Lunar Corona, Ontario Canada

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Lunar Corona: A Spectacular Atmospheric Phenomenon in Ontario, Canada

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and been captivated by the beauty and wonder of celestial phenomena? One such breathtaking spectacle is the lunar corona, which was imaged in Ontario, Canada in January '07 by Lauri Kangas. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating details of this mesmerizing event and explore the intricacies of the lunar corona.

The Discovery of the Lunar Corona in Ontario

Lauri Kangas stumbled upon this extraordinary sight while starting an evening walk with his wife in Ontario, Canada. As they began their 4 km journey, Kangas's keen eye caught sight of the Moon and the ethereal corona surrounding it. Intrigued by this celestial display, they immediately changed direction and headed back home, where Kangas quickly grabbed his camera to capture this enchanting phenomenon.

The Challenge of Photographing the Lunar Corona

Photographing a lunar corona can be quite challenging due to the risk of overexposing the Moon's disk. To overcome this obstacle, Kangas opted for a shorter exposure that allowed him to capture both the Moon and the corona accurately. This technique also facilitated the measurement of the corona's dimensions with precision.

Unveiling the Magnitude of the Lunar Corona

Kangas's image revealed a lunar corona with three distinct rings, although the third ring was not as prominent as it appeared to his naked eye. The largest ring, with a red edge known as the inner aureole, measured approximately nine Moon diameters or 4.5³ dia. The first red ring extended to 15 lunar diameters. By conducting simulations using IRIS, it was determined that the droplets forming this corona had a diameter of approximately 16 microns (equivalent to 6 X 1/10,000 inch).

Understanding the Lunar Corona

The lunar corona is a captivating optical phenomenon that occurs when light from the Moon interacts with water droplets or ice crystals present in the Earth's atmosphere. These tiny particles act as natural lenses, bending and scattering the light rays. As a result, a luminous ring of colors, similar to a halo, forms around the Moon.

The Role of Droplet Size in Corona Formation

The size of the water droplets or ice crystals plays a crucial role in determining the appearance of the lunar corona. Larger droplets tend to produce more pronounced and distinct rings, while smaller droplets create fainter and less defined rings. The measurements obtained from Kangas's image provide valuable insights into the droplet size responsible for forming this particular corona.

Atmospheric Conditions and the Lunar Corona

The formation of a lunar corona is highly dependent on specific atmospheric conditions. The presence of moisture in the form of fog, mist, or thin clouds is essential for the creation of the water droplets or ice crystals responsible for producing the corona. Additionally, the size and distribution of these particles, as well as their proximity to the Moon, contribute to the corona's appearance.

Capturing the Beauty of Atmospheric Optics

Lauri Kangas's photograph not only showcases the mesmerizing lunar corona but also highlights the intricate beauty of atmospheric optics. It serves as a reminder of the astonishing natural phenomena that surround us and the wonders that can be captured through photography.

Exploring Atmospheric Optics

Atmospheric optics is a captivating field of study that focuses on understanding the behavior of light as it interacts with various atmospheric phenomena. From rainbows and halos to mirages and coronas, these optical displays provide a window into the physics and chemistry of our atmosphere.

The Delight of Observing Celestial Wonders

Witnessing a lunar corona, such as the one captured by Lauri Kangas in Ontario, Canada, is a rare and awe-inspiring experience. It serves as a reminder of the remarkable beauty that can be found in the night sky and the mysteries that continue to unfold above us. So, next time you find yourself gazing at the Moon, take a moment to appreciate the potential for celestial wonders that await your discovery.

Conclusion

The lunar corona imaged in Ontario, Canada in January '07 by Lauri Kangas provides a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of atmospheric optics. This extraordinary phenomenon, formed by the interaction of Moonlight with water droplets or ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere, offers a mesmerizing display of colors and rings around the Moon. Through Kangas's photograph, we gain valuable insights into the size and dimensions of the droplets responsible for creating this particular corona. It serves as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the wonders that can be unveiled through the exploration of celestial phenomena.

Lunar Corona Imaged in Ontario, Canada January '07 by Lauri Kangas (more images) . "My wife and I were starting our evening 4 km walk when I noticed the Moon and corona. We turned around, headed back home and I took a few pictures. It clouded up on and off for the next ½ hour. The corona was very large at times with 3 distinct rings, although the 3rd ring was not as pronounced as it was when I actually got to take out the camera." It is difficult to photograph a corona without overexposing the Moon's disk. Lauri took a shorter exposure to show the Moon and allowing the corona to be accurately measured. The red edge of the inner aureole was about nine Moon diameters or 4.5³ dia. The first red ring is 15 lunar diameters. IRIS simulations tell us that the droplets making this corona were therefore about 16 micron (6 X 1/10,000 inch) in diameter. Image ©Lauri Kangas , shown with permission.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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