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Extreme temperatures (between -10° and -40°C), great humidity and almost little wind are the perfect weather conditions for light pillars.
The pillars are formed by the collective reflection of light.
Amid bitterly cold temperatures of -30°C, Central Albertans were treated to a breathtaking atmospheric display this morning as light pillars pierced the night sky. A beautiful natural optical illusion produced by particular winter conditions, these ethereal vertical beams of light are sometimes confused for paranormal activity.
Tiny ice crystals that float in the atmosphere and reflect light sources like millions of tiny mirrors create light pillars. Usually approximately 0.02 mm in size, these plate-shaped ice crystals produce an enthralling vertical column of light that seems to reach up into the sky from light sources on the ground. The light pillars turned the bitter cold into a magnificent celestial show, reminding Albertans who braved the bitter cold of winter’s enigmatic beauty.
Check the post here: https://twitter.com/TreasChest/status/1861502221621293453
How are light pillars formed?
Extremely cold temperatures (between -10° and -40°C), great humidity and almost little wind are the perfect weather conditions for light pillars. The pillar effect is produced when these circumstances permit the hexagonal ice crystals to descend horizontally and reflect light in unison.
Though light sources might vary, these pillars can arise from streetlights, city illumination, or even natural sources like moonlight. The pillar’s colour closely matches the original light source’s colour, producing distinctive visual displays across the winter scenery.
It’s interesting to note areas with extremely low temperatures, such as Northern Canada, Alaska and portions of Russia, frequently have light pillars. On occasion, witnesses have reported seeing UFOs because of their unearthly look.
Light pillars, according to meteorologists, are only visual illusions. The pillars are formed by the collective reflection of light from suspended ice crystals rather than being physically situated above the light source.
