Sun Dog

Sun Dog Halo

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. The scientific name for the phenomenon is parhelion (Plural parhelia).