What Determines the Diameter of a Moon Halo?

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SUMMARY

The diameter of a Moon Halo is determined by the refraction of light through ice crystals in cirrus clouds, typically forming a 44° cone around the moon. Observers can calculate the halo's diameter using trigonometry, factoring in the altitude of the cirrus clouds and the angle of the moon above the horizon. However, the perceived size of the halo can vary among observers due to differences in cloud structure and altitude. Thus, while trigonometric calculations provide a theoretical framework, actual observations may differ significantly.

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  • Understanding of basic trigonometry
  • Knowledge of atmospheric phenomena, specifically cirrus clouds
  • Familiarity with light refraction principles
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jmvizanko
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So I got to see an amazing Moon Halo the other night. My question is, what is really the diameter of the average location in the halo, where the light is bent by ice crystals? Is it really as easy as doing the trig with the altitude to your average cirrus cloud, the angle above the horizon that the moon is at, and the 44° cone that the halo represents? Or have I fundamentally misunderstood the phenomena?
 
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Trigonometry should work.
I don't see the relevance of the result, however. The clouds do not have any structure of that size, and different observers will see rings at different locations (and even different size, with a different altitude).
 

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