Solar Halo and Sundog over Camelot
May 18, 2022
Photographer: Daniele Cipollina
Summary Authors: Daniele Cipollina; Cadan Cummings
This stunning photo features a solar halo along with two sundogs visible in the sky near Arquata Scrivia, Italy. Both sundogs and solar halos are produced by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. The difference between the two optical phenomena is caused by variations in ice crystals orientation. If the ice is oriented horizontally to the viewer, a sundog is visible. Conversely, where the ice crystals are randomly oriented, a solar halo is visible. According to legend, the hill in the foreground of the photo was where King Arthur's castle was built. Photo taken on August 12, 2015, at 20:41 GMT.
Photo details:; Nikon Coolpix P7100; focal length 6 mm (35 mm equivalent to 28 mm): ISO 100; f/6.3, 1/1600 second exposure