Sundog (Noun)
Meaning
A bright spot on the parhelic circle; caused by diffraction by ice crystals; "two or more parhelia are usually seen at once".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a sundog appeared in the sky, a bright spot on the horizon caused by ice crystals in the air.
- The pilot pointed out a sundog to her passengers, a fleeting spectacle that was made possible by the specific alignment of sunlight and ice crystals.
- During the winter months, sundogs are common in the frozen tundra, where the cold air is filled with ice crystals that refract the sun's light.
- The scientist studied the sundog that had appeared in the morning sky, fascinated by the way it seemed to be surrounded by a mini rainbow.
- As the sun began to set, a sundog appeared on the parhelic circle, its bright light a striking contrast to the darkening sky.