Sun Dogs (Parhelia)

[spyboy]

One of my favorite weird sites (English Russia) has some images of sun dogs..

http://englishrussia.com/?p=1809

I've always known them as parhelia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog)

Makes sense you'd see a lot of these in Russia in winter, with their extreme temperatures.

Kirk

[Brad]

Here is a picture I took jan 2nd, 2006 of a Sun Dog cousin - the Sun Pillar.

[spyboy]

Brad,

I think that's just a candle reflection in the window HAHAHAHAHA

[Brad]

Brad,

I think that's just a candle reflection in the window HAHAHAHAHA

If it was, I sure got cold outside taking the picture.

[msiesco]

Once in my life I saw a similar occurrence, but with the moon, having the similar halo. It was during a Wisconsin winter.
the sun dogs were interesting though, thanks.

[Bretton Woods Brat]

Looks like Wilson!

[Brad]

Once in my life I saw a similar occurrence, but with the moon, having the similar halo. It was during a Wisconsin winter.
the sun dogs were interesting though, thanks.

The halo is not "the issue". It is the lighted ice crystals in the air off on the side of the sun (light source). Light refracts through the crystals at 22 degrees (I think) causing what looks like an extra light source. This is why you can get them on either side of the sun (Sun Dogs) or above the sun before sunrise (Sun Pillar).