GO TO HOME PAGE
THE YOUNG SKEPTICS PROGRAM
 

CSICOP's Library & Research Center


  
Image SUNDOG
Sundogs are atmospheric occurrences in which a bright spot appears along a line on each side of the sun. They may appear to have "tails". Also known as mock suns or parhelia, they can be hazy white or rainbow colored. Their appearance is caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere that refract light. They are not exceptionally rare, especially in polar regions, if you watch for them. But there are reports of odd sundog phenomenon such as those at strange angles to the sun, multiple mock suns, very long tails or brilliant colors or occurrences on only one side of the sun. "Moon dogs" may also occur but are more rare. Historically, visions of sundogs held great significance. Sightings were considered signs from the heavens.
Sharon Hill (Geologist)
CSICOP Resources
Skeptical Inquirer Online Articles


< GO TO COMPLETE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER INDEX >

Skeptical Briefs Online Articles
Skeptiseum Online Exhibits
Other Online Resources
Articles
USA Today: ��Resources: Sky Color, Phenomena
Charles Sturt University School of Science and Tec: ��Halos, sundogs & tangential-arcs over the Riverina
University of Illinois: ���Sundogs�
Alaska Science Forum: ���Sun Dogs and Light Shafts�
University of Michigan: ���Watch for Halos, Pillars and Sun Dogs in Michigan�s Winter Skies�
NASA: ��Ask a NASA Scientist about Sundogs and Moondogs
Parhelia: ��Sun Dogs
Pro-Paranormal Online Resources
Articles

Young Skeptics Topic Database
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z