Seasons and sky

Sundog

Direct answer

Sundog: A Sundog, or parhelion, is a bright often colored patch near the Sun level, commonly about 22 degrees to either side, formed by plate-shaped ice crystals.

A Sundog is a colored ice-crystal light patch beside the Sun.

Seasons & Earth AlmanacThe Great Almanac DictionaryUpdated 2026-09-26

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At a glance

Found in: Seasons & Earth Almanac
Related: 22-Degree Halo, Circumzenithal Arc, Astronomical Season, Equinox

Four countrymen round a great flat sundial in a field under the sun, one sowing and one reaping — Earth and season · visual guide **Sundog**
A Sundog is a colored ice-crystal light patch beside the Sun.
A Sun-Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.

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The story behind Sundog

Sundogs appear in weather chronicles and art across many regions; optical theory later explained their plate-crystal ray paths.

Why Sundog matters

Sundog’s color order, position, and Sun-height dependence help distinguish it from clouds and lens flare.

Sundog in practice: an example

A low winter Sun may be flanked by red-edged bright spots at the same altitude.

Where readings of Sundog go wrong

Shield the direct Sun and never use unfiltered magnification to inspect a Sundog.

Sources and editorial method

Research references used for this entry include:

National Weather Service: Atmospheric Optics - NWS science reference for halos, pillars, sundogs, green flashes, rays, and related optical displays.

Source: The Great Almanac Dictionary
Category: Seasons & Earth Almanac
Last updated: 2026-09-26

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22-Degree HaloA 22-Degree Halo is the common ice-crystal ring around the Sun or Moon. Circumzenithal ArcA Circumzenithal Arc is an upside-down rainbow-like halo high in the sky. Astronomical SeasonAn Astronomical Season runs from one equinox or solstice to the next. EquinoxAn Equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. SolsticeA Solstice marks the Sun's greatest apparent northward or southward position. SunriseSunrise is the calculated first appearance of the Sun's upper edge at the horizon.

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