Residents of Central Alberta, Canada, were treated to a mesmerizing display of light pillars during the night, with temperatures plummeting to -30 degrees Celsius. This celestial phenomenon, often misunderstood as paranormal, is actually a natural event well-known to meteorologists. The light pillars appeared as bright, vertical beams against the dark winter sky, captivating onlookers.
What Are Light Pillars?
Light pillars are vertical columns of light that seem to extend upwards from ground-based light sources into the sky. For these phenomena to occur, specific meteorological conditions must align perfectly. Sub-zero temperatures between -10°C and -40°C are necessary, along with high humidity to form ice crystals. In Alberta’s case, the freezing temperature of -30°C provided the ideal conditions. Additionally, calm or light wind is crucial to keep the ice crystals stable in the air, allowing them to reflect light effectively.
These light pillars result from hexagonal ice crystals in the atmosphere reflecting light from various sources, such as streetlights or city lights.
Social Media Users Share Images
The unusual sight was observed in Central Alberta on November 26 and 27. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with photos and videos of the phenomenon.
One user shared an incredible panoramic shot, “Crazy!! I saw these 2 days in a row! This is a 5-shot pano taken in Lacombe, Alberta yesterday morning.”
Crazy!! I saw these 2 days in a row! This is a 5 shot pano taken in Lacombe, Alberta yesterday morning. #teamtanner #wx@treetanner @mikesobel @weathernetwork @mark_tarello pic.twitter.com/8d6LOZZf1T
— Dar Tanner (@dartanner) November 27, 2024
Another commented, “Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada.”
Light pillar season has begun in Alberta, Canada
🔸 Light pillars are caused by light reflecting off ice crystals suspended in the air. This phenomenon occurs in cold places where the temperature allows hexagonal ice crystals to form. For example, these photos were taken at… pic.twitter.com/F3Rk55UXaV
— Malinda 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇵🇱🇨🇦🇮🇹🇦🇺🇬🇧🇬🇪🇩🇪🇸🇪 (@TreasChest) November 26, 2024
A close-up video shared by another user showcased the spectacle, “WOW!! Want to see what light pillars look like to the eye?? And close up even?! Taken this morning in Lacombe, Alberta at -20°C.”
WOW!! Want to see what light pillars look like to the eye?? And close up even?! Taken this morning in Lacombe, Alberta at -20°C#TeamTanner @treetanner @weathernetwork @WeatherNation @weatherchannel @spann pic.twitter.com/IHcjNvYja5
— Dar Tanner (@dartanner) November 26, 2024
One video posted by an X user even gave the illusion of the world being flipped upside down, further enhancing the awe surrounding this natural marvel.
Light pillars in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/j2bB91fmM9
— Domenico (@AvatarDomy) October 13, 2023
Regions like Canada, Russia, and parts of Scandinavia are known for offering the right conditions to witness this rare winter event. Alberta, with its frigid temperatures and clear skies, remains a hotspot for this spectacular natural display. The recent light pillars added a magical touch to the already enchanting winter season in the region.
