Lunar Phenomenon

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 37, 7 November 1933, Page 11

Lunar Phenomenon

Sir, —About 7.50 p.m. on Tuesday night last I saw that the moon in a perfectly clear sky had a ring around it. aud out to the left or western side was another distinct “moon.” I called the attention of two other persons to it, and while looking another one appeared on the eastern side. There seemed to be a bar of light from the moon to the outer “moon,” and from this outer one there was a beam of light gradually narrowing away to nothing. The inner edge of the outer “moons” was edged in rainbow colours. These outer “moons” appeared to be reflections of the moon on the huge ring. I had another look at 11.20 p.m., The ring had gone, but the two “moons” were still there, only much fainter. Do you know of anybody seeing a similar occurrence? Could anyone give me any explanation of the phenomenon? While on the subject, I would like to mention that the time of the last eclipse of the moon did not coincide with us on the Rimutakas. I naturally thought my timepiece was wrong, but on inquiry I found it to be correct within three minutes. I did not like to say anything for fear people might hint I was “seeing things.” Can it be the altitude?—l am, etc., L. PHILLIPS. Kaitoke, November 2.