Dictionary term
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.
A Sundog is a colored ice-crystal light patch beside the Sun.
A Sun–Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Sundog in halo identification, cirrus observation, and safe daytime skywatching.
- Do not use it for
- Shield the direct Sun and never use unfiltered magnification to inspect a Sundog.
- Reference category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related terms
- 22-Degree Halo, Circumzenithal Arc, Astronomical Season, Equinox
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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.
Sundog in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Sundogs can delight observers without serving as omens of personal fortune or disaster.
Sundog: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
Sundog in numerology
Sundog is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Sundog matters
Its color order, position, and Sun-height dependence help distinguish it from clouds and lens flare.
Sundog at work: an example
A low winter Sun may be flanked by red-edged bright spots at the same altitude.
Where interpretation stops
Sundog is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
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
- Also appears in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Find the parhelia safely
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More in Seasons & Earth Almanac
Common questions
What is 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.
How is Sundog used in an almanac?
Use Sundog in halo identification, cirrus observation, and safe daytime skywatching.
What should I avoid when interpreting Sundog?
Shield the direct Sun and never use unfiltered magnification to inspect a Sundog.
