What does it mean when there is a rainbow around the moon?

Answer 1

Simply that there are fine particles in the atmosphere, generally quite high in my experience, so probably ice.

This is frequently an indication of a sizable, active low pressure system with strong wind shear above it, which pushes the upper, icy layers into your field of vision.

I believe the actual mechanism is the same as that of a regular rainbow, though I have often wondered if diffraction causes it or just has an effect. I have seen double rainbows, or two full rainbows, around the moon once or twice, and have tried using the diffraction equation to estimate the height of the particles.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Clara Avalos

A lunar halo or rainbow around the moon is caused by the refraction, dispersion, and reflection of light through ice crystals in the Earth's atmosphere.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.