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by IdahoAstro
Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:55 pm
Forum: The Bridge: Discuss an Astronomy Picture of the Day
Topic: APOD: Mars in the Loop (2018 Nov 08)
Replies: 13
Views: 4200

Re: APOD: Mars in the Loop (2018 Nov 08)

Parhelion <> perihelion

Par = "level with"
Peri = "close to"

Parhelia (AKA "sundogs") are bright patches of color seen level with the sun, caused by sunlight refracting through atmospheric ice crystals.
Perihelion is the closest point to the sun on an orbit.