Three Sisters and Their Dog
by Mike Lee
Title
Three Sisters and Their Dog
Artist
Mike Lee
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
This image captures a parhelion, commonly known as a “sun dog” directly over the top of the 3 volcanic peaks known as the sisters west of Bend, Oregon. I captured the image from atop Pilot Butte which is in the northeastern portion of Bend.
Pilot Butte is an ancient, now dormant cinder cone volcano which today serves as a scenic viewpoint managed by the Oregon State Parks Service. From atop this hill one is treated to some pretty stunning views in all directions, especially to the west toward the Deschutes National forest with its majestic volcanic peaks.
The 3 “sisters” are all over 10,000 feet (3000 meters) in elevation and create a very striking sight since they’re grouped so closely together. Of the three, only South Sister is considered active, last erupting about 2000 years ago with seismic uplift detected in the early 21st century leading to increased monitoring by the US Geological Service. All three peaks are very popular destinations for climbers.
A parhelion is a phenomenon that results from the refraction of light through the ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. They can frequently be seen in pairs and this one, to the north side of the sun was indeed coupled with one to the south side, although the other wasn’t over nearly as striking of a landscape.
Uploaded
October 11th, 2021
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