A simple five-body cluster orbital shell model approximation is propos
ed to describe the ground state wave function of the He-8 neutron-halo
nucleus. The spatial angular correlations, the geometry of the system
, the alpha-particle, and the valence neutron momentum distribution ar
e calculated analytically. With a single free parameter the model is a
ble to reproduce the experimental geometry of He-8 as well as the expe
rimental transverse momentum distribution of the He-6 nucleus from H-8
fragmentation on a carbon target, at high energy.