Contrail Sundogs


There was plenty of cirrus around but it didn't show any halo effects. This fresh contrail drifted through the sundog position and briefly produced an intense sundog.

Because the contrail was horizontal it covered the region where the sundog merges into the parhelic circle. This brighter region gives the sundog a nice long 'tail'.

This closeup shows the gradation of colours and the fine cloud structure very well.


The texture of the cloud forming this sundog suggests it started as a jet contrail.

A strong sundog emphasises the mottled cloud that formed it. On the bushes below drops of water from recently thawed frost sparkle in the morning sunlight.


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