Corona: Moon & Venus

Corona: Moon & Venus

Have you ever looked up at the sky and noticed a beautiful halo of light surrounding the Moon or Venus? These stunning optical phenomena, known as coronae, have been frequently observed over Hungary in recent days. In addition to coronae, ice halo displays have also captivated the attention of skywatchers. Let's dive deeper into the fascinating world of coronae around the Moon and Venus.

Coronae around celestial bodies like the Moon and Venus are often caused by plate crystals. These crystals, which are large and wobbly, play a crucial role in the formation of the upper and lower sun pillars. However, it is interesting to note that not only plate crystals, but also column and Lowitz crystals can contribute to the creation of these pillars. The pillars appear as upward and downward shafts of light, but they are actually glints from millions of crystals reflecting sunlight towards our eyes.

One characteristic of these pillars is that they do not possess inherent colors. Instead, they take on the color of the incident sunlight, which is usually reddened. This phenomenon occurs due to the scattering of light by the crystal facets. The large hexagonal facets of the crystals act as mirrors, reflecting and refracting sunlight in various directions. As a result, we observe a range of colors in the pillars, depending on the specific atmospheric conditions and the angle at which we view them.

The occurrence of coronae around the Moon and Venus is a visual treat for sky enthusiasts. However, it is important to understand the scientific explanation behind these captivating phenomena. The formation of coronae is intricately linked to the interaction between light and atmospheric particles. The atmospheric particles act as tiny lenses or prisms, bending and dispersing light in different ways. This interaction leads to the creation of the luminous rings or halos around celestial objects.

When it comes to coronae around the Moon and Venus, the size and shape of the particles play a significant role. The presence of plate crystals, column crystals, or Lowitz crystals determines the specific characteristics of the corona. Plate crystals, with their large and wobbly structure, are particularly influential in creating the upper and lower sun pillars. On the other hand, column crystals and Lowitz crystals contribute to the overall complexity and intricacy of the corona formation.

The beauty of these atmospheric optics phenomena lies in their variability. Each instance of a corona around the Moon or Venus is unique, as it depends on a multitude of factors such as the size and shape of the crystals, the angle of sunlight, and the observer's position. This diversity adds to the allure and mystique of studying and observing these celestial spectacles.

In conclusion, coronae around the Moon and Venus are awe-inspiring optical phenomena that have been frequently observed over Hungary in recent days. These coronae are created by the interaction between sunlight and various types of atmospheric crystals, including plate crystals, column crystals, and Lowitz crystals. The resulting upper and lower sun pillars appear as shafts of light, reflecting the colors of the incident sunlight. The study and observation of these coronae provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricate workings of atmospheric optics and the ever-changing beauty of our celestial surroundings. So, keep your eyes to the sky and be prepared to be amazed by the wonders that await you!

Upper & Lower Sun Pillars over the Cathedral of St. Michael, Veszpr�m, Hungary. Imaged 12th February by Tamás Ladányi (site, TWAN).

Recent days have seen frequent optical phenomena over Hungary: coronae around Venus and the Moon plus ice halo displays.

These upper and lower sun pillars were most probably produced by plate crystals.

Most pillars are generated by large and wobbly plates although surprisingly, column and Lowitz crystals also make them. Pillars appear like upward and downward shafts of light,but they are no such thing. They are the glints from millions of crystals whose large hexagonal facets are externally or internally reflecting sunlight towards the eye.

Pillars are not in themselves coloured, they take on the colour of the incident sunlight which ia usually reddened.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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  • "Corona: Moon & Venus". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/corona-moon-venus-3/.

  • "Corona: Moon & Venus". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/corona-moon-venus-3/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • Corona: Moon & Venus. Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/corona-moon-venus-3/.