Four Moons in the Sky? Rare Paraselene Leaves Millions Stunned in Russia

Residents of St. Petersburg, Russia, witnessed a breathtaking celestial phenomenon on Sunday evening as what appeared to be four moons illuminated the night sky, creating a spellbinding display that flooded social media with stunning images and videos. The rare atmospheric event, known as paraselenae or "moon dogs," left skywatchers mesmerized as multiple luminous orbs flanked Earth's natural satellite in the freezing Russian night. 

Paraselenae is not an astronomical event but rather an optical illusion created when moonlight refracts through thin, high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds containing flat, hexagonal ice crystals. As lunar light bends through these tiny atmospheric prisms, bright spots emerge on either side of the Moon, sometimes creating the impression of multiple moons suspended in the sky. According to NASA, these "mock moons" typically appear at an angle of approximately 22 degrees or more from the Moon and are significantly fainter than the actual lunar disk. 

The spectacular phenomenon was triggered by St. Petersburg's intense winter weather, with temperatures plummeting below -20°C—creating ideal conditions for ice crystals to form in the upper atmosphere. The paraselene was also observed overnight over Moscow and surrounding regions, captivating viewers across western Russia. The bright spots remained at the same elevation above the horizon as the Moon itself, with their shape and intensity determined by the orientation and size of the ice crystals. 

The paraselenae are easiest to observe when the Moon is positioned low on the horizon, as reduced glare allows the surrounding light patterns to become more visible. When ice crystals vary in size or wobble as they fall through the atmosphere, the mock moons can stretch vertically, creating striking light pillars that enhance the dramatic effect. Larger ice crystals tend to produce taller and more defined displays, adding to the visual spectacle that transformed an ordinary night into an unforgettable experience for countless observers. 

The phenomenon sparked widespread confusion and curiosity on social media, with many initially questioning whether the images were authentic or digitally manipulated. However, multiple credible sources and atmospheric experts confirmed the genuine nature of this rare optical display, which showcased the remarkable beauty created when natural light interacts with Earth's atmosphere under extreme winter conditions