Astronomy prof: "Sundog" seen over VB

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A University of Virginia astronomy professor said the event witnessed in the sky by several Virginia Beach residents Tuesday morning is what is known as a "sundog."

Dr. Ed Murphy confirmed the event after seeing a picture Tuesday afternoon.

One resident reported a sound similar to a "sonic boom" then looked up to see the sundog. Naturally, the coincidence of noise and strange lights created speculation as to whether it might have been a meteor.

Meteorologists on staff at WAVY initially suspected that the brightly colored light was indeed a "sundog", but just to be certain an astronomer was consulted. Meteorologist Sagay Galindo e-mailed Dr. Murphy a picture of the bright, prism-like effect in the sky. The University of Virginia astronomer confirmed immediately that this was a "sundog"...an effect created when ice crystals refract sunlight into a semi-rainbow. Sundogs are very common in the late afternoon sky in winter, but less common this time of year.

Dr. Murphy told WAVY that a rarely-seen daytime meteor would have covered a more horizontal trajectory. And it would be seen as more of a long trail, similar to a jet contrail.