A light pillar is a visual phenomenon created by the reflection of light from ice crystals with near horizontal parallel planar surfaces. The light can come from the Sun (usually at or low to the horizon) in which case the phenomenon is called a sun pillar or solar pillar. It can also come from the Moon or from terrestrial sources such as streetlights.

The sun rises over the River Brue on the Somerset Levels as temperatures in parts of the south west drop below freezing, on January, 20, 2015. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

In this Wednesday, September 17, 2014 photo, the sun shines over a field of sunflowers in Walkill, N.Y. (Photo by John DeSanto/AP Photo/Times Herlad-Record)

Singer Dua Lipa and her fiancé, Callum Turner, soak up the sun and unwind together during their lively vacation in Ibiza, Spain on August 14, 2025. (Photo by Gtres/Backgrid UK)

Grumpy Cat attends the “Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book” Book Event at Bookends Bookstore on October 16, 2013 in Ridgewood, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael N. Todaro/WireImage)

Dachshunds are seen during a performance and art installation titled “Dachshund U.N.” at the Melbourne Museum on May 15, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. The installation by Perth artist Bennett Miller is part of the New Wave Festival and sees 47 dachshunds representing national delegates taking part in a meeting of the United Nations' Commission on Human Rights, examining the role of the United Nations as a risk management organisation. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)

The under-construction Shard building on December 5, 2011 in London, England. The 80 storey skyscraper will be Europe's tallest mixed-use building when it is completed in May 2012; it will contain offices, restaurants, residential apartments as well as a five star hotel. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)