A sun dog rainbow, more accurately referred to as a sun dog, is a bright, colored spot of light that appears beside the sun.
Understanding Sun Dogs
Sun dogs are captivating atmospheric phenomena resulting from the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. They are not rainbows in the traditional sense but share the commonality of light interacting with a medium to create a colorful display.
Formation
- Ice Crystals: Sun dogs form when sunlight passes through plate-shaped ice crystals, typically found in high-altitude cirrus clouds.
- Refraction: As light enters and exits these ice crystals, it bends (refracts). This refraction separates the light into its constituent colors, similar to what happens in a prism.
- Location: According to the reference, sun dogs usually appear approximately 22 degrees to the left, right, or on both sides of the sun. The precise location depends on the orientation and distribution of the ice crystals in the air.
Characteristics
- Colored Spots: Sun dogs exhibit colors similar to those seen in a rainbow, with red being closest to the sun and blue farther away.
- Bright Spots: They appear as bright, often shimmering, spots of light.
- Paired Appearance: Sun dogs often occur in pairs, one on each side of the sun.
Distinguishing Sun Dogs from Rainbows
While both involve light refraction, key differences exist:
| Feature | Rainbow | Sun Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Refraction in water droplets | Refraction in ice crystals |
| Location | Opposite the sun | Approximately 22 degrees from the sun |
| Shape | Arc | Spot |
| Color Clarity | Generally more vivid colors | Colors can be less distinct |
In summary, while a sun dog may display rainbow-like colors, it's a distinct phenomenon created by ice crystals rather than water droplets, appearing as a spot of light near the sun rather than an arc opposite it.
