Residents of Ergun City in Inner Mongolia, China, recently witnessed and captured a striking atmospheric phenomenon – the appearance of what looked like three suns in the sky, a sight that quickly gained international attention including reports from Reuters. The spectacle is, in fact, a relatively rare optical illusion known as a sun dog, or parhelion, created by the refraction of light through ice crystals in the atmosphere. This article details the science behind the phenomenon, its connection to winter weather patterns, and reassures observers that the “triple sun” poses no danger.
Jakarta –
Residents of Ergun City in China’s Inner Mongolia region were recently surprised by an unusual sight in the sky: three distinct sources of light that appeared as three suns. The phenomenon quickly spread across international media, including Reuters, due to its strikingly realistic appearance.
The captivating display is known as a sun dog, or parhelion, an atmospheric optical phenomenon that creates the illusion of additional bright spots of light alongside the sun. These appear as two symmetrical luminous spots on either side of the sun, typically positioned at an angle of approximately 22 degrees.
The edges of the light closest to the sun often exhibit a reddish hue, while the remaining portions tend to be white, with rare instances of blue coloration. This captivating effect is a reminder of the complex and beautiful interactions between light and the atmosphere.
How Does This Triple Sun Phenomenon Occur?
According to Britannica, sun dogs form when sunlight passes through thin cirrus clouds in the atmosphere containing hexagonal ice crystals. These crystals fall with a vertical orientation, refracting the sunlight and creating the illusion of multiple suns in the sky. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of atmospheric optics and the way light can be manipulated by natural elements.
While often occurring simultaneously, sun dogs differ from halos. Halos are created when ice crystals are randomly oriented, forming a circular ring of light around the sun. In contrast, the more organized alignment of crystals in sun dogs results in the two bright, additional light sources flanking the sun.
Why Are Sun Dogs More Common in Winter?
Sun dogs are most frequently observed in mid-to-high latitude regions, particularly during the winter months, such as in Inner Mongolia. Lower temperatures promote the formation of stable ice crystals within cirrus clouds. Additionally, the phenomenon is more easily visible when the sun is low on the horizon, during sunrise and sunset.
Deni Septiadi, a meteorology researcher at the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (STMKG), explained that this phenomenon is purely optical and not directly related to extreme weather.
“The presence of cirrus clouds indicates changes in the atmosphere. Although, in some cases, massive and complex cirrus cloud growth can be associated with extreme weather,” Septiadi stated, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
Is This Phenomenon Dangerous?
No, sun dogs are a natural occurrence caused by the refraction of light through ice crystals and pose no threat to the environment or human health. In fact, the phenomenon is a visually striking spectacle often sought after by photographers and astronomy enthusiasts.
The appearance of three suns serves as a reminder of the many wonders still hidden within the natural world, particularly those related to atmospheric optics. As long as the sky is clear, temperatures are low, and cirrus clouds are present at high altitudes, this phenomenon could reappear at any time.
If you happen to observe twin lights alongside the sun, you are likely witnessing a sun dog – a rare but always captivating display of natural beauty.
(afr/afr)
