Moonbows - Anyone?

[Macavity]

Recently came across (rather obvious, innit!) idea of Moonbows
Like a rainbow... at night... caused by the Moon etc. 🥳

Less than 10% of the frequency of Rainbows? Rainbows are only
"six per year" from a given place?!? Maybe Astronomers tend to
stay in, if there's any whiff of RAIN (cloud) around! 😉

https://astronomy.com/news-observing/ask astro/2005/07/i saw a rainbow caused by moonlight how often does this occur

[Steve Ward]

Saw and photographed one about ten years ago , if I can find the pic in my less than organised data storage I'll post it ... no promises however ... 🙃

[Knighty2112]

6 rainbows per year? Nah! More like 60 now! 😉

[Elp]

Haven't seen a moonbow but a few decades (!) ago I saw what I've found to be like a "moon dog", in speech marks as I don't believe that's what I saw as a moondog has spectral rainbow like arches around the source of light. What I witnessed was a fullish moon and around 6-8 full moon widths away (as a radius of a new imaginary circle) from the centre of the moon circling it completely, a white glow halo (see through but a distinct detached shape like the rings of Saturn) all the way around around one moon width thick. Trying to find information on it I believe it's a rare occurrence when there's ice crystals in the atmosphere which reflect/refract the moonlight, have never seen it again since.

Edited August 17, 2022 by Elp

[clarkpm4242]

@Macavity Best seen when its darker early in the evenings.  A low fullish moon gives a big arc.

This image is processed to give a 'naked eye' view.  Little colour.  The camera will produce a wierdly colourful image.  Paul.

P.S.  This was seen two nights in a row.

Edited August 18, 2022 by clarkpm4242

[Macavity]

Great Stuff - Thanks! Maybe it will encourage people to look for (image) one? 🥳