Sundog or halo

A sun dog or phantom sun (scientific name parhelion) is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright spots of light in the sky, often seen as a luminous ring or halo on either side of the sun at 22° distant and at the same distance above the horizon as the sun.

They can be seen anywhere in the world during any season, but they are not always bright. Sundogs are best seen and are most conspicuous when the sun is low.

We saw this one - the real sun is setting on the left and the sun dog on the right - when we were driving to Vesilahti around 7.30pm. The halo looked pretty bright and it also cast a strong reflection on the ice.

In the old days people predicted weather according to halos - hopefully this one signifies something good!