Ticker for December 22, 1999

                
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December 22, 1999  December 22, 1999  December 22, 1999  December 22, 1999


It's Bright, But Not THAT Bright

In the past few days, one of those dreaded junk e-mails has been
circulating.  However, instead of promising a million dollars from
a software mogul, or protection from a curse, or the imminent spread
of the most powerful computer virus in history, this one was different.

This particular e-mail talked of the incredibly bright full moon that
will occur on December 22nd.  It gave several reasons, some true, some
not.  Yes, it's a full moon.  Yes, the moon happens to be closer to
earth than at any time this year.  No, the earth (and its moon) is not
at its closest approach to the sun, the earth's closest approach to the
sun comes in early January.  However, it is relatively close to the sun,
compared to summer months.

Finally ... no, this won't the brightest full moon in 133 years, and
no, folks can't drive cars without headlights at night, even in
snow-laden locations.

However, it is a bright moon, 14% brighter than a normal full moon.
Considering daylight is 50,000,000% brighter than a normal full moon,
it's not going to make much difference to the human observer.

Setting all of that disappointment aside, last night's moon was a
beautiful full moon riding very high in the sky on a dark night and
tonight's performance should be a good one, too.

If there are high clouds, watch for a ring or "halo" around the moon
at a 22-degree arc.  Lunar halos of this type are made when tiny ice
crystals refract visible light.  22-degree solar halos occur for the
same reason, but aren't as much fun to stare at!

Last night's intermittent high cloudiness made for some periods of
beautiful, bright halos.  If you're into atmospheric optics, stay
up and watch for your halo, and don't blame the Ticker when you
drag into work tomorrow morning!