April 14, 2007, 5:48 A.M.
Two years ago while on my way to a Master Naturalist training session I spotted this Sun Pillar shooting up from the sun as it rose to start the day. Quickly I pulled off to the side of the road and began taking photos. Most of the photos were blurry because I was so excited to see the pillar that I could hardly stand still. It was an early morning in April, the air was crisp, and a new day of learning natural history lay ahead. This was a good omen. 
April 14, 2007, 5:48 A.M.
Sun Pillars are a little like Sun Dogs, in that they are both sunlight reflections from the surfaces of ice crystals but the Sun Pillar is, well, a pillar. Not that a sun dog is a dog but…well, you know what I mean. It is a vertical column of light coming up or going down from the sun. I saw this one at sunrise but they can also be found at sunset. It looks like a fat sun ray but really it is a collection of reflections or glints of millions of ice crystals. This sun pillar is yellow but they can be white, red or even purple depending on the colors of the sun and clouds. Pretty cool, uh.
See and read more at Sky Watch Friday.
Thanks for sharing the history lesson. I am glad you stopped to catch this picture. It is marvelous. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of a sun pillar before, but it sure would be exciting to see one. Your images are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous! I don't think I've ever seen a sun pillar.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photograph, and the next best thing to being there!!
ReplyDeleteStunning shot! I've heard of them, but never seen one. This is definitely the next best thing!! Gorgeous colors and I really appreciate the info, too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Sylvia
Beautiful pictures. I don't exactly know what a sun pillar is but it is certainly very special.
ReplyDeleteVery cool, indeed. A couple of years ago, I caught a pink pillar at sunset. Had to run out and shoot fast. Only got two shots. What a wonderful experience! One to be remembered for sure. You did good and were a quick shooter. Fabulous...a success!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of one, lovely colours too. Have a great weekend, thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteLovely .. both..
ReplyDeleteAlways great to have the camera handy..great capture of a very unusual occurance.
ReplyDeleteWe have only ever seen one here and it sure was a beauty.
You have a very nice post for today's Sky Watch. Your pictures are very well done and so pretty. I also learned things I did not know about sun pillars.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! It is surprising how bright the reflection can be.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a sunpilar before. Amazing and beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
WOW! *Mouthdropping*
ReplyDeleteTerrence looks at the sky
Yes, very cool photos! Good thing your camera is always by your side and ready to go. I didn't notice any blurriness, just fabulous colors! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shot. I love recording anything that strays from the norm. Good job. MB
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo's... i'm glad you stopped by to take the photo's....
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
These are gorgeous photos! The color is just stunning..
ReplyDeleteI too would have been excited! Beautiful shots. Well done!
ReplyDeletesimply beautifully captured shots...lovely!
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