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A sun dog (or sundog) or mock sun, also called a parhelion [1] (plural parhelia) in meteorology, is an atmospheric optical phenomenon that consists of a bright spot to one or both sides of the Sun. Two sun dogs often flank the Sun within a 22° halo . The sun dog is a member of the family of halos caused by the refraction of sunlight by ice ...
Dec 4, 2023 · Ever seen a rainbow-colored patch of light next to the Sun? This is called a Sundog (or Sun Dog)! Discover this very cool phenononon, also called a "mock sun," how sun dogs form, and what they mean in terms of weather. Plus, how did they get that name?
Dec 23, 2022 · A sundog is a concentrated patch of sunlight that is occasionally seen to the right or the left of the sun or even on both sides of our star in the sky simultaneously. Also called mock suns or...
May 24, 2018 · Sundogs in particular are formed when sunlight is refracted in the horizontal plane through six-sided, plate-like ice crystals that float in the atmosphere, or are suspended in high and cold cirrus or cirrostratus clouds.
Jun 2, 2024 · A sun dog is an optical atmospheric phenomenon that causes bright spots at an angle of 22 degrees on one or both sides of the sun. It is also called a mock sun or parhelion in meteorology. Sun dogs occur as a result of the refraction or scattering of light from flat hexagonal-shaped ice crystals that are suspended in clouds.
Apr 15, 2024 · Sun dogs, also known as parhelia, are a fascinating optical phenomenon that occurs when ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight, creating bright spots of light on either side of the sun. These bright spots often appear as colorful patches of light, resembling small rainbows.
Sun dogs can be seen anywhere, any time of year or day. Best bet for seeing one is in the northern hemisphere with the Sun low in the sky.
