Friday 10 February 2017

Sun Dogs - Parhelia

A really bright Sun Dog (parhelia) was visible on 09 Feb 2017 from Majadahonda. Gently falling hexagonal ice plates create this sky spectacle. The ice particles are located in the distant cirrus cloud formation. The vertical extent of the red hue seems to indicate large crystals, as they are subject to larger wobbling while falling.

Left Sundog with increased brightness towards the parhelic circle


Parhelia on cirrus cloud


If you want to learn more ..
http://atoptics.co.uk/halo/dogfm.htm
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/fz588.htm

Sundog formation (courtesy ATOPTICS)