This video shows the launch of NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory aboard the Atlas V space shuttle on February 11. Just after lift-off the rocket it passes through a colourful sundog.

Sundogs are formed by plate-shaped ice crystals in high, cold cirrus clouds. As the crystals drift down from the sky they tend to align with their broad faces parallel to the ground. When sunlight hits a patch of well-aligned crystals at just the right angle the result is a sundog.

As Atlas V passes through the clouds it sent shock waves rippling through the clouds destroying the alignment of the crystals and the sundog vanishes. A number of amateur observers captured the moment on camera and it makes for impressive viewing.

In the past, there have been anecdotal reports of atmospheric disturbances, for instance gunshots, destroying sundogs but according to NASA this is the first time the effect has been captured on video.