Sun Pillar Over Amersfoort, Netherlands

December 30, 2016

SunPillar_IMG_0240 (1)

Photographer: Jurgen de Boer 
Summary Authors: Jurgen de Boer; Jim Foster

Shown above is a spectacular sunset and Sun pillar observed over Amersfoort, Netherlands, on November 22, 2016. The myriad ice crystals that compose cirrus clouds or are free falling toward the surface can reflect sunlight and result in pillars such as this. However, the ice crystals must be plate-shaped, similarly aligned and tipped slightly in the direction of the observer in order for the column of light to be viewed. Pillars can also form when ice crystals are illuminated by moonlight, the reflected light from Venus or even from streetlights. Photo taken on November 22, 2016.

Photo Details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 6D; Lens: 28-75mm; Focal Length: 65mm; Aperture: ƒ/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.010 s (1/100); ISO equiv: 400; Software: Adobe Photoshop CC 2017 (Windows).