Friday 14 January 2011

Solar Pillar

Solar pillars are created when plate shaped ice crystals relflect light, creating a columnar visual effect. Solar pillars are an extremely cold weather phenomenon most commonly seen in the arctic. Gordon said he's seen at least five here this winter.

We almost didn't go out for sunset tonight. Thankfully we did as I've never gotten a photo of a solar pillar. To see Gordon's photo, click here.

Below are several of my photos of the solar pillar.








This is part of the Rideau Canal that hasn't frozen yet. The solar pillar is off to the left.

 This is much the same photo a few moments later with the tree reflection

7 comments:

  1. Very intesting, and beautiful photos, Sandra.
    Thanks, Penny, TX

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  2. Learn something new every day. Great pictures. Not sure I would have gotten it without them. Thanks!

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  3. Oh that is just amazing!

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
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  4. Never heard of a solar pillar before. Never know what you are going to learn!

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  5. Thanks for more beautiful photos!
    J

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  6. Wow! I don't think I've ever seen a solar pillar- cool! Another good gluten free blog is ginger lemon girl. She has a good "bisquick mix" formula!

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  7. My elderly Mother managed to photograph one of these on the 14th too.

    Taken from the Gloucester Centre parking lot toward the SILVER CITY Cinemas. Pure luck that she caught this alignment!

    [IMG]http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll272/HandmadeByAuntieShan/AuntieShan/21JAN2011a.jpg[/IMG]

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