Not so much a rainbow as a rain blob!

[werdnal]

On the way home around 9pm and watching the beginnings of a lovely sunset, and suddenly notice a blob of colour amongst the clouds. It was a full spectrum of the rainbow, but only a small patch of colour. There has been no rain here for a few days now and only slightly cloudy. Sadly, by the time we got home, it had disappeared, so no chance to get a photo. I assume some moisture in the thin cloud layer and the low angle of the sun caused it, but never seen it before. Is it common?

[2dogs2000]

There is a special name for this and I am blowed if I can remember what it is. I have only ever seen this once.

[Kayleigh]

Sundog...

Sundogs may appear as a colored patch of light to the left or right of the sun, 22° distant and at the same distance above the horizon as the sun, and in ice halos. They can be seen anywhere in the world during any season, but they are not always obvious or bright. Sundogs are best seen and are most conspicuous when the sun is low.

[werdnal]

Thanks for replies. I've actually heard the term sundog before, but never knew what they were. Just googled some images and thats exactly it. Learn something new every day don't you know!