A parhelion, commonly known as a “sun dog” directly over the top of the 3 Sisters in Deschutes National Forest. Shot from Pilot Butte in Bend Oregon.
This image captures a parhelion, commonly known as a “sun dog” directly over the top of the 3 volcanic peaks known as the “sisters” west of Bend, Oregon, USA. I captured the image from atop Pilot Butte which is in the northeastern portion of Bend. Pilot Butte is an ancient, now dormant, cinder cone volcano which now serves as a scenic viewpoint managed by the Oregon State Parks Service. From atop this hill one is treated to some pretty stunning views in all distances, expecially to the west toward the Deschutes Naitonal forest with its majestic volcanic peaks. The 3 “sisters” are all over 10,000 feet (3000 meters) in elevation and create a very striking sight since they’re grouped so closely together. Of the three, only South Sister is considered active, last erupting about 2000 years ago with seismic uplift dectected in the early 21st century leading to increased monitoring by the US Geological Service. All three peaks are very popular destinations for climbers. A parhelion is a phenomenon that results from the refraction of light through the ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. They can frequently be seen in pairs and this one, to the north side of the sun was indeed coupled with one to the south side, although the other wasn’t over near as striking of a landscape.
Size: 5777px × 3250px
Location: Bend Oregon, USA
Photo credit: © Mike Lee / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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