Light pillar (w-046-15)

In gallery: Photos of the month (1999)
Related photos: Atmospheric optics Ice crystal halos Light pillar

After the sun had set, its light was still reflected by horizontally floating ice crystals in the stratocumulus clouds, creating a light pillar. Light pillars in stratocumulus are uncommon. Taken at Wijdenes, The Netherlands, in January 1999.

Kodak Gold 100 film, exp. 1/125 seconds at f/5.6 with 135mm lens.