Recently, residents in Sakhalin, Russia, were captivated by a strange and awe-inspiring sight in the sky that appeared to show two suns. Many people quickly shared pictures and videos online, sparking widespread curiosity and speculation about this unusual event. However, this was not a real second sun but a fascinating natural phenomenon known as a sundog.
What Exactly Is a Sundog?
A sundog is a bright spot that appears adjacent to the sun, created when sunlight passes through tiny ice crystals suspended in the air. These crystals bend or refract the light, making it seem as though there is an additional sun in the sky. This optical illusion is somewhat similar to the halos or rings that are occasionally observed around the sun or moon, as detailed in scientific reports from sources like Britannica.
How Do Sundogs Form?
The formation of sundogs requires specific atmospheric conditions involving ice crystals. These crystals are typically tiny, flat, and hexagonal in shape. They are commonly found in high-altitude clouds such as cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. In extremely cold environments, they can also form near the ground as a phenomenon called diamond dust.
As these ice crystals descend through the atmosphere, they tend to align in a flat orientation. When sunlight enters these crystals, it is refracted at an angle of approximately 22 degrees, according to the Britannica report. This refraction causes bright patches of light to appear at the same height as the sun and slightly to the side. Instead of forming a complete ring, the light concentrates into distinct patches, resulting in the appearance of a sundog.
Why Do Sundogs Display Colors?
Sundogs often exhibit soft, vibrant colors due to the dispersion of light. The area closest to the sun typically appears red, while the outer edges fade into shades of yellow, orange, and blue. This color spectrum occurs because different wavelengths of light bend at varying angles as they pass through the ice crystals.
In some instances, larger ice crystals may wobble as they fall, causing the bright spots to stretch vertically. Occasionally, these patches can even merge to form part of a full halo encircling the sun, adding to the visual spectacle.
Why Are They Called Sundogs?
The term sundog originates from ancient folklore, where people imagined the bright spots as dogs walking alongside the sun, as referenced in reports by Money Control. Some mythological tales even depict Zeus accompanied by celestial dogs in the sky. The more scientific term, parhelion, simply means with the sun, highlighting its proximity to the solar disc.
When Can You See Sundogs?
Sundogs can be observed in various locations worldwide, provided the sun is shining and atmospheric conditions are right. They are most easily visible when the sun is low on the horizon, such as during sunrise or sunset, and in cold weather. This explains why northern regions like Sakhalin frequently experience sundogs, especially on crisp winter mornings.
In conclusion, the two suns witnessed by people in Sakhalin were not a real astronomical event but a stunning display of nature's artistry, where sunlight interacts with ice crystals to create a mesmerizing illusion in the sky.
