Tugatog Cemetery, Malabon City

D A T E : JANUARY 13, 2014
L O C A T I O N : TUGATOG CEMETERY, BRGY. TUGATOG, MALABON CITY, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, PHILIPPINES
C A M E R A : NIKON D80
L E N S : TOKINA 11-16MM F/2.8
F I L T E R : NONE
M O U N T : BENRO TRAVEL ANGEL TRIPOD
L I G H T : AMBIENT
S E T T I N G S : MANUAL MODE | ISO 100 | 30 SEC | F/5.6
P O S T - P R O C E S S I N G   N O T E S : CURVES

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Moon Rings. Moon Dogs. 22° Halo. Winter Halo.

Whatever they may call it, it’s that circular band that encircles the Earth’s natural satellite when it is particularly bright. It refracts millions of randomly oriented hexagonal crystals in the evening atmosphere, creating that mysterious halo around it.

I’ve always wanted to photograph one ever since seeing the phenomenon as a child. I was collecting candle droppings then during All Saints Day at the Tugatog Cemetery, which was just one tumbling from our house.

And earlier this evening, I witnessed the same phenomenon once more.

I quickly went back to my room for my camera and together with a few homies, went to the cemetery to photograph the mysterious halo. It took four shots in the dark before I finally got the image I wanted.

Moon Rings. Checked.