Many Oklahomans woke up to a “Sun Dog” on Thursday and several viewers messaged News On 6 with their photos and questions about the effect.
A “sun dog,” or parhelion, is a bright, rainbow-like spot that appears on one or both sides of the sun, typically when it’s low on the horizon.
Sun dogs form when sunlight refracts through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. These crystals bend the light at a 22-degree angle, creating a colorful halo effect. Often seen as two bright spots on either side of the sun, sun dogs can appear red near the center and fade into blue and white toward the edges, giving the sky an otherworldly look.
Sun dogs are most commonly seen during winter months, especially in polar regions, because the cold air at high altitudes creates the ideal conditions for ice crystals to form and refract light.
In ancient cultures, sun dogs were often seen as omens. Some correctly believed they indicated the approach of cold weather or represented celestial messengers.
One famous instance occurred in 1461, during the Wars of the Roses in England. As soldiers gathered for the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross, they saw three suns in the sky due to bright sun dogs. Seeing this as a sign, the Yorkist leader, Edward IV, used it to rally his troops, claiming it symbolized divine approval. His forces won, and Edward became king. Shakespeare even referenced this event in Henry VI, Part 3.
This rare optical phenomenon continues to capture people’s imagination thanks to its distinct appearance and unique link to history.
Thank you to viewers, Victoria Barney, Kathy Birr, Kesley Bowlby, and Specer Farquhar for your photos.
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