Are There Two Suns? Exploring the Phenomenon of Sun Dogs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of sun dogs, specifically focusing on the visual effects associated with them, such as the '22° halo' and '46° halo'. Participants explore the atmospheric conditions that lead to these optical phenomena, including the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants identify sun dogs as the primary phenomenon being discussed, noting the presence of the '22° halo' and suggesting the possibility of the '46° halo' or 'supralateral arc' as well.
  • There is a general agreement that these phenomena are caused by sunlight being reflected off ice crystals in the atmosphere.
  • Participants reference Wikipedia articles for further information and visual examples, indicating a reliance on external sources for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the identification of sun dogs and their atmospheric causes, but there is no indication of disagreement or competing views presented in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants suggest checking additional phenomena mentioned in related articles, indicating that there may be more to explore beyond the immediate discussion of sun dogs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in atmospheric optics, meteorological phenomena, or those seeking clarification on visual effects related to sunlight may find this discussion useful.

Fastmamon
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TL;DR
Good morning, afternoon or evening, in the morning I encountered the phenomenon of the images where there seem to be two suns and a rainbow joined by two solar rings, the "main" sun has two rings, the secondary one had a very very faint one that the camera did not capture, please could you explain to me why the phenomenon occurs, thank you :).
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-08 at 8.33.40 AM (1).webp
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-08 at 8.33.40 AM.webp
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-08 at 8.33.39 AM (2).webp
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-08 at 8.33.39 AM (1).webp
 
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Looks like 'sun dogs' with the '22° halo'. Maybe the '46° halo' or the 'supralateral arc' as well, seeing how there is a secondary ring. They're all, in general, the effect of sunlight being reflected off of ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Wikipedia has articles on those terms, with pictures and some more detailed explanation given. Have a look there and see if your question is answered to your satisfaction. Also worth checking are the other phenomena in the 'see also' sections of those articles, but I think the ones already mentioned are the most likely culprits.
 
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Bandersnatch said:
Looks like 'sun dogs' with the '22° halo'. Maybe the '46° halo' or the 'supralateral arc' as well, seeing how there is a secondary ring. They're all, in general, the effect of sunlight being reflected off of ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Wikipedia has articles on those terms, with pictures and some more detailed explanation given. Have a look there and see if your question is answered to your satisfaction. Also worth checking are the other phenomena in the 'see also' sections of those articles, but I think the ones already mentioned are the most likely culprits.
Thank you very much, just what I was looking for.
 

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