what is a sundog
A sundog, bearing the scientific name parhelion (plural is parhelia) which means âbeside the sunâ in Greek, is also called a mock Sun or a phantom Sun. This is an atmospheric phenomenon that results to the manifestation of bright spots of light in the horizon. It usually appears in the form of a halo or a luminously brilliant ring on either side of the Sun. Sometimes, a sundog can appear as a colored patch made of light on one side of the Sun. A sundog usually maintains a 22 degree angle from the Sun and is at a distance to Earth similar to the Sun.