Of Light Pillars, Sun Dogs and Snow Guns

[Colliemom]

It was very cold here in northern Michigan last night. Temps were anywhere from -18 to O including here at my house where it was -7. The clear skies allowed for some night and early morning phenomena to appear.

Light pillars last night in Gaylord, Michigan. Light pillars appear as a shaft of light extending vertically above the light source. They develop as a result of ice crystals slowly falling through the air, reflecting the light source off of them.



The light streaks on each side of the picture are Sun Dogs. They are formed by the refraction (scattering) of ice crystals in the air and are best seen when the sun is at the horizon.



One of the small ski resorts was busy making snow



Winter can be beautiful if you take time to look and happen to be lucky to spot some of this. . These pictures were submitted by people from around up north here to the NWS here in Gaylord this morning. I have seen Sun Dogs a number of times. Thry are fascinating.

[MandysMom]

Interesting phenomena. I'll have to ask son in MN if they see that, as it's been way older in MN at times this winter.
Velda

[OregonLuvr]

Never heard of these before, very interesting.

[Bethers]

Awesome pictures. I will probably always maintain that winter is the most gorgeous season, in the north.

[snowball]

have not heard of sun pillars but have sun dog's not seen them though and not sure I saw them in the picture either I think I know what the sun pillars are but not sure what part of the picture is the sun dog's I thought I knew but then thought that was lights in the window..
so not sure about it...
beautiful pictures
sheila

[Colliemom]

Shelia, the light pillars are those streaks in the night sky in the first picture. If you look to the far left and right of the sunrise in the second picture, you will see a gold streak on each side of the picture.thty look like pillars of fire Those are the sun dogs. Here’s a better shot of a sun dog, it’s right over the road in this picture.

[BarbaraRose]

I have seen lots of sun dogs in MN. They look like glowing rainbows around the sides of the sun. I have not seen the sun pillars tho.

Here is a sun dog that goes all the way around...

[gypsyrose1126]

Yes we have had Sun Dogs here in Wi also because of the cold weather. Very pretty and unusual. However, I would rather we not have such cold weather, I don't mind the snow, but it was -16 yesterday when I left home. That is more cold than I really want!!
I am having knee surgery on Monday, so I won't be out in the cold much the next few weeks. One of the perks of having surgery!?

[Shirlv]

Have never heard of this but interesting and very pretty. Thanks

[SoCalGalcas]

Beautiful!!! Heard of them, but have never seen them. Thanks Sue. Lyn

[JudyJB]

I remember staying in a cabin just north of your area 40 years ago when my kids were young. We went out to dinner with some friends on our snowmobiles, and coming back to the cabin, found out it was -25 F! No wonder we were getting a bit chilly. The next morning, the small but fast-running river next to our cabin looked like maple syrup. As it went over some small rapids, it looked "thick" and moved slowly. (Fast-flowing rivers will sometimes not freeze until the water gets to a place where it can be still for a few seconds, so water can be liquid at way below freezing.)

Our friends had engine block heaters because they were from Minnesota, so they got their vehicle started quickly the next day to head home, but we didn't, so we had to wait until the sun warmed ours up a bit. We also put one of those shop light bulbs under the hood to help, but we did not get our truck started until after noon.

It is beautiful in the north, but as I have gotten older, I like warm weather much better. Nice photos, however!

[Cudedog]

Oh, Sue, I have always heard of sun dogs but have never seen one.

They are truly beautiful - and, if I was walking along and saw one and didn't know what it was, might be downright spooky!

Thanks for posting.

Anne

[Bethers]

I also love moon halos (rings around the moon) which are seen most often North but I see quite often in the desert with the cold desert nights.

[snowball]

thanks for the clarification Sue.... it helped me to "see" beautiful pictures
sheila