Encore - Brilliant Sun Pillar Over Jenison, Michigan

June 24, 2017

EPOD_EncoreBrilliant Sun Pillar Over Jenison Michigan

Today and every Saturday Earth Science Picture of the Day invites you to rediscover favorites from the past. Saturday posts feature an EPOD that was chosen by viewers like you in our monthly Viewers' Choice polls. Join us as we look back at these intriguing and captivating images.

Photographer: Kevin Povenz
Summary Authors: Andrew McFarlane; Jim Foster

May 2012 Viewer's ChoiceThe photo above showing a breathtaking Sun pillar was captured at sunset near Jenison, Michigan on April 10, 2012. Sun pillars result from the reflection of sunlight off the bottom surfaces (or less frequently, the top surfaces) of plate-shaped ice crystals composing cirrus clouds. These crystals must be similarly oriented and slightly tipped with respect to the viewer in order for a pillar to be observed. The crimson shaft piercing the purple sky made this sunset unforgettable.

Photo Details: Canon T1i camera; Sigma 18 - 200mm lens; Exposure - 0.125 sec. (1/8) exposure; f/9 aperture; 63mm focal length; 100 ISO; Software - Adobe Photoshop elements 9.0.