A sundog (or sun dog) is a relatively common atmospheric optical phenomenon associated with the reflection/refraction of sunlight by the numerous small ice crystals that make up cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. Sundogs typically appear as a bright and sometimes colorful spot in the sky at a position 22 degrees to the left and/or right of the sun. Sundogs are closely related to, and sometimes appear together with, a halo. |
Halos are optical phenomena that appear near or around the Sun or Moon, and sometimes near other strong light sources such as street lights. There are many types of optical halos, but they are mostly caused by ice crystals in cold cirrus clouds located high (5-10 km) in the upper troposphere. The particular shape and orientation of the crystals is responsible for the type of halo observed. |
Date : | 16 April 2006 |
Location : | Kaituna, Wairarapa, New Zealand |