Sun Dogs, A Colorful Weather Phenomena

This morning, Wednesday, Feb. 19, a brilliant and colorful “Sun Dog” was seen in the eastern sky near Clearmont a little after sunrise. Here is some information about this weather phenomena in the early days.

The Sheridan Post, January 9, 1912 – “Sundogs” Seen Unusual Phenomena Observed this Morning —Halos Also Visible — May Indicate Storm. Three “sun dogs,” irregular blotches or shafts of color resembling a rainbow, were seen in the sky all forenoon today, causing much comment and in some instances, dire predictions of approaching storms.

Weather Observer Frise states that while they have no especial significance in themselves, they can frequently fore-run areas of low barometric pressure. Old timers declare that they forecast weather troubles.

The “dogs” are caused by the reflection and refraction of the sun through the high clouds, which are composed of small ice particles and throw the light in the same manner as a glass prism set in the sun. It is unusual to see more than two in the sky at one time.

This morning one could be seen in the south, another in the southwest and a third almost directly overhead. The colors for a brief period were exceptionally brilliant They remained until about noon. Weather Observer Frise states that he observed two rings around the sun this morning and received reports of a third whose center would be in the northwest sky, but which he did not see. The halos are even more rare than the “sun dogs”

The official forecast issued by the weather bureau this morning is for snow tonight or Wednesday, with an accompanying drop in temperature.

The Laramie Republican, March 23, 1914

And this from Cheyenne State Leader, January 12, 1912 – Sun Dogs At Night Unusual Phenomena Have Been Seen Both Day and Night Lately by People in Cheyenne. The appearance Tuesday morning and again Tuesday and Wednesday nights of three brilliant “sundogs” caused much interest and talk among citizens of Cheyenne.

The sun first, and moon later, were surrounded by a large circle, which many say is the sure indication of an approaching storm, and Wednesday night there were in addition to the large rings, two very brilliant, ”sundogs” visible in the eastern sky.

The appearance of “sundogs” is not considered especially significant to those familiar with the weather and the action of heavenly bodies, but by many people they are considered as sure harbingers of dire calamity, and often bring associated with the coming of hard storms.

Weathermen state that they are frequently forerunners of areas of low barometric pressure and old timers state that they invariably forecast weather trouble of some kind.

The Real Cause. The “dogs” are caused by the reflection of the sun through the high clouds, which are composed of small ice particles and throw the light in the same manner as a glass prism set in the sun…. They remained until about noon and were again visible about sunset. The “dogs” that were observed Wednesday night were similar to those observed in the daytime of the day previous, being identical in form though not quite so bright in coloring or brilliant in their reflection. The presence of the “dogs’ in daytime has been explained, but this is the first time in the memory of the oldest inhabitants that they have ever been noted at night.

Although sun dogs and moon dogs are often associated with incoming bad weather, according to the Weather Channel seven-day forecast, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, there is no storm forecast but a warming trend. I guess we will wait and see.