Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Moon Halos Hover Over Central Oregon Coast

Published 09/28/2012

Moon Halos Hover Over Central Oregon Coast

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – It's a fascinating mix of astronomy, meteorology and beach vacation-ology on the Oregon coast, all of it coming together in fine form Thursday night. Some brilliant examples of a moon halo were seen above Depoe Bay and Gleneden Beach in the wee hours of Friday – something that is often the harbinger of cold weather, but in this case it's paradoxically happening just before some really warm weekend weather.

The photographs here show the moon halo from Depoe Bay and the areas around the Whale Watch Center.

Moon halos are the result of tiny ice crystals lurking high in the sky, usually around 20,000 feet above and existing as thin, wispy clouds.

According to the weather science site Indiana Public Media, you may not notice these kinds of clouds until night falls because they're hard to see during the day. But their effect on moonlight makes them pop out.


“Incoming light rays from the moon are bent, or diffracted, by these ice crystals at an angle of 22 degrees,” the website says in its explanation. “This means that in addition to the direct moonlight, you will also see diffracted moonlight in a circle 22 degrees away from the moon. This is about the distance of your fist, held at arm’s length.”

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter

Some halos have a rainbow quality with reds and blues, although most tend to be a giant white ring around the moon as seen on the central Oregon coast.

The website said these can mean rain or snow are coming soon, and they are often the forerunners of storm clouds right behind. This does not quite appear to be so for the Oregon coast at least, as the forecast for the weekend is calling for mostly sunny skies and temps near a balmy 70 degrees.

This time of year brings what is called the “Second Summer” to the coast – the warmest weather of the year happens in September and early October. Recent days have been living up to that and will continue to do so.

Below: the moon begins to rise over Cape Lookout State Park earlier on Thursday, just after dusk. Oregon Coast Hotels in these areas - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

Oregon Coast Lodging

More moon shots from the Oregon coast below:

Yachats

Near Cannon Beach

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

 



Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Hiking Hotspot Closes Briefly: Saddle Mountain Near Seaside, Hwy...
Closure from May 6 to 10, some lane closures on Hwy 26. Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria
Killer Whale Sightings Making Big Splash on Oregon Coast - And It's the Apex ...
It's the same line of transient orcas involved in the whale kill in 2023. Marine sciences
Getting Oregon Coast Stays on the 'Lowdown' - Where Lincoln City Cut Rates
Excellent Lincoln City specials abound. Lincoln City hotel reviews
Destructive, Invasive Crab Found on N. Oregon Coast, Officials Ask Public's Help
Chinese mitten crab was found near Astoria. Marine sciences
Two Oregon Coast Gigs Bring Fiddle Virtuosos and a Local Composer to Newport
Milo Graamans on May 13 at a special benefit; Fiddle Express on May 16. Newport events
South Oregon Coast Landmark Under the Knife: Bandon's Face Rock Viewpoint Clo...
Set to reopen on May 23, parking lot and restroom closed, Depoe Bay, Cape Foulweather. Travel tips
Surprise Oregon Coast Accesses at Yachats' Northern, Outer Edges
Glorious discoveries include where Yachats changes from sand to rock. Travel tips
Washington Coast Gets Another Green Light for Razor Clamming, April 26 - May 3
Long Beach, Copalis, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks. Washington events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details