Yes, sun dogs are relatively rare occurrences. They are not something you would see every day.
What are Sun Dogs?
Sun dogs, also known as parhelia, are bright spots of light that appear on either side of the sun. They are a type of halo, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Why are Sun Dogs Relatively Rare?
- Specific Atmospheric Conditions: Sun dogs only appear when there are ice crystals present in the air, which typically occurs in cold weather.
- Ice Crystal Alignment: The ice crystals need to be oriented in a specific way (usually hexagonal plate-like crystals that are mostly aligned horizontally).
- Sun Angle: The sun needs to be at a relatively low angle above the horizon for sun dogs to be visible.
- Specific Weather: This often requires thin, high-altitude cirrus clouds or icy fog, conditions that don't always happen.
When Can You See a Sun Dog?
While rare, sun dogs are more likely to be seen in the following conditions:
- Cold weather: Look for them during cold winter months.
- Cirrus clouds: Sun dogs are often seen when the sky is covered with thin, wispy cirrus clouds.
- Low sun: They are most visible when the sun is close to the horizon, early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Key Takeaway from the Reference
As of November 22, 2022, the reference states that sun dogs are relatively rare occurrences, and they can only be seen in certain conditions. This underscores their infrequent nature.
Summary
Sun dogs are indeed relatively rare, requiring specific weather and atmospheric conditions to be visible. If you are lucky enough to spot one, it's a beautiful and noteworthy atmospheric phenomenon.
