I got caught off guard this evening. About a half hour before the sunset I looked out the window and it looked as though tonight's sunset would be about the same as last night's. The clouds had moved in and the sky was a drab grey. About 15 minutes before the sunset all of a sudden the sky was ablaze with color. We jumped into the car and started driving to the nearest place that offered a unobstructed view of the horizon. As we were getting close this light pillar appeared and was fading as we pulled into a gas well pull off. The effect, sometimes also called the crystal beam phenomenon, is created by the reflection of light from numerous tiny ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere or clouds.
Wow, what a gorgeous sunset and the light pillar is awesome. I've never heard of that before. My husband and I chase sunsets at times, too, to find a good vantage point. There sure is a shot window to do it in, though. This is a Fav!
Wow, this is so cool. I have never heard of crystal beam phenomenon before. That sky is incredible. And thank you for making me aware of my missing tag for the technique challenge, very kind of you.
@skipt07 I didn't see a light pillar. I meant the sky was drab and overcast when it suddenly cleared for an amazing sunset. I probably posted the pic. Let me find. It.
