US skies are clearing in the aftermath of this week's monster winter storm. But "clear" is not the same as "empty." Sky watchers are seeing an unusual number of sundogs. Doug Koehler photographed these yesterday in Davenport, Iowa:

Sundog_1
© Doug KoehlerBrilliant rainbow-like sun pillars in the early morning, sub-zero fog in Davenport, Iowa, just off the Mississippi river. They lasted about 20 minutes before fading away as the sun rose. Sadly, the camera doesn't do justice to how colorful they were. Taken with a GE A1251 in auto exposure mode. Image taken: Feb. 3 2011
"These brilliant sundogs appeared in the early morning sub-zero fog just off the Mississippi river," says Koehler. "They lasted about 20 minutes before fading away. The camera doesn't do justice to how colorful they were."

Sundogs and their cousins, sun pillars, are caused by ice crystals in the air. And if there's one thing North Americans have a lot of, it's icy air. Indeed, the dog and pillar show is likely to continue for at least six more weeks.

More Images

Sun Pillar
© Dave MerrittA beautiful sun pillar at sunrise this morning on my way to work.Location: Middletown, Indiana USA. Image taken: Feb. 3 2011.
Sundog_2
© Sid MurthyIt was below -20F. The sky was especially bright and I didn't notice the sundog until I realized I was being blinded by more than one side. Photo Details: Taken by a Samsung Fascinate smartphone. Location: Laramie, WY. Image taken: Feb. 1 2011.
Sun Pillar_1
© Patty I saw this while walking to work at 8:00 AM. Our area, like the rest of the country, experienced a crazy snowstorm and this is our first clear and sunny day in weeks. It was a beautiful sight to see and it reminded me of a rainbow after a thunderstorm letting everyone know that the worst was over. I shot this picture with my iPhone. Location: Davenport, IA, USA. Image taken: Feb. 3 2011