‘Two suns’ shock residents in Russia as rare sky phenomenon goes viral

Experts say extreme cold on Sakhalin Island caused a 'sun dog', an optical illusion created by ice crystals

Residents of Russia’s Sakhalin Island were left astonished after witnessing a rare and striking sight in the sky that appeared to show two suns shining at the same time.

Residents captured the unusual phenomenon on camera, and the images quickly drew attention on social media.

Two suns rise over parts of Russia

Sakhalin residents spot a rare sun dog caused by ice crystals in the air pic.twitter.com/U4vX2xNac4

— RT (@RT_com) January 24, 2026

According to foreign media reports and weather experts, the phenomenon was not the appearance of two suns but a natural atmospheric event.

Specialists explained that tiny ice crystals formed in the air due to extreme cold reflected sunlight, creating the illusion of the sun appearing in two positions in the sky.

This optical phenomenon is scientifically known as a “sun dog” (parhelion).

Reports said the temperature on Sakhalin Island was recorded at minus 14 degrees Celsius, with forecasts indicating it could fall to as low as minus 23 degrees Celsius.

Experts said such rare visual phenomena are more likely to occur in extremely cold weather conditions.