PARASELENE Meaning and
Definition
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Paraselene, also known as mock moon or moon dog, refers to a natural atmospheric optical phenomenon characterized by the appearance of bright spots or halos around the moon during periods of cold weather. It occurs as a result of the interaction between moonlight and ice crystals suspended in the Earth's atmosphere.
This atmospheric phenomenon is often observed in polar regions or other locations with cold climates. When it happens, a ring or halo forms around the moon, typically with two bright spots on either side of it. The spots are usually colorless or tinged with pale colors like red or blue. The size and intensity of the paraselene depend on the size and shape of the ice crystals present in the atmosphere.
Paraselene is caused by the phenomenon of light refraction and reflection. The ice crystals act as prisms that bend and scatter the moonlight, creating the halo and the bright spots around it. The angle at which the light passes through the ice crystals determines the size and position of the spots.
The term "paraselene" comes from the Greek words 'pará,' meaning beside or near, and 'selḗnē,' meaning moon. It is often used interchangeably with "mock moon" or "moon dog." While paraselene is typically associated with the ice crystals in the atmosphere, similar phenomena can also occur around the sun, known as "parhelia" or "sun dogs."
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A mock moon or lunar halo.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PARASELENE
- -paraselenae
- oaraselene
- laraselene
- -araselene
- 0araselene
- pzraselene
- psraselene
- pwraselene
- pqraselene
- paeaselene
- padaselene
- pafaselene
- pataselene
- pa5aselene
- pa4aselene
- parzselene
- parsselene
- parwselene
- parqselene
- paraaelene
Etymology of PARASELENE
The word Paraselene is derived from two Greek words: para, meaning beside or parallel to, and selene, meaning moon.
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