What Does The Ring Around The Moon Really Mean?

Shimmering Ring

Lunar halos form due to the type of cloud in the air. In cirrus or cirrostratus clouds that are at high altitudes, between 20,000 and 40,000 feet, they contain hexagonal ice crystals that catch the light in a peculiar way.

It's actually a bit of a mathematical wonder that this happens, as it requires not only the reflection of light through a hexagonal shape, but the moon typically has to be 22 degrees from the halo's edge for the effect to fully take place.

Seeming Supernatural

Sometimes, this halo doesn't just appear as standard white light, but it'll show an entire rainbow. This, again, is due to the dispersing of light through those ice crystals, creating prisms that perfectly separate the light they're projecting into each individual wave.

These halos have another curious quality, as they don't seem to glow inward towards the moon, only outwards, creating what looks like a 'hole' in the sky that the moon is in the center of. This is also due to the angle at which light bounces off these ice crystals suspended in our sky.

What Could It Mean?

Lunar halos are most likely to be seen during winter during full (or nearly full) moons. The clouds needed to create the effect are often very thin and cover a large expanse, so it should be clear enough to see the full effect without anything getting in the way.

Unsurprisingly, this natural phenomenon has long since been a focal point for many mythologies and folklore throughout history, given its rarity and the divine nature of its appearance.

Eyes To The Skies

It was most often seen as a bit of an omen, a sign of troubled weather to come. Sometimes, if seen at night with visible stars, people would count the stars within the halo to predict exactly when this bad weather was coming.

This tale isn't entirely unfounded. Cirrus clouds—one of the cloud types that can create a lunar halo—often indicate that a warm front is approaching, and it can mean that there's a low-pressure system present.

What does a warm front and low pressure often mean? Storms. Heavy rain, stark temperature drops, loud thunder, and hail.

Natural Beauty

While not technically incorrect, there are probably better ways to predict our weather patterns today.

The lunar halo is a beautiful, magical happening that leaves all who view it with a better appreciation for all the wonderful coincidences that happen in our world. Those clouds, the light, and the moon all aligning in the same spot to create something so awe-inspiring to look at, how amazing!

We're all lucky to be living on such a gorgeous planet with so many wonders to behold.

Outside of being a natural wonder, the moon contains a lot of power for those who follow astrological cycles. The movement of the planets and other celestial bodies can tell you much about not only your present life, but your past and future as well. It can even lead you to your soulmate.

Using astrological guidance, experts can help you not only learn what love looks like for you, but what your soulmate will look like too. If you're ready to accept love in your life, click here to start today.