Clouds overhead but clear on the horizon is a wonderful recipe for a striking sunset. That's what we witnessed on Friday night. I took these photos from the deck of our place in Anchor Bay.
In the last photo, the golden photo, you can see a faint sun pillar. My visiting friend, Shelly, and I almost couldn't believe what we were seeing!
It's sunny and windy here on the Mendonoma Coast today, temps in the high 60's.
A faint outline of a Sun Pillar appeared just before the sun set yesterday, Saturday. But after the sun disappeared, a beautiful, vibrant Sun Pillar was evident in the night sky.
We don't see this very often, so it was special to witness it. And I'm happy I have a photo of mine to show you today. Here's some info on Sun Pillars from Wikipedia:
"A light pillar is an atmospheric optical phenomenon in which a vertical beam of light appears to extend above and/or below a light source. The effect is created by the reflection of light from tiny ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere or that comprise high-altitude clouds."
Another spectacular, warm Autumn day on the Mendonoma Coast.
Rarer than a green flash, a Sun Pillar appeared on January 24th and several coastal residents got a photo of the phenomenon. Richard Hansen took the first photo photo - a spectacular Sun Pillar.
And Jan Jewell got this beautiful photo the same evening.
A Sun Pillar occurs when light from the sun is reflected off thin ice crystal clouds high in the atmosphere in a spot or band pattern vertically above the setting sun,an amazing event to experience.
Thanks to Richard and Jan for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see my only photo of a Sun Pillar, also called a Sun Dog, here is the link:
http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/12/31/a-beautiful-sun-pillar-appeared-at-sunset/
On Dec. 29th a beautiful Sun Pillar appeared just after the sun had set. It lasted long enough for me to find my camera (I ran right past it), go outside and snap a few photos. I'm thrilled to be able to share it with you.
A Sun Pillar occurs when light from the sun is reflected off thin ice crystal clouds high in the atmosphere in a spot or band pattern vertically above the setting sun,an amazing phenomenon.
I may not have photographed a green flash (yet!) but I'm happy to have photographed this Sun Pillar!