Sundogs

Sundogs are bright spots of light that appear to the left and right of the sun. They sometimes look like extra mini suns in the sky. Sundogs form when sunlight passes through flat ice crystals in the atmosphere. They are most often seen when the sun is low near the horizon.

How Sundogs Form

Sundogs form when flat, hexagonal ice crystals float horizontally in the sky. As sunlight passes through these crystals, it bends at a 22-degree angle. This creates bright spots on either side of the sun. Sundogs often have a reddish color on the side closest to the sun.

When to See Sundogs

Sundogs are easiest to see when the sun is low in the sky, like at sunrise or sunset. They appear about 22 degrees away from the sun on both sides. Cold winter days are great for spotting sundogs. Sometimes only one sundog appears if ice crystals are on just one side.

Fun Facts

• Sundogs are also called phantom suns or mock suns.
• Ancient Romans and Greeks wrote about sundogs thousands of years ago.
• In very cold weather, you can sometimes see sundogs and halos at the same time.

Did You Know?

The scientific name for sundogs is 'parhelia,' which comes from Greek words meaning 'beside the sun.' People have been fascinated by sundogs for thousands of years!