I took the photo above with my cell phone. I was awestruck by the grandeur of this amazing phenomenon, and trust me, it was much more magnificent in person. A sun pillar was something I had never witnessed before. My first thought was that there was a break, or hole in the clouds causing this, but I quickly realized that the angles involved make this assumption physically impossible. With a quick bit of research, I found that sun pillars are created when millions of falling ice crystals reflect the sun's rays, creating a column of light. Because the crystals are shaped like plates, they wobble in their decent, and act like billions of little mirrors. This tends to happen more often at sunset than sunrise, with high cirrus clouds and falling temperatures. My post a few months back on Sun Dogs is similar, but the multiple columns are flanking each side of the sun, not the center.
There are many other great examples of Sun Pillars to be found on the net, and it makes for a great photo search. I added the two below as they have some great definition and color. To see more, CLICK HEREThe image (left) I created by combining my own photo and an ocean wave.
34 comments:
that is absolutely gorgeous!
Michelle, I am happy to have what I can afford, don't get me wrong, but I really wish I had a camera with a higher resolution for this shot. My phone takes pictures in the 70k range, so this photo is very diffused. In person it was just "incredible" !!!
great shots Speedy..magic with a cell phone camera
Those are great. I've seen them many times, but had no idea what they were called.
These are all beautiful pictures. I see you cropped them like me. Wow, I can't choose the best one because they are all amazing.
Wow! These are beautiful! I am glad you were able to witness something so cool with your own eyes. And thanks for sharing the other photos and info too! I had never seen them and wasn't aware. I like learning cool new stuff like this. :)
Amazing! I've never heard of sun pillars. You learn something new every day, huh?!
**You've received an AWARD over on my blog kind sir.**
Absolutely beautiful and enlightening.
Wow! That's a great photo! I've never seen such a thing. That's the good thing about mobiles. Not the best photos in the world, but you always have it handy for moments like this!
Very nice! And with a cell phone? Damn impressive, sir-
OH. My. GOD!!! THAT is just soooooooo awesome...you are very lucky to have seen it & captured it with your camera!
Love the image you created too!
Wow Speedy. That would give one cause to stop and stare in awe. It would for me anyway. How absolutely awesome.
Off to the boat for us. You have a great day and weekend Speedy. Big hug. :)
The sky looks simply amazing in deed!
Spetacular mood and colour!
Very cool photos!
Yous like a scientist now too!
That is awesome! I've never seen one!
I heart that pix! great shot!
Ohhh nice. I didn't realize you were such a photo journalist! Great shots. Wish my phone would take that nice of a shot.
Awesome photography Speedy. You were at the right place in the right moment and most of all recognized the wonder before you :) Cheryl
speedy , That was awsome I have never seen anything like that before .. Incredible!
Oh. My. Gosh.
Thank you so much for sharing that. It was amazing and I was unaware that they even existed.
Now I want to see one.
That and I'd like to see the northern lights again.
wow. sun pillars. ice dogs. too cool. The world is a wonderful place.
N~I~C~E
Sort of like a water spout in the ocean!
What is even more astounding? The fact you shot it with your camera phone! (way to be "ever ready!)
Great shots!
I can't remember if I've seen one before or not. I've seen sunbeams, but not sure about sun pillars.
That is spectacular. I appreciate you sharing that with us. Wow. Just awesome. This universe was designed by a great master plan....there are no accidents.
That was inspiring.
And a big smooch to you for placing the BlogBlast countdown counter in your sidebar.
You seriously rock.
Your such a great photographer Eric so I just had to tag you in my last meme - I'm curious about what's in your picture folders you know :-)
Wishing you a great end to your week!
woww that really amazing picture. Love it so much, thanks for sharing
Wow.. I never know about this Sun pillar phenomenon. Billions of little mirrors eh? It just like a sci-fi!
Amazing, Speedy! What a lucky guy you are to have been able to witness this. I'm glad you were in the right place at the right time to capture this. Thanks for sharing it here as well. That is something I've never seen before.
Loved the ocean wave photo you created too. It looks like a giant eagle's eye to me. :)
I hope you are having a great weekend!
Hugs from Daisy.
That's so cool..I never saw one before..Thanks for sharing it with us Speedy!!!
HI!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've tried to photograph one of those before, but it didn't turn out for me. I wasn't quick enough. So they're called sun pillars? That's awesome! Great shot!
Way cool. Thanks for the information.
HUGZ.
oh Eric this is a wonderful shot...lucky you!!:-)
these photos are AMAZING
Aha! So this is what you were talking about...you have seen one too...aren't they fantastic!
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