The lunar halo appeared over the beach in Cullercoats, North Tyneside.
A rare “moon halo” was spotted in the night sky across north-east England and North Yorkshire on Boxing Day.
Lunar halos are caused by the refraction of moonlight through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere
The phenomenon was seen by residents in North Tyneside, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire.
Mairi Bell saw the halo at Cullercoats beach.
She said: “I’ve never seen this halo effect before.
“It was beautiful and filled the sky above the beach.”
The halo was visible in the skies above Northumberland.
Image source, Whethertheweatherbefine
The halo was seen above homes in Marton, in North Yorkshire
Image source, Hills of Notts
The halo shining over a crop of trees in Woodthorpe, Nottinghamshire
The halo was caused by ice crystals which are formed in clouds high up in the atmosphere which then refract the light from the moon.
The ring produced is usually white but in rare situations it can take on a faint colouration due to the light’s refraction, according to the Met Office.
The halo was still visible behind clouds in Braunstone, in Leicestershire
The lunar halo was photographed in Bulmer, North Yorkshire
Image source, Carla and Jed
The moon halo in Pleasley, Derbyshire
In the past, the phenomenon was used as a form of weather forecasting as when the ice crystals travel lower, rain becomes more likely.
In the summer months, the halo can be a sign of approaching storms.
A similar effect can also form around the sun.
Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
