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A sun dog (or sundog) or mock sun, also called a parhelion[ 1 ] (plural parhelia) in atmospheric science, 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 Crystals
- The Different Kinds of Atmospheric Phenomena
- Observing Sun Dogs and Halos
Ice crystals can be found high up in the sky all around the world, at any time of the year. Generally, these crystals, which have a hexagonal molecular structure, are found in the cirrus clouds. Sometimes, in very cold weather, ice crystals form very close to the Earth’s surface. These crystals are known as diamond dust. While the molecular structu...
Halos
Two kinds of halos are most commonly observed from Earth – the 22-degree and the 46-degree halos. In general, halos can be seen throughout the year, around the world. However, they are more often seen in the winter months because the cold weather creates better conditions for the formation of halo-generating ice crystals. 22-degree halos are formed when light passing through an ice crystal bends 22 degrees, while 46-degree halos occur when the light bends 46 degrees.
Sundogs
A sundog, also known as sun dog, mock sun or parhelion, consists of glowing spots around the sun. They are created by sunlight refracting off plate-shaped ice crystals in the cirrus clouds. Sundogs are some of the most frequently observed optical phenomena and can be observed throughout the year and anywhere in the world. They are also associated with 22-degree halos. Sundogs tend to be most visible when the Sun is close to the horizon. The part of a sundog closest to the Sun tends to be red...
Light Pillars
Generally seen in cold, arctic regions, light pillars are an optical phenomenon where columns of light can be seen emanating from below or above a light source. Light pillars occur when natural or artificial light reflects off flat ice crystals in the air close to the Earth’s surface. Light pillars caused by the Sun are called Solar or Sun pillars, while those caused by the Moon’s light are called Lunar or Moon pillars. When the light source is the Sun, light pillars are usually seen when the...
Always take precautions while observing any Sun related phenomena. Never look directly into the Sun. Always wear protective glasses or use objects to block the direct glare of the Sun. Topics: Astronomy, Sun, Atmospheric Phenomena
Jan 29, 2024 · Sun Halos. Halos (pictured) are the result of the refraction or bending of sunlight or moonlight by thin, high, icy cirrus clouds. These clouds appear at altitudes above 20,000 feet, where air temperatures are always below freezing, even during the middle of the summer. The most commonly seen halo is the single one making a 22-degree circle ...
As light passes through these hexagon-shaped ice crystals, it is bent at a 22° angle, creating a circular halo around the Sun. A sun dog 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.
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.
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Sep 16, 2023 · Sundogs, also known as Sun Dogs, Parhelia, or Mock Suns, are a fascinating atmospheric optical phenomenon that often accompanies the 22º halo. They are most commonly observed when the sun is low in the sky. To spot sundogs, simply extend your arm and locate them approximately 22° to the left and right of the sun, at the same height.
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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 crystals in the atmosphere. Sun dogs typically appear as a pair of subtly colored patches of light, around 22° to the left and right of the Sun, and at the same altitude above the horizon as the Sun ...
