Disk, Hole & Mars

The Fascinating World of Atmospheric Optics: Exploring Disks, Holes, and Mars

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and noticed a captivating halo surrounding the moon? This ethereal phenomenon, known as a lunar halo, offers a mesmerizing display of atmospheric optics. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing details of disks, holes, and their connection to Mars, shedding light on the science behind these celestial spectacles.

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Lunar Halo

Contrary to popular belief, the "22-degree" halo is not a mere 22 degrees in size. Rather, it encompasses a vast disk of light that extends up to 50 degrees from the moon or sun. However, we primarily observe the brighter inner regions of this disk. This phenomenon is more pronounced when the moon illuminates the night sky, allowing us to discern intricate halo details that may be overshadowed by the sun's brilliance.

The Enigmatic Hole in the Halo

Within this expansive disk of light, there exists a peculiar feature—a hole. Positioned at the center of the halo, this void arises from the inability of randomly oriented ice crystals to refract any light. Consequently, this absence of refracted light grants us a captivating view of the moonlit sky through the hole. Remarkably, the rim surrounding this enigmatic hole exhibits subtle hues of reds and straw colors, adding an element of mystique to the lunar halo.

The Role of Ice Crystals in Atmospheric Optics

Ice crystals play a crucial role in shaping the mesmerizing optical phenomena we observe in the atmosphere. These tiny crystals act as prisms, bending and dispersing light to create vivid displays such as halos, sundogs, and arcs. When sunlight or moonlight passes through these ice crystals, it undergoes refraction and reflection, resulting in an array of breathtaking optical effects.

Exploring the Colors of the Lunar Halo

Unlike the vibrant rainbow hues we associate with traditional rainbows, the colors of the 22-degree halo are more subtle and overlapping. This lack of distinct color separation is due to the nature of the halo's formation. As light passes through the ice crystals, it undergoes multiple refractions and reflections, causing the colors to blend and merge, creating a harmonious display of muted hues within the halo.

Mars: A Celestial Companion to the Lunar Halo

In addition to the captivating lunar halo, the planet Mars often makes an appearance in the night sky, adding an extra touch of intrigue to this celestial spectacle. Positioned near the inner rim of the halo, Mars emits a distinctive glow, captivating stargazers with its fiery presence. The juxtaposition of the moon, the halo, and Mars creates a visually striking composition that ignites our curiosity about the wonders of the universe.

Atmospheric Optics: A Window into Nature's Artistry

The study of atmospheric optics allows us to witness nature's artistic mastery unfold before our eyes. By unraveling the intricate mechanisms behind these optical phenomena, we gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our atmosphere. Whether it's the enchanting lunar halo or other ethereal displays, atmospheric optics invites us to marvel at the wonders that lie just beyond our reach.

Conclusion: Embracing the Marvels Above

As we gaze up at the night sky, let us embrace the enchantment and intrigue that atmospheric optics bestows upon us. The disks, holes, and Mars that grace our celestial canvas offer a glimpse into the captivating interplay between light and ice crystals in our atmosphere. So, the next time you find yourself under a starlit sky, take a moment to appreciate the ethereal beauty of these atmospheric phenomena and allow yourself to be transported to a realm where science and art converge.

Disks & Holes ~ Chris Brown in the Shetland Isles, Scotland imaged this lunar halo on 24th February '10. The Moon is in Gemini and Mars glows at 8 o' clock near the halo's inner rim. Olympus E620, ISO 800, 11-22mm ZD at 11mm, f/8 20s. ©Chris Brown,

The moon shining in a dark sky can show us more halo details than the sun. The “22-degree” halo is no such thing. It is a huge disk of light extending out to 50 degrees from the moon or sun. We see the brighter inner parts of the disk here. There is a hole in its middle where randomly oriented ice crystals cannot refract any light and this moonlit view shows it well. The hole’s rim is lit with subtle reds and straw colours. No strong rainbow hues with the 22-degree halo because its colours overlap.

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  • "Disk, Hole & Mars". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/disk-hole-mars/.

  • "Disk, Hole & Mars". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/disk-hole-mars/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • Disk, Hole & Mars. Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/disk-hole-mars/.