Parhelion

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001985",
  "term": "Parhelion",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A bright spot of light that appears on either side of the sun, at the same elevation as the sun. These optical phenomena, also known as sundogs, are caused by the refraction of sunlight through hexagonal ice crystals in the atmosphere. They are most clearly visible when the sun is low in the sky and cirrus clouds are present.",
    "The scientific name for sun dogs. Either of two colored luminous spots that appear at roughly 22 degrees on both sides of the sun at the same elevation. They are caused by the refraction of sunlight passing through ice crystals. They are most commonly seen during winter in the middle latitudes and are exclusively associated with cirriform clouds. They are also known as mock suns."
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "sun dog"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/parhelion/"
}