4th February 2009

A 'Sundog'

Extract from the website Atmospheric Optics

Sundogs, sometimes called Sun Dogs, Parhelia or Mock Suns, are with the 22º halo, the most frequent of the ice halos. They are most easily seen when the sun is low. Look about 22° (outstretched hand at arm's length) to its left and right and at the same height. When the sun is higher they are further away. Each 'dog' is red coloured towards the sun and sometimes has greens and blues beyond. Sundogs can be blindingly bright, at other times they are a mere coloured smudge on the sky. They are visible all over the world and at any time of year regardless of the ground level temperature. In Europe and North America one will be seen on average twice a week if searched for.

The Sun is setting behind the buildings to the left. Rainbows are seen with the Sun behind you. To see Sundogs look towards the Sun.

How Sundogs form - explanation





21st February 2009

Lenticular clouds