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.

“Lofoten Glow”. I was desperately searching a good sunrise spot this particular morning. Normally Storvatnet Lake is completely covered in snow, so you can only imagine my surprise when I saw these crazy ice formations almost being shot out of the frozen lake. I put my crampons on and took a big risk walking out. I could hear the ice cracking underneath my feet, and when you’re all alone in a fjord/canyon like this – the cracks are echoed and sound really frightening. Was it worth it? I sure think so! Photo location: Storvatnet, Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway. (Photo and caption by Stian Klo/National Geographic Photo Contest)

The picturesque Zao Ski Resort, one of Japan's oldest and most popular ski destinations, is illuminated on February 10, 2007 in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku region of Honshu island, Japan. Coniferous trees such as the Aomori white fir lie covered with chrystallised ice and snow (described as “silver frost” or “snow monsters”) and attract visitors. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images)

A competitor in fancy dress emerges from muddy water during the Tough Guy Challenge endurance race on January 29, 2012 in Telford, England. Every year thousands of people run the 8 mile assault course which involves freezing temperatures, fire and ice. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Indian groom Prakash Sing (R) and bride Durga Prasad (C) perform marriage rituals at the Lord Shiva temple during the Maha Shivratri festival, in Kolkata, eastern India, 01 March 2022. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great devotion and religious fervor by Hindus, in honor of Lord Shiva with ritual bathing of Shivalingams and prayers. Unmarried women observe fast from dawn to dusk and pray to Lord Shiva to give them a good spouse. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. (Photo by Piyal Adhikary/EPA/EFE)

“The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa (the specific name liberiensis means “of Liberia”, as this is where the vast majority live). The pygmy hippo is reclusive and nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the Hippopotamidae family, the other being its much larger cousin the common hippopotamus”. – Wikipedia

Photo: Monifa, a one month old baby Pygmy Hippopotamus takes a morning bath at Taronga Zoo on November 7, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. Monifa is the first Pygmy Hippopotamus to be born at Taronga Zoo in the past twenty three years. (Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images)

Lisa Yu crawls through a mud pit under low slung barbed wire as she competes in The Tough Bloke Challenge on March 4, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. The Tough Bloke Challenge is one of the most gruelling adventure runs in Australia consisting of 18 obstacles over a 6 km cross-country course laden with thick mud-pits and ice-cold water crossings. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)