A sun dog, or parhelion, is an atmospheric phenomenon of an ice crystal halo around the sun. Way cool! Many thanks to IanH, who lives way up North in Alberta, Canada, (click here) for setting me straight. And thanks to CountryDreaming and Dreaming.
Now I wish I had looked at the big picture of the sky, instead of just looking toward the barn. But hey, it was -18F and I was c-c-c-cold. I wonder if the halo was more complete, like this photo on the Internet -
I'm a little embarrassed. My father was a meteorologist, so you'd think I'd know about sun dogs. And my brother Joe writes an astronomy blog for the Deseret News (click here). Here's my favorite photo of Joe -
He was out in the Utah desert with his telescope and laptop. The photo was taken by his friend.
21 comments:
I was thinking maybe it was but not sure. The full picture is awesome! I would like to see the sky like the picture your brother is in, so much light pollution and other pollution around here, you are lucky if you can spot the constellations!
Wow ! love that last photo with your brother -what a fantastic shot !
How cool!! I've never heard of a Sun Dog either...beautiful!
I've got goosebumps from the photo of Joe in the desert (or maybe its because it is still below 0 out?!). I love the laptop glow lighting him up and the lighting around the telescope. The incongruity of 'desert' and 'technology' are very cool.
Many, many years ago we saw sun dogs one day when we were skiing. (That was my intro to the phenomenon.) The old farmers said it meant we were going to have a big storm. Sure enough, the storm was the blizzard of '69 - we didn't get home for 4 days. Much of NY was closed down.
You are excused from not seeing the 'big picture'. First of all, sometimes the other side isn't visible. Secondly, if you were like me, I had the hood of my parka cinched down and I was running between barn and house. I'm amazed that you stopped to take a picture. Did you have to take your gloves off? If so, surprising that the camera didn't stick to your fingers! ;-)
What incredible photos!
Your Hanoverian is gorgeous, by the way. I'm sure you know that ;-)
Gaaaa, forgot to verify. I thought that might have happened. Sometimes, I get going too fast, hit the post button and go on my way. Then, I can't remember if I verified or not.
Anyway, thanks for teaching me about sun dogs. It's my new thing for the day. And, the picture of your brother is wonderful, with all of its contrasts.
Now I know a little more about icebows and will keep my eyes open for them.
Fantastic shot of your brother 'in his element', Terry.
Amazing photos! I had no idea what a sun dog was. :-)
You know, when I looked at the picture yesterday I thought, "The curve on that rainbow looks funny... almost like it's backwards or something." How cool that it's a sun dog! I must admit, I've never heard of such a thing, but it was cool reading about it! :)
Very cool pictures!
WOW....never heard of a sun dog. I agree, that picture of your brother out on the desert is something.
Did you warm up a little?
I've learned something too!!! WOW! xxx
Now I know about sun dogs...no relation I guess! PS tks for the birthday best wishes! Cheers!
I had never heard of a sun dog. How very, very cool.
stunning!
Sun dog, huh?? Who knew? Very interesting.
The picture of your brother in the desert is cool too.
I love seeing sundogs. I captured a strange one here. http://ahhhthecottagelife.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunset-and-sundog.html
Usually closer to the sun, but not always.
wow, fantastic photos. My BIL worked for Griffith Observatory - he would share all kinds of great facts and photos with us.
Until now, I don't think I'd ever seen this sun dog phenomenon -- not even in pictures. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing it and a bit of yourself and the science too!
Wow! I'm silenced once again by the wonders of nature.--Inger
Terry...glad you like the note cards. You were my first customer. Thank you!
AMazing!
Very cool shots and the one with the stars -is gorgeous!
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