Sundogs: Frigid temperatures create natural phenomenon

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Although the frigid temperatures brought shivers across the region, they also created a beautiful phenomenon Wednesday morning called sundogs.

Sundogs, or scientifically known as parhelia, which means “with the sun,” are colored spots of light that are created when sunlight refracts through ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere.

"Sundogs" are believed to be named for the way they follow the sun in the same way a dog follows its owner.

The colors usually range from red, closest to the sun, out to blue on the outside of the sundog.

Brandi Bateman says she took the picture below before leaving for work Wednesday morning in Somerset.

Also in Somerset, Andy Revello says he captured this sundog around 7:30 a.m.

The picture below was taken by Ian Dively in Berlin.