Sun Pillar Over Hanover, Ontario
December 07, 2013
Photographer: Judi Smelko
Summary Authors: Judi Smelko; Jim Foster
This scarlet Sun pillar was observed near Hanover, Ontario, just after sunset on February 25, 2012. It seemed to pierce the cold winter sky. Pillars are a reflection phenomenon. They take shape when the Sun is near or below the horizon and hexagonal ice crystals, either free-floating or in cirrus clouds, are oriented horizontally. However, the crystals need to be tipped slightly in order to reflect sunlight toward the viewer.
Photo details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 60D; Lens: EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS; Aperture: f/11.0; Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250).