Sun pillar
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-002695
A vertical column of light appearing to extend upward or downward from the sun, formed by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in the atmosphere. These crystals are usually hexagonal plates or columns, oriented horizontally as they fall through the air. Sun pillars are most visible at sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon.
A bright column above or below the sun produced by the reflection of sunlight from ice crystals.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-002695 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
| References | NWS Glossary |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-002695",
"term": "Sun pillar",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definitions": [
"A vertical column of light appearing to extend upward or downward from the sun, formed by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals in the atmosphere. These crystals are usually hexagonal plates or columns, oriented horizontally as they fall through the air. Sun pillars are most visible at sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon.",
"A bright column above or below the sun produced by the reflection of sunlight from ice crystals."
],
"references": [
"NWS Glossary"
],
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/sun-pillar/"
}
Record 9,242 of 10,702 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.