Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. When the air is cold and the Sun is rising or setting , falling ice crystals can reflect sunlight and create an unusual column of light. Air resistance causes these crystals to lie nearly flat much of the time as they flutter to the ground.
Sunlight reflects off crystals that are properly aligned, creating the sun-pillar effect.
In the above picture , a sun-pillar reflects light from a setting Sun. Specific rights apply .