Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bright spot on the parhelic circle; caused by diffraction by ice crystals: A "parhelion" is an atmospheric optical phenomenon appearing as one or more bright spots of light, often colored, at the same altitude as the sun on the parhelic circle. It is created when sunlight is refracted and reflected by hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, typically in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We observed a brilliant parhelion to the left of the sun during the cold morning.
  • The appearance of a parhelion is often associated with specific weather conditions.
  • Two parhelia, often called "sun dogs," flanked the sun.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Observation: In meteorology and atmospheric science, "parhelion" is a technical term for a specific halo phenomenon.
  • The research paper documented the spectral analysis of a parhelion.
• Plural Form: The standard plural is "parhelia."
  • Multiple parhelia are a spectacular sight.

Variants and Related Words

• Parhelic (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of a parhelion or the parhelic circle.
  • The parhelic circle is a white halo passing through the sun.
• Sun dog (n, informal): A common informal term for a parhelion.
  • Look at those bright sun dogs beside the sun!

Synonyms

• Mock sun: Another term for parhelion.
• Sun dog: (Informal synonym)

Related Phrases and Terms

• Parhelic circle: The white, horizontal halo passing through the sun, on which parhelia appear.
  • The parhelia were positioned on the parhelic circle.
• Atmospheric halo: The broader category of optical phenomena to which the parhelion belongs.
  • A parhelion is one type of atmospheric halo.

Noun

1. a bright spot on the parhelic circle; caused by diffraction by ice crystals
   • two or more parhelia are usually seen at once