This may be one of the polar vortex's only welcome side effects.
A sun dog is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright, glimmering spots in the sky -- an effect that J.J. Abrams' and his lens flares could only dream about. This natural wonder often takes the form of a halo surrounding the sun or as bright patches on either side.
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Sun dogs appear when light refracts through plate-shaped hexagonal ice crystals in high and cold cirrus clouds or in extremely cold weather.
With the polar vortex bearing down on much of the United States this week, Instagram users have posted pictures of the sun dogs appearing in their skies.
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