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Name: Debbie G.
Status: educator
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 11/2/2003
Question:
What causes a lunar halo and how frequent are they?

Replies:
Hi Debbie!

Halos are optical atmospheric phenomena that happen with the moon and also with the sun. They are mostly due to the refraction of moonlight (or sunlight) that passes through ice crystals present in thin clouds at the atmosphere(colored halos). Reflection of the light from the ice crystal faces (white halos) can also contribute to that beautiful effect. They are pretty common and can be seen whenever these clouds are present at the convenient position and the skies are clear.

Thanks for asking NEWTON!

Mabel
(Dr. Mabel Rodrigues)


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