February 7, 2026 | 06:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Residents of Sakhalin, Russia, were recently surprised by an unusual morning sight: three suns shining side by side in the sky.
The phenomenon quickly went viral on social media, sparking curiosity and awe. Despite appearances, the effect was not a cosmic anomaly but a natural atmospheric optical phenomenon known as a sun dog, or parhelion.
Sun dogs are relatively common in Russia, particularly in areas with extreme winter conditions such as Siberia, Sakhalin, and Kamchatka.
The phenomenon occurs when sunlight interacts with hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. These crystals are often found in high-altitude cirrus clouds or as fine ice particles called diamond dust in extremely cold weather.
When sunlight passes through the ice crystals, it is refracted, bending the light at least 22 degrees. This bending produces bright spots of light that appear on either side of the sun, creating the illusion of multiple suns.
The effect is similar to how a prism splits light into a spectrum. Sun dogs often display vivid colors, with red closest to the sun and blue at the outer edges, caused by the different refraction of light wavelengths.
The size and shape of a sun dog vary depending on the size and orientation of the ice crystals as they float in the atmosphere.
In some cases, sun dogs can merge to form a halo, a circular 22-degree ring around the sun. The phenomenon is most visible when the sun is low on the horizon, such as during sunrise or sunset.
For scientists and skywatchers, sun dogs are a remarkable example of how light and ice interact to transform the appearance of the sky.
They provide a rare and captivating display of nature’s optical artistry, reminding observers that even familiar sunlight can produce extraordinary visual effects under the right conditions.
Read: Solar Activity Surges, Raising Chance of Northern Lights in U.S. This Week
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump Says New Nuclear Treaty Needed to Replace New START
23 jam lalu
The expiration of New START treaty has ended the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia.
UN Chief Warns of 'Grave Moment' as World Enters Era Without Nuclear Limits
1 hari lalu
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty officially expired on February 5, ending 15 years of limits on the world's two largest nuclear arsenals.
New START: Last US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Expires
2 hari lalu
With the New START pact now expired, the US and Russia face no limits on their nuclear weapon stockpiles for the first time in decades.
Italy Says It Has Foiled Russian Olympic Cyberattacks
2 hari lalu
Officials say they have foiled attempted cyberattacks on Italian embassies and Olympic hotels.
2026 Winter Olympics: What You Need to Know
2 hari lalu
This Friday, the 25th Winter Olympics will open in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. How big will the Games be?
FIFA Boss Infantino Wants Russia to Return to Football
3 hari lalu
In a surprise statement, the head of world football FIFA has said he believes it is time for Russia to return to the pitch.
Global Human Rights System Is in Peril, Says HRW
3 hari lalu
In its annual report, Human Rights Watch warned that civil rights are under threat globally since the reelection of US President Trump.
Zelenskyy Condemns 'Terrorism' After Russia Hits Train
10 hari lalu
A drone struck a train carriage carrying nearly 200 passengers in Ukraine, in an attack authorities blamed on Russia.
Most Powerful Militaries in the World 2026: US Remains on Top
11 hari lalu
Explore the 2026 Global Firepower Index, a ranking of the most powerful militaries in 2026 by manpower, technology, and strategic reach.
EU Agrees on Complete Ban of Russian Gas Imports by 2027
11 hari lalu
The European Union has taken another step toward ending its energy reliance on Russia by agreeing to stop gas imports from the country.
