Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Sundogs...


Before moving to Manitoulin Island, I had never even heard of the term sundog. In my first year living here, an old farmer told me about the spectacular sundog he saw. Uhh...I had no idea what he was talking about. If you are interested in the scientific explanation of a sundog, you can ask Hubby and he'll be glad to explain it...or you can click here.
I haven't been able to get a good photo of a sundog because I never have my camera with me when I see one. They're not all that common. I usually have my phone cam but the quality of cell phone cameras aren't the greatest. Anyway, I've "borrowed" this photo from astrophotographer, Steve Irvine (located in Wiarton, Ontario). I actually e-mailed him to see if it was okay for me to use his photo.
On my way back from a day trip in Espanola yesterday, my students and my friend Elaine and I were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a sundog. I was driving down Hwy 6 and yelled, "Sundog!!!" and the boys had no idea why I was so excited. I pointed to the rainbow seemingly shooting straight up on the left side of the sun. It was kind of faint, but definitely there. It wasn't like a regular rainblow where you can see the arc. A sundog looks more like a straight line going up on one side of the sun and another one on the left side of it. The boys finally saw it and then Elaine pointed out the second one (which I almost missed because I was driving). The one on the right side of the sun was much more pronounced in color. Absolutely spectacular. Since I've lived here, I've only seen sundogs three or four times. I've also seen the Northern Lights (aka: Aurora Borealis) four or five times. I've seen meteor showers, nebulas, the rings around Saturn...all amazing things for this city girl! :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! I would love to see the northern lights. I thought you could only see them way up north and you guys aren't even that north! Ive never heard of a sundog before - it must be really quite a sight to see! We'll be up for a visit in the summer, C!

Ms. Mamma said...

Yes! I saw one last week and it was phenomenal! I never knew it was called a Sundog, thanks Christine!

TOW Blog said...

how amaing your part of the world looks!

thanks for sharing. who would have known what a sundog is. i have yet to see the aurora borealis in this lifetime.

Unknown said...

Ms.Mamma, isn't it the coolest? I was in awe the first time I ever saw one (2 years ago). Now, each time I see one, I still get as excited as the first time :)

Minotte, we see the Aurora Borealis here a few months in the year. They're really crisp in the winter. I've seen them on a few summer nights as well. They are beautiful!

From Our Farm to Your Table

Blog Archive

Farmers Feed Cities

You Can Find Me Here!




Affiliates

Brand Ambassador for

For Fellow Bloggers

Connect With Advertisers - Sign up for SocialSpark!
A Reliable Blogger

Proud Recipient

© 2006 - 2012 Life on Manitoulin. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Blogger.

About the Blog Author


City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
Contact Me

Les Boutons!

Life on Manitoulin: Just a bunch of ramblings from a city girl gone country!

Life on Manitoulin: Just a bunch of ramblings from a city girl gone country!

Let's Connect

Members

Support


Photobucket


Related Posts with Thumbnails