An astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) recently captured a breathtaking image of the Moon showcasing a “lunar halo.” This stunning sight features an arc of light surrounding the Moon, a spectacle visible due to the ISS’s unique vantage point high above the Earth’s weather.
From over 200 miles above the Earth, the ISS provides a clear view of the planet, allowing light from the Moon to interact with ice crystals in the atmosphere. These crystals refract light, creating the beautiful optical display. The image reveals how moonlight bends as it passes through these tiny crystals, producing delicate arcs filled with stunning colors.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center oversees the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility, which allows astronauts to take photos of the planet. These images help document our atmosphere and environmental changes over time.
The halo forms when moonlight interacts with ice crystals found in cirrus clouds. This optical phenomenon is characterized by a ring stretching roughly 22 degrees from the Moon, creating a darker area inside the circle. The unique structure of the ice crystals affects how light refracts, resulting in different shapes and intensities. The astronaut’s photo highlights only a partial arc because the ice layer did not completely encircle the Moon from their viewpoint.
Interestingly, the high altitude of these ice crystals makes their presence quite rare. Research indicates that they thrive in cold regions of the atmosphere, nearly 50 miles up. These crystals are sensitive to small temperature changes and vertical movements, which can alter their shape and appearance. Dr. James Russell III, a leading researcher from NASA, notes that our understanding of these phenomena has evolved thanks to years of satellite observations.
Despite the lunar image showing a waxing crescent, the camera’s exposure brightened the Moon’s surface. This made it appear fuller than it truly was, with Earthshine illuminating the dark side of the Moon, adding to the overall glow.
Photographs like this one are important because they provide a human perspective from space. Each image is a reminder of how physics interacts with nature at a grand scale. This partial lunar halo captures not just light but also the delicate dance between ice, air, and astronomical phenomena, illustrating the beauty and complexity of our world.
If you’re curious to explore more about such celestial events, you can visit the NASA website.
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