News > ‘Three suns' appear in China due to rare phenomenon

‘Three suns' appear in China due to rare phenomenon

The natural occurrence is called 'sun dogs'. The optical illusion happens when sunlight passes through high-altitude ice crystals in cirrus clouds. The phantom suns appear at the same altitude above the horizon as the Sun.

It was one of the longest-lasting sun dogs in the area in recent years. Sun dogs can be seen anywhere in the world during any season, but are not always obvious or bright.