Posted on 02/07/2016 9:21:12 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: What's happening behind those houses? Pictured here are not auroras but nearby light pillars, a nearby phenomenon that can appear as a distant one. In most places on Earth, a lucky viewer can see a Sun-pillar, a column of light appearing to extend up from the Sun caused by flat fluttering ice-crystals reflecting sunlight from the upper atmosphere. Usually these ice crystals evaporate before reaching the ground. During freezing temperatures, however, flat fluttering ice crystals may form near the ground in a form of light snow, sometimes known as a crystal fog. These ice crystals may then reflect ground lights in columns not unlike a Sun-pillar. The featured image was taken in Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks in central Alaska.
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[Credit and Copyright: Allisha Libby]
Why do I suddenly have the song Xanadu running thru my head?
those look like sprites, but I thought sprites went up from the top of the clouds.
This photo would suggest that these are coming downward toward the ground.
Interesting.
Thanks for the post SunkenCiv
Ever so beautiful, SC, thanks for sharing her work!
I’ve seen these during the winter in eastern Washington. Every light source has a pillar on top of it-even things not within the line of site (behind a hill, for example). It’s pretty neat.
Sprites are lightning related phenomenon (electrical). This is in the category of rainbows, halos and sun dogs (refracted sunlight).
...actually refraction and reflection. Refraction is responsible for the different colors.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
Absolutely amazing, Sunky! I wish I could experience something like that! It is so magical :)
That picture is stunning. Thank you for all the pictures you post.....my husband an I enjoy them immensely.
Rapture?............................
It’s either a natural phenomena or the Rapture...................either way we missed it..........................
Whoa! Great photography by a great photographer. Thank you, Allisha Libby.
Thank you, Mr. Civilizations, for the post and ping. Great job, as usual, :)
This is actually quite an entertaining picture, and of course, I love the colors.
Well, a million lights *are* dancing...
They are new to me. :’)
I don’t recall hearing or reading about them either. But there are all sorts of reflection and refraction phenomenon, some of which are extremely rare. Spaceweather.com had a link to a site which focused specifically on that. I’ll check to see if they still do.
Yes, the link is still there.
Here it is:
Atmospheric Optics
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/
“Light playing on water drops, dust or ice crystals in the atmosphere produces a host of visual spectacles - rainbows, halos, glories, coronas and many more. Some can be seen almost every day or so, some are once in a lifetime sights. Find out where to see them and how they are formed. Then seek and enjoy them outdoors.”
In that case, they are very strange indeed. Very beautiful, but very strange.
thanks for clarifying what sprites are.
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