Sometimes after sunrise and before sunset, due to the special atmospheric environment, a halo is seen around the sun. This circle is called parhelic circle or parhelic halo. If its radius is 22° around the sun, bright colored spots can be seen on the right, left and up and down, they are usually called sundogs.
This aerial phenomenon occurs when very cold (5- to 84-Celsius) light clouds in the tropospheric region form tiny, flat aerial ice flakes of the hexagonal crystal shape that is common.That are present in large numbers and have a certain elongation between their flat sides when sunlight passes through them, they act as a refracting prism. The phenomenon formed from the Sun appears to form a large ring in the atmosphere.
Sometimes the right amount of air ice particles and their right size are aligned in such a large way that the resulting halo forms the image of the sun on the right and left of the circle and we get three suns in the sky. Visible (above and below the lower image of the sun).
This phenomenon can be seen anywhere in the world, as the sun gets higher from the horizon, then this dark circle formed in the atmosphere around the sun starts to be parallel to us and then disappears.
This phenomenon can happen in the same way with the fully bright moon which is called Paraselene, but in this the image of the moon is not formed, only a circle is formed, the radius of which can be more or less, in which the spectrum of colors is not visible.
Rain forecasts are also made through this phenomenon in meteorology.
This phenomenon is mostly seen in the cold regions from the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn to the poles of the earth, but rarely it can be seen in any region away from the equator.
The science behind sundog
To create a sundog, certain atmospheric conditions must be met. Firstly, there must be cirrus clouds in the sky, which are thin and wispy clouds made up of ice crystals. These ice crystals act like tiny prisms, bending and refracting sunlight.
When sunlight enters these ice crystals, it is refracted or bent at specific angles due to the shape of the crystals. Sundogs form when this bent light is then refracted again as it exits the crystal, creating a bright spot of light at an angle of 22 degrees from the sun. This phenomenon is typically seen on either side of the sun because the sunlight must pass through ice crystals on both sides to create the effect.
Sundogs are not only scientifically fascinating but also visually stunning. They often appear as vibrant patches of light with a rainbow-like spectrum of colors, similar to the colors seen in a rainbow. This dazzling display is a result of the dispersion of sunlight within the ice crystals, much like how a prism splits light into its various colors.
Cultural significance
Throughout history, sundogs have captured the imagination of people worldwide. In some cultures, they have been seen as omens or harbingers of change in weather, while in others, they hold mystical or religious significance.
In conclusion, sundogs are a captivating blend of science and artistry, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of our natural world. So, the next time you find yourself under a clear, icy sky, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring sight of a sundog a celestial gem hidden in plain sight.
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