Depending on the shape, abundance, and position of the ice crystals, there can be
halos
sundogs (parhelia)
or pillars like the main image.
All are examples of light refraction, like the mirage puddle of water on an asphalt road in summer, or a rainbow.
To: MozartLover; Joan912; NovemberCharlie; snowfox; Dawgsquat; viligantcitizen; theDentist; ...
2 posted on
01/22/2003 11:43:19 PM PST by
petuniasevan
(Isn't this global warming a hoot? 2000 freeze in south Asia, the NE US is now arctic, in WI it's -5)
To: All
3 posted on
01/22/2003 11:45:58 PM PST by
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To: All
4 posted on
01/23/2003 12:02:53 AM PST by
petuniasevan
(Well, maybe we WILL let the Chicoms have the moon...we'll take MARS!)
To: petuniasevan
I saw a sun pillar on the way to work two days ago, just before the sun rose - spectacular!
5 posted on
01/23/2003 3:14:41 AM PST by
GodBlessRonaldReagan
(where is Scotty Moore when we need him most?)
To: petuniasevan
To see the whole display requires an uncommon combination of atmospheric conditions. These conditions occur sometimes at northerly latitudes during the winter. A hazy sky and cool temperature while the sun is about 10 degrees above the horizon usually produces sundogs, but for the full display the sky must be clear and the temperature low. The entire display occupies the entire dome of the sky, not just the region within 22 degrees of the sun.
To: petuniasevan
Absolutely stunning picture -- thanks!
One could almost imagine a planetary body in the upper left corner with its "rings" ;^)
8 posted on
01/23/2003 9:17:28 AM PST by
mikrofon
(Guten Tag)
To: petuniasevan
I have seen this many times early in the morning! Quite spectacular! Good job APOD!
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