A Message From Space? Mysterious "Pillar Of Light" Appears In Canada Night Sky
Recently, residents of Central Alberta, Canada, witnessed a stunning display as light pillars lit up the night sky
These striking columns of light seem to rise from ground-level sources, stretching upwards and creating a surreal, mirror-like illusion
While often mistaken for paranormal activity, these light pillars are actually a natural optical illusion caused by specific winter conditions
Light pillars form when light reflects off ice crystals suspended in the air. This phenomenon occurs in cold places where hexagonal ice crystals can form
These vertical light beams are created when light from artificial sources, like streetlights, reflects off tiny hexagonal ice crystals, typically about 0.02 mm in size, floating in the atmosphere
These plate-shaped crystals act like small mirrors, reflecting light from sources such as streetlights and building lights
As light bounces off the ice crystals, it creates a dazzling, shimmering pillar that seems to stretch high into the sky, producing a breathtaking visual effect
Countries like Canada, Russia, and parts of Scandinavia provide ideal conditions for this display, with light pillars frequently seen on extremely cold nights when ice crystals are plentiful in the atmosphere
The formation of light pillars requires precise meteorological conditions, including extremely cold temperatures between -10° and -40°C, high humidity, and calm, windless conditions