DORSET'S skies resembled a scene from Star Wars when a strange atmospheric phenomenon appeared above the Jurassic Coast.

In an image reminiscent of Tatooine's twin suns, rambler Mick Bartholomew spotted the strange sight over Durdle Door.

The appearance of phantom suns, or 'sun dogs', arises as a result of sunlight being refracted through ice crystals in clouds.

Larger ice crystals produce bigger sun dogs.

The refraction of the light can often lead to sun dogs becoming visible on either side of the sun, creating the appearance of three suns.

Mick said that his rambling group spotted the unusual celestial image when they took part in their weekly walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.

He said: "We were looking at the sunset and we saw there were two.

"I thought it might be an aurora or something.

"We just happened to be in the right place to see the sunset going through a piece of cloud."

It is a phenomenon usually associated with the winter months due to the colder conditions.

Sun dogs have been noted throughout history, with the likes of Aristotle and Cicero writing about their existence.

Mick added: "It's not that rare, but I have not seen it before."

Tony James also spotted a 'sun dog' in Parkstone on on Thursday evening.