Strange cloud formation

tameblackbirds · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 08:45 PM

I took this image as the cloud was strange but also the rainbow within the cloud, I'm sure this as a special name. can anyone help?

Tormentil · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 08:47 PM

Is the "rainbow" just a touch of lens flare ??

tameblackbirds · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 08:53 PM

No this was visible with the naked eye another reason for taking picture a strange image, sure it is called something though. A bit like the halo that appears around moon sometimes. Similar phenomenon

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 08:57 PM

I think this is a partial ice halo - parhelion - sun dog. Goes by various
names.

I posted a complete one in the winter - taken when skiing.

Wiki has a good section on them.

tameblackbirds · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 09:05 PM

'Sun Dog' that's what I remember Thank you ,,I think I remember your image in the snow. I will google that thanks again

tameblackbirds · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 09:10 PM

Just got the information thanks again Hobjob, it's not a rainbow as I first thought it was part of, but ice crystals as you thought

nytecam · #7 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 07:24 PM

Sundogs - level with the sun and can be on eitherside as same distance from sun are reinforced by cirrus [=ice crystals]. More common with sun at lowish altitude

Check out this site Atmospheric Optics