here's what I saw two days ago (29-MAR) that made me start this forum.
Phenomena Field Guide
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it was late afternoon and overcast, but the sun was visible through the clouds. It had a very strong halo, and two sun-dogs (at least that's what I've always called them) but it was unusual, I associate sun-dogs with cold weather, and all the snow is gone here, and it was well above zero at the time. But also, they were not the usual white light, but very definite "rainbow" which I've never seen before.
But most dramatically, was a true rainbow above the sun, possibly the brightest, sharpest, clearest rainbow I have ever seen. But upside down, above the sun.
I did some googling. and found "tangental arcs" but they seem to always be white light, in a sharp V shape. Not rainbows.
anybody know what causes this? or how common/rare it is?
yes, similar, but the one I saw was almost connected to the sun's halo.
I take it from reading your link, that they're quite rare
I did not know about them. Will do more research because they seem quite interesting.
and in combination with rainbow sun-dogs, I can't find a picture of anything like it
Apr 3, 2017
0
#9
Holy shit. I thought I had seen just about everything there is to see in the sky , BUT THAT IS SO REMARKABLE, SO RARE, that I'm not surprised there is so little out there in "popular culture" about it... I must confess, it was new to me!
You saw a (relatively) common "Parhelia" (sundogs) and much less common simultaneous "Circumzenithal Arc".
Note how they are both caused by the same bulk material, short pentangles.
From this, I'm thinking, where there are sun dogs, there is PROBABLY a faint circumzenithal arc.
NEXT TIME I SEE A SUN-DOG, I'LL BE LOOKING FOR A CIRCUMZENITHAL ARC... I've probably seen it but not noticed it!
I would like to call upon the collective knowledge of this group to help identify unusual things in the sky.
NO not UFO's.
Natural phenomena, man made objects, etc. I live in a big city, and I don't get to see much in the sky. So when I do see something it really has a big impact on me. I plan on spending my time off this summer visiting several 'dark sky' preserves in the near and far north, l'd appreciate tips on times to go, and things to look for. So, if you see something you can't name.
NO not UFO's.
Anything rare, unusual, or just beautiful. Post it here. We can all help each other learn.