Rare and Striking Moon Halo Captivates Viewers in South Carolina as Ice Crystals Create Perfect Circular Glow
SOUTH CAROLINA — Night-sky watchers in Spartanburg were treated to a rare, sharply defined moon halo that lit up the sky in a perfect circular ring, drawing attention from residents who stepped outside to admire the unusually bright atmospheric display. The halo, captured in a striking photo shared from Beverly in Spartanburg, appeared as a complete ring—clean, vivid, and wide—circling the moon like a glowing boundary overhead.
These halos occur when moonlight passes through tiny ice crystals suspended high in the upper atmosphere, typically inside thin cirrus clouds. The crystals act as prisms, bending and refracting the light to form a ring with a radius of about 22 degrees. While moon halos are not unheard of, seeing one this sharp and symmetrical is rare, especially in regions where humidity often softens their appearance.
Why the Halo Appeared So Clearly
Meteorologists note that the clarity of the halo suggests exceptionally uniform ice crystal formation at high altitude. When the crystals are consistent in shape—often hexagonal—the refracted light produces a perfect ring rather than a blurry or fractured arc.
Observers across the Spartanburg area reported that the halo appeared unusually bright, standing out starkly against the night sky. Such clarity often accompanies calm, cold nights where thin cloud layers remain steady and undisturbed.
Sky watchers familiar with atmospheric optics say that halos can sometimes signal incoming weather systems, as cirrus clouds frequently precede larger storm fronts. However, the phenomenon itself is harmless and purely visual.
A Moment of Skywatching Wonder
Moon halos tend to attract attention because of their size and their striking symmetry. Even people unfamiliar with atmospheric phenomena often pause when one appears. The wide ring captured in South Carolina stretched across much of the night sky, creating a dramatic display usually only seen a few times a year in any given location.
Photography enthusiasts also cherish these events; the halo’s brightness made it visible even in lightly light-polluted areas.
Why This Matters Beyond the Carolinas
Atmospheric ice crystal displays like moon halos can occur anywhere in the country, including the Midwest. Residents in Naperville and the Chicago region may occasionally see similar halos during winter when high cirrus clouds spread ahead of large storm systems.
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I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.