Pillars of Light

[SorellaLaBefana]

...[Sun pillars are columns] of light appearing to extend up from the Sun caused by flat fluttering ice-crystals reflecting sunlight from the upper atmosphere. Usually, these ice crystals evaporate before reaching the ground.

During freezing temperatures, however, flat fluttering ice crystals may form near the ground and are sometimes known as a crystal fog. These small ice crystals may then reflect not the Sun but ground lights. The featured image captured not only numerous light pillars but also the iconic constellation of Orion...

NASA's Astronomy Picture Of the Day

Orion — perhaps the most recognizable of all constellations world-wide as this striking arrangement of stars can be seen from latitudes 85N through 75S. In this case, it was seen in far northern China.

Although many cultures have their own name for this star pattern, it is the Greek name which has come down to us. As with virtually all Greek mythological tales, it is best to not delve into the specifics and to simply appreciate Orion for its overarching beauty in the night sky

Oh, and here's an actual sun pillar from a 2021 APOD


There is beauty both in the heavens and in our understanding of what is actually being seen

[3Hotdogs]

1. Top one looks like a Kinkaid painting.

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Wow. Amazing!

[Deuxcents]

3. Stunningly beautiful