People in St Petersburg, Russia, were left stunned after seeing what appeared to be four moons shining in the night sky on Sunday. The rare sight quickly caught attention as photos and videos spread across social media, with many skywatchers amazed by the unusual and beautiful view.
Paraselene (from Greek para = beside, selene = moon) is a natural atmospheric phenomenon—commonly called a “moon dog.”
Bright spots of light that appear on either side of the Moon
Usually seen when the Moon is full or nearly full How it forms
Caused by moonlight passing through hexagonal ice crystals in high, thin cirrus clouds
The light bends (refracts), creating luminous patches about 22° from the Moon
Faint rainbow-like colors (often white with a hint of red or blue)
Sometimes connected to a halo around the Moon
Softer and subtler than sun dogs (paraselia), because moonlight is weaker
In old literature, paraselene was often taken as an omen, a sign of coming weather change
Poets and mystics saw it as the Moon having attendants or companions
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