Lunar Halos & Belfries

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Lunar Halos & Belfries: A Captivating Celestial Phenomenon

When gazing at the night sky, we are often captivated by the celestial wonders that unfold before us. One such enchanting phenomenon is the occurrence of lunar halos, which add an ethereal touch to the already mesmerizing lunar display. These luminous rings encircle the moon, casting a soft glow that has fascinated skywatchers for centuries. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of lunar halos and explore their connection with belfries, architectural gems that have stood the test of time.

Understanding Lunar Halos

Lunar halos, also known as moon rings or winter rings, are optical phenomena that arise from the interaction of moonlight with ice crystals suspended in the Earth's atmosphere. These tiny ice crystals act as prisms, bending and refracting the moonlight to create a ring of light around the moon. The shape and size of lunar halos can vary, but they are most commonly observed as circular rings with a radius of approximately 22 degrees around the moon.

The Science Behind Lunar Halos

To fully appreciate the beauty of lunar halos, it is essential to understand the science behind them. As moonlight passes through the ice crystals in the atmosphere, it undergoes a process called refraction. This refraction causes the light to bend, resulting in the formation of a halo around the moon. The angle at which the light is bent determines the size of the halo, with a 22-degree angle being the most common.

The Delicate Colors of Lunar Halos

One of the most captivating aspects of lunar halos is their delicate colors. While red hues are usually distinct, other colors appear as pastel shades, eventually blending into white. This color variation occurs due to the overlapping of different wavelengths of light as they pass through the ice crystals. The result is a mesmerizing display of soft, ethereal tones that add to the enchantment of the lunar halo.

The Connection with Belfries

In addition to their celestial allure, lunar halos have an intriguing connection with belfries, architectural structures that have graced towns and cities for centuries. Belfries, often associated with town halls or churches, are tall towers that house bells and serve as symbols of civic pride. These architectural gems come in various styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance.

The Beauty of Belfries and Lunar Halos

The combination of belfries and lunar halos creates a truly captivating sight. The intricate details and grandeur of belfries provide a stunning backdrop for the ethereal glow of lunar halos. As moonlight filters through the halo and illuminates the surroundings, the belfries stand tall, adding a touch of historical charm to the celestial spectacle.

A Symbolic Union

The union of lunar halos and belfries holds symbolic significance as well. Both represent a merging of the celestial and the earthly realms, bridging the gap between the heavens above and human civilization below. This connection serves as a reminder of our place in the universe and the beauty that can be found in the harmonious coexistence of nature and human creation.

Appreciating the Celestial Symphony

Witnessing a lunar halo in the presence of a belfry is truly a remarkable experience. To fully appreciate this celestial symphony, one must take the time to observe and marvel at the intricate details. The delicate colors of the lunar halo dancing against the backdrop of the majestic belfry create a scene that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Conclusion

Lunar halos and belfries are two captivating elements that, when combined, create a spectacle that is both visually stunning and symbolically meaningful. The delicate colors and ethereal glow of lunar halos, coupled with the grandeur of belfries, offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural and human-made worlds colliding. So, the next time you find yourself gazing at the night sky, keep an eye out for the enchanting dance between lunar halos and belfries, and allow yourself to be transported into a world where the celestial and the earthly converge in a harmonious symphony.

Lunar Halos imaged by Simon Lericque (atmosp�res, astro) in Northern France. ©Simon Lericque, shown with permission.

Top: A partial 22° halo competes with stars and earthly lights at Wancourt near Arras.

Left: On another lunation Simon pictured this 22° halo with the elaborate belfry at Arras. The belfry was originally built 1463-1554 but destroyed in WW1. It was rebuilt and with 55 other French and Belgian belfries is listed as a combined World heritage Site. Belfries were in several architectural styles Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance. Usually part of a town hall but sometimes independent structures.

Lower: The image nicely shows the delicate colours of the 22° halo. Only the reds are usually distinct. Other colours are overlapped and are pastel tending eventually to white (the '22° halo' extends outwards to 50°).

Note: this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. You can find the original article here.

Reference Atmospheric Optics

If you use any of the definitions, information, or data presented on Atmospheric Optics, please copy the link or reference below to properly credit us as the reference source. Thank you!