Have you ever looked up at the sky and been mesmerized by long beams of light that seem to mark the locations of legendary treasures or hidden mysteries? These captivating pillars of light are not the stuff of fiction but are born from a fascinating natural phenomenon that continues to intrigue and mystify.
When the air temperature drops below freezing, these ethereal beams of light can manifest. But the temperature alone isn’t enough; a light source is also needed. Surprisingly, ordinary street lamps often serve as the catalysts for these cosmic displays.
The real magic, however, lies in the hexagon-shaped ice crystals that form in the air when temperatures are low. These ice crystals act like tiny mirrors, reflecting the light from below and creating luminous pillars that grace the sky.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to man-made light. The Sun can also create its own light pillars, known as “sun pillars,” which appear shortly before sunset and during daybreak.
These pillars are rare, requiring a perfect alignment of conditions. But when everything comes together, the result is a breathtaking spectacle of light and nature, something straight out of a fantastical video game.
