Pages

▼

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sundog!

When David and I went down to the barn to feed this morning, we were thrilled to see a sundog, or parhelion.

7 a.m., 14F(-10C)
 
 
Paraphrasing Wikipedia, a sundog is formed in very cold weather by ice crystals called diamond dust drifting in the air at low levels.  As the crystals sink through the air, they become vertically aligned.  Sundogs are red-colored at the side nearest the sun.
 
I've only seen a few sundogs, and they thrill me every time.  I never expected to see one in May.  Hmm, so there's an upside to doing chores at 14 degrees, even in May. 
 
Believe it or not, the day warmed up quickly, and it was actually a pretty darn nice day.
 
at

14 comments:

  1. MaryMay 2, 2013 at 9:10 PM

    Wow! That's really neat! I've never heard of a sud dog before. But brrrr! 14 degrees? That's cold. We had a little frost the other day, but it was nothing like that. Wonderful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oak Creek RanchMay 2, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    Very cool! I've never heard of sun dogs before and certainly have never seen one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. in2paintsMay 2, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    I have never seen one of those before! It's quite striking for sure... but I can't get over the fact that it's May and it was only 14 degrees outside!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Zanzibah AlpacasMay 3, 2013 at 3:56 AM

    Beautiful sight ... Ive never heard of a 'Sundog' its a great description.... mind you, looks freezing and its still really cold here too ....but not that cold !! Jayne

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kay G.May 3, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    I have seen those sundogs, but only in the winter! I just looked the info on them this past year, before that I always called them winter rainbows. I still like my name for them too.
    14 degrees, wow that's incredible.
    Warm clothing is important, am I right? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. CricketMay 3, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    And for the first time in eight weeks there is no storm predicted for next Wednesday. Yay!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JimMay 3, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Amazing, Terry! Have not heard of these Sundogs. And you were there to capture it! Love that last shot with the fencing 'lines'....really good one!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mary AnnMay 3, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Gosh! I had not heard of these, Terry... I am so glad you showed us and know I'm going to go look them up! How cool!

    ReplyDelete
  9. John Going GentlyMay 3, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Big beautiful skies x

    ReplyDelete
  10. fromsophiesviewMay 3, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    How exciting to see this sundog and to take a picture of it. I have never seen one before. I don`t know if they occur here or not. I think I`ll do some research.

    Ron

    ReplyDelete
  11. Joe BaumanMay 3, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    Now Terry, Don't stare at the sun, even through a viewfinder. Love, Joe

    ReplyDelete
  12. RuthMay 4, 2013 at 2:47 AM

    Wow!!
    It must be amazingly cold though.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Optimistic ExistentialistMay 4, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Oh wow they look like rainbows! So beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. DreamingMay 4, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    You caught a lovely shot! Yes, morning chores can have their upside!

    ReplyDelete