If you’ve been wondering why the moon looked orange and the air feels hazy in Iowa lately, here’s the scoop. Over the weekend and into Monday morning, a light haze settled over Des Moines and much of Iowa, with some fog appearing intermittently. According to the National Weather Service, this haziness is primarily due to fog, but there's another factor at play—smoke from wildfires on the West Coast.
The orange hue of the moon that many noticed on Sunday evening is a direct result of this smoke. Wildfire smoke can scatter sunlight in such a way that it colors the moon orange, or even gives the sunrise a reddish tint. The presence of this smoke in the upper atmosphere is also affecting air quality. As of Monday morning, the air quality index in Des Moines was categorized as "moderate," which means it might pose a risk to those particularly sensitive to particle pollution. For the more sensitive individuals, it's advisable to limit outdoor activities to avoid potential health impacts.
Much of the Midwest, including Iowa City and Davenport, is experiencing similar issues with air quality, with some areas already reaching levels deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. The situation is expected to worsen in Polk County, where the air quality may drop to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by Tuesday. However, there’s some good news: from Wednesday through Friday, the air quality is projected to improve back to moderate levels.
So, why exactly did the moon appear orange? The smoke from the ongoing wildfires has created a scattering effect in the atmosphere. When smoke particles are present, they can alter the way light travels through the atmosphere, giving the moon a distinct orange color and affecting the colors of sunrises and sunsets.
In summary, the haze and the orange moon are a combination of fog and wildfire smoke affecting the region. The air quality is currently moderate, but may deteriorate further before improving later in the week. While the sight of the orange moon is a striking visual, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential impacts on air quality and take necessary precautions if you are sensitive to pollution.
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