlight isn’t as bright as sunlight, making the colors too faint to discern.
Why Is It Visible to the Naked Eye in Bristol?
Contrary to smartphone camera glitches or lens artifacts, lunar halos are 100% real atmospheric events. You can see them with your unaided eyes—no special equipment needed! For Bristolians, winter and early spring are prime times to spot them, thanks to colder temperatures that encourage icy cirrus cloud formation. These clouds often precede weather fronts, hinting at incoming rain or storms within 24–48 hours. (Pro tip: Folklore claims a halo means bad weather’s coming—and sometimes it’s right!)
Lunar Halos vs. Other Sky Phenomena
- Moon Dogs (Paraselenae): Bright spots flanking the halo, caused by horizontal ice crystals. Less common than halos but equally striking!
- Coronas: Colorful rings closer to the moon, formed by water droplets in lower clouds (not ice).
- Light Pillars: Vertical beams of light above/below the moon, often seen in polar regions but rare in the UK.
Best Spots to See Lunar Halos in Bristol
While halos are visible citywide, escape light pollution for the clearest view:
- Leigh Woods: Elevated trails offer unobstructed skies.
- Ashton Court Estate: Expansive open spaces ideal for stargazing.
- Blaise Castle Estate: Parkland with minimal urban glare.
Photographing the Phenomenon
Capture the halo with a smartphone or DSLR:
- Use night mode or manual settings (low ISO, longer exposure).
- Steady your camera on a tripod or wall.
- Avoid zooming—halos are big! Wider shots work best.
Next Time You Spot That “Weird Halo”…
Now you know it’s a 22-degree lunar halo—a dazzling reminder of how physics lights up our skies. Keep an eye out on cold, clear nights in Bristol, especially when cirrus clouds veil the moon. And don’t forget to share your sightings with #BristolHalo on social media!
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