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They showcased small hexagonal ice plates in the air which reflected light from various light sources such as street lights, city lights etc.
Alberta witnesses nature’s vertical light beams. (Photo Credits: X)
Residents of Central Alberta, Canada, were surprised by the beautiful sight of light pillars. This celestial phenomenon took place at night with a temperature dropping to -30 degrees Celsius. This wonder, sometimes attributed to signs of paranormal activity, is a natural phenomenon that is familiar to meteorologists. It is formed by light reflecting under specific atmospheric conditions, which cause ice crystals to form beautiful vertical beams. In Alberta, the light pillars looked especially bright against the backdrop of a dark winter sky, mesmerising onlookers.
Several users posted pictures of this natural wonder on social media platforms. They showcased small hexagonal ice plates in the air which reflected light from various light sources such as street lights, city lights etc.
What Are Light Pillars?
Light pillars are columns of light that seem to rise vertically up from sources on the ground, up into the sky. In order for light pillars to appear, certain meteorological conditions must be met to the dot. For instance, sub-zero temperatures between -10 and -40. In Alberta’s recent case, the temperature fell to about -30 degrees Celsius, which offered the right conditions. Apart from that, high humidity is a factor that promotes the formation of ice crystals. Light winds or the lack of winds are also considered essential to maintain the ice crystals in the air in the right stance so that the light reflects off them.
This unusual event was observed by residents of Central Alberta on November 26 and 27. Some people posted pictures and videos of the visuals on social media platforms, especially X.
Sharing a stunning picture, an X user wrote: “Crazy!! I saw these 2 days in a row! This is a 5-shot pano taken in Lacombe, Alberta yesterday morning.”
Another user said: “Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada.”
Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada? Light pillars are caused by light reflecting off ice crystals suspended in the air. This phenomenon occurs in cold places where the temperature allows hexagonal ice crystals to form. For example, these photos were taken at… pic.twitter.com/F3Rk55UXaV
— Malinda ???????????????????? (@TreasChest) November 26, 2024
A person shared a close-up video writing: “WOW!! Want to see what light pillars look like to the eye?? And close up even?! Taken this morning in Lacombe, Alberta at -20°C.”
Check out another video that was posted by an X user, which gives the impression that everything has been flipped upside down.
Places like Canada, Russia and certain places in Scandinavia are ideal to witness this wonderful winter spectacle and so is Alberta.
