Sundogs and Halos

  For the past two days, a weather phenomenon graced the Bayou with its beauty.  Mid-afternoon found me on the pier both days.  As the sun was starting that early slide down the western horizon, a halo formed around the sun with two sundogs on either side.  The halo is formed by the refraction of light on ice crystals up in the atmosphere.  The sundogs are bright spots on that halo. Sometimes, only one can be seen but, usually, a pair flank the sun. These are caused by the ice crystals being a bit larger and differently shaped than the others. The halo only lasts for a short time and is seen, more oft than not, when the sun is near the horizon.  It is one of those "being in the right spot at the right time" sort of occurrences.  Each day, I was in that perfect place to witness this bit of beauty.  

  When you think about it, these weather phenomenons caused a lot of uproar back through the ages. Everything from "false suns" to "end of times" tags were attached to the halos and sundogs.  The unexplained frightened folks.  A lot of folks are just as gullible today.  What is not clearly evident is easily manipulated into something scary.  Me?  I take it as something to enjoy while it lasts.  I figure it was a pretty special show performed just for my enjoyment.  In a way, I am correct on that.  Since this whole phenomenon depends upon the set up of ice crystals and the way light refracts and reflects on them, each person sees their "own" halo and sundogs.  Even if a person stands right next to you, they are seeing light reacting on different crystals so their halo is unique to them.  Pretty neat thing, huh?  
  
  To see the sundogs for two days in a row is also rather special.  My special, spectacular. celestial light show was set up just for me!  Yep, there is always something new happening on the Bayou...and in your own backyard if you just take the time to step outside and view it.  Try it. It sure beats being cooped up inside all day.