Light Pillars - Ontario, Canada

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Light Pillars - Ontario, Canada: A Spectacular Atmospheric Phenomenon

Light pillars are a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that can be observed in various parts of the world, including Ontario, Canada. These mesmerizing pillars of light often leave observers in awe as they stretch high into the night sky. While light pillars may appear mystical, they can be explained by the interaction of light with ice crystals suspended in the air.

In Ontario, Canada, Lori Checkowy had the incredible opportunity to capture these magnificent light pillars in the early hours of December 1st, 2002. The temperature at that time was a chilly minus 15 degrees Celsius, creating the perfect conditions for the formation of these ethereal pillars. Interestingly, the height of the pillars can be measured by using the background stars as reference points. In Lori's case, the pillars reached an impressive height of approximately 30 degrees, towering above the horizon.

The source of these enchanting light pillars intrigued Lori, prompting her to embark on a quest to uncover their origin. On a subsequent occasion when the light pillars appeared, Lori followed their path by car. To her surprise, she discovered that the bright beams were originating from a lumber-yard located 2 kilometers away. This observation highlights how seemingly otherworldly phenomena can often have surprisingly mundane explanations.

The formation of light pillars is attributed to the presence of ice crystals in the air. These crystals act as mirrors, reflecting and refracting light from various sources such as streetlights or the Moon. As the light passes through these ice crystals, it becomes scattered and redirected, resulting in the vertical columns of light that form the pillars. The specific orientation and alignment of the ice crystals determine the angle and shape of the pillars.

Light pillars are often mistaken for other atmospheric optical phenomena due to their similar appearance. For example, they can be easily confused with sun pillars, which are also vertical columns of light but are formed by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in the atmosphere. However, light pillars are typically much taller than sun pillars, as demonstrated by Lori's observations in Ontario.

It is not uncommon for light pillars to be accompanied by other atmospheric optical phenomena. In Lori's case, the same ice crystals that created the light pillars also produced a natural lunar pillar and a left-hand parhelion. A lunar pillar is a vertical beam of light that appears to extend upward from the Moon, while a parhelion is a bright spot that appears to the left or right of the Sun. These additional phenomena add to the overall spectacle and intrigue of observing light pillars.

To witness light pillars in Ontario, or anywhere else for that matter, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, the temperature must be cold enough for ice crystals to form in the air. Typically, temperatures below freezing are required. Secondly, there must be a source of light, such as streetlights or the Moon, to illuminate the ice crystals and create the pillars. Lastly, clear skies are essential for optimal visibility of the pillars.

In conclusion, light pillars are a breathtaking atmospheric phenomenon that can be observed in Ontario, Canada, and various other locations around the world. These vertical columns of light are formed by the reflection and refraction of light off ice crystals suspended in the air. Lori Checkowy's observations in Ontario provide valuable insights into the height and source of these captivating pillars. By understanding the science behind light pillars, we can appreciate the beauty of these natural phenomena and marvel at the wonders of our atmosphere.

Lori Checkowy caught these light pillars at 3am local time on 1st December '02 when the temperature was about minus 15C. The pillar heights can be measured using the background stars. The pillars are some 30° tall, much taller than sun pillars. Intrigued as to their source, Lori followed the beams by car when they next appeared. The bright pillars were from a lumber-yard 2km away. During the search the same crystals created (lower left image) a natural lunar pillar and left hand parhelion . ©2002 Lori Checkowy, All rights reserved.

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