We saw a sundog many years ago over Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire, with clear rainbows. It was quite beautiful, especially in that setting and at the end of what had been a pleasant and enjoyable day.
I assume it's called "sundog" because the effect follows the sun, rather like a dog following its owner. I'd be interested to know when the term first came into use - an online etymological dictionary simply said the origin was obscure.
It seems there are also moondogs. How charming.
Afterthought - so from other planets this phenomenon could also be viewed, I assume, and it would manifest differently according to the atmosphere. At the same time, if the moon can have dogs, then other astronomical bodies might also. That's a fascinating thought.
I wonder, for example, what a Plutodog might look like ...
