Sundogs, also known as parhelia, are optical atmospheric phenomena that appear as bright spots on either side of the sun. They are also referred to as mock suns or sun halos.
Sundogs form when sunlight is refracted through ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually in cirrus clouds. The ice crystals act like prisms, bending the light and creating the appearance of a bright spot or halo around the sun.
Sundogs can be seen when the sun is low on the horizon, usually during sunrise or sunset. They are more commonly seen in colder regions, where cirrus clouds and ice crystals are more prevalent.
No, sundogs are not dangerous. They are purely an optical phenomenon and do not have any physical effects on the environment. However, they may be an indicator of incoming weather changes, such as a storm front.
Yes, sundogs can be seen from anywhere on Earth, as long as the necessary atmospheric conditions are present. However, they are more commonly seen in polar regions, where the sun is lower on the horizon for longer periods of time.