Light pillars are quite the phenomenon. They occur on very cold dark nights around bright
lights. The cause and effect is the same as sun and moon pillars, except the sun pillars
are caused from cirrostratus clouds. Falling hexagonal ice crystals from low altostratus
clouds reflect the light while rocking back and forth, causing the column or pillar of
light. Usually the pillars will reflect the true color the light gives off: mercury vapor
will shine blue, high pressure sodium will shine an orange color.
This winter here in south-eastern lower Michigan has been cold. It is the setting
for wonderful atmostphere phenomenon. One of my favorites, the light pillar, appears when
the air is filled with falling ice crystals, or extremely cold snowflakes. We have had a
lot of snow this year also, and I have seen the pillars about four times. Here are some
during a cold snow on Jan. 23, 2004. One rising up through the trees, the other from over
the porch of my house!
nightporch12304c
lightpillar12304b
I have seen a few instances of light pillars, usually only on extremly bitter cold nights.
15 miles to the east of where I live in Memphis, Michigan, runs the St. Clair River.
Across the river into Canada operates an industrial plant of some sort. There is a stack
from which a flame burns brightly some nights. I believe that was the source of these
pillars of light. Interestingly enough, a bright moon was partially hidden by the clouds.
