SpaceWeather.com is becoming the place to go for interesting dog photography. Thanks to Peter C. for the tip on the sun dog.

See A Sun Dog In The Sky!

Northern summer is approaching, and it’s getting hot outside. Five miles above your head, however, the atmosphere remains freezing cold, and this photo proves it.

The halo behind Jess “the astrodog” is caused by ice crystals in high clouds, which catch sunbeams and bend them into beautiful shapes and colors. Often, we don’t notice these icy halos because of the sun’s blinding glare. Visibility improves when something blocks the sun–a hand, a building or a four-legged friend. “Our collie Jess is always a willing helper,” says photographer Les Gamble of Inverness, Scotland.

So what are you waiting for? Find a good dog and start looking up!