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A sun dog (or sundog) or mock sun, also called a parhelion (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 .
Dec 4, 2023 · What Are Sundogs? A sundog is similar to a rainbow and more common than rainbows. Sometimes, they look like bright rainbows or colorful spots on either side of the Sun. Other times, they are brighter and actually look like two extra Suns. Sundogs are also known as “mock suns” or “parhelia,” which means “with the Sun.”
Dec 23, 2022 · Sun dogs are a solar phenomenon where pillars of light appear on either side of the sun. (Image credit: karinegenest via Getty Images) Jump to: Formation. Sundog rainbow. Where and when to see...
Oct 19, 2023 · 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. Sun dogs?
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Jul 25, 2006 · Sundogs appear along the 22° halo and disappear as the Sun rises. As to the why: There are several authoritative books and websites about atmospheric phenomena, but none of the ones I checked say anything about why parhelia are called sundogs. My guess is their authors are cat people.
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Feb 1, 2024 · Sun dog, atmospheric optical phenomenon appearing in the sky as luminous spots 22 degrees on each side of the Sun and at the same elevation as the Sun. Usually, the edges closest to the Sun will appear reddish. Other colors are occasionally visible, but more often the outer portions of each spot appear whitish.
Apr 19, 2022 · In meteorology, a sun dog or parhelion is a bright spot on one or both sides of the Sun. Sun dogs or parhelia are around around 22° directly to the left and right of the Sun, sometimes accompanied by a 22° halo around the Sun. Sometimes sun dogs appear as bright white light or a mock sun, but often they are colored from red (closer to the Sun ...