Northern Lights: See a Light Pillar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of light pillars and their relation to the northern lights. Participants explore the nature of light pillars, their causes, and the conditions under which they appear, including the influence of ice crystals and ground-based lights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the images presented depict a type of northern lights.
  • Another participant asserts that light pillars are a different phenomenon caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere, referencing external sources for clarification.
  • Some participants note that the images appear to have been taken after sunset, suggesting a specific context for the observed phenomena.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between light pillars and ground-based lights, with some participants expressing confusion over this aspect.
  • Participants inquire about the location where the images were captured, seeking additional context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether the images represent northern lights or light pillars, with multiple competing views presented regarding their nature and causes.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference external sources and images, but the discussion lacks clarity on the specific conditions that lead to the observed phenomena. There are also unresolved questions about the relationship between light pillars and ground-based illumination.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in atmospheric optics, meteorological phenomena, or the northern lights may find this discussion relevant.

pixel01
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Is this a kind of northern lights?

http://spaceweather.com/submissions/large_image_popup.php?image_name=Aigar-Truhin-LightPillar_0854_1230501854.jpg
 

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russ_watters said:
No, it's a similar phenomena to this: http://www.atoptics.co.uk/halo/pillar.htm
Caused by ice crystals in the sky. I've never heard of it being around ground-based lights.

But it seems the pictures in the OP's link were taken long after the sunset
 
pixel01 said:
But it seems the pictures in the OP's link were taken long after the sunset
What part of "being around ground-based lights" did you miss? :wink:
 
Where have you taken these pictures?
 
loop quantum gravity said:
Where have you taken these pictures?

They were taken in Sigulda, north of Latvia and not by me. Please see the link
 

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