April 23rd - Moon Dogs?
Apr 23, 2020
Definition: A moon dog is a relatively rare bright circular spot on a lunar halo caused by the refraction of moonlight by hexagonal-plate-shaped ice crystals in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds While it wasn’t an example of an actual moon dog the principle is the same. Not a moon dog because the clouds are much too low. The moon was full and bright. The clouds were low with some breaks in them. Refraction of the light coming through the water droplets of the clouds produced the different colors, giving rise to the eerie scene. It didn’t hurt that there are no leaves on the trees lending some spookiness.
When the moon went behind the clouds it produced some muffled light. A little longer exposure allowed for the wispiness shown. I’m just getting into some nighttime photography. It’s a whole different animal and will be fun to pursue. Stay tuned for more of that genre. .