Light Pillars - Anchorage Alaska

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Light Pillars - Anchorage Alaska: A Dazzling Display of Atmospheric Optics

Light pillars, a mesmerizing atmospheric optical phenomenon, can transform the night sky into a celestial canvas. Anchorage, Alaska, with its icy winters and vibrant city lights, is a prime location to witness this captivating spectacle. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of light pillars and explore why they manifest so vividly in the Alaskan sky.

What are Light Pillars?

Light pillars are ethereal vertical columns of light that appear to extend upwards from artificial light sources on the ground. They are created by the reflection and refraction of light from numerous tiny ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. These ice crystals typically take the form of flat, plate-like structures, which serve as mirrors, redirecting the light towards the observer's line of sight.

The Science Behind Light Pillars

To fully grasp the science behind light pillars, we must first understand the role of ice crystals in their formation. In cold winter conditions, tiny ice crystals form in the air, creating a shimmering veil high above the ground. As artificial lights illuminate the landscape, these ice crystals intercept and scatter the light, causing it to bounce off their surfaces. The light then undergoes refraction and reflection, resulting in the mesmerizing vertical beams that make up a light pillar.

Anchorage: A Perfect Stage for Light Pillars

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, offers a unique combination of factors that contribute to the frequent occurrence of light pillars. The city's chilly winters create an environment ripe for ice crystal formation, while its urban landscape provides an abundance of artificial light sources. As a result, Anchorage becomes a natural theater where light pillars take center stage.

The Dance of Colors

One of the most captivating aspects of light pillars is their ability to exhibit a stunning array of colors. As the light passes through the ice crystals, it undergoes dispersion, similar to how a prism splits white light into a spectrum of colors. This dispersion gives rise to vibrant hues, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens. Each color adds an extra touch of enchantment to the already magical display.

A Symphony of Shapes

While light pillars typically manifest as vertical columns, they can also take on various shapes depending on the orientation and arrangement of the ice crystals. Sometimes, the crystals may be tilted or irregularly shaped, resulting in curved or slanted pillars. In rare cases, multiple light sources can create intersecting or overlapping pillars, transforming the sky into a complex tapestry of luminous structures.

Chasing the Light Pillars

For enthusiasts and photographers alike, capturing the beauty of light pillars in Anchorage is a thrilling pursuit. The city's cold winter nights provide ample opportunities to witness these awe-inspiring phenomena. To maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing light pillars, venture to open areas away from excessive light pollution, such as parks or hillsides. Patience and perseverance are key, as light pillars can appear and disappear unexpectedly, adding an element of mystery to the chase.

A Reminder of Nature's Wonders

Light pillars serve as a gentle reminder of the remarkable beauty and complexity of our natural world. They offer a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to pause and marvel at the wonders that surround us. Whether you find yourself in Anchorage or any other location where light pillars occur, take a moment to look up at the night sky and immerse yourself in the enchanting dance of light.

In conclusion, Anchorage, Alaska's winter nights come alive with the enchanting display of light pillars. These vertical columns of light, created by the reflection and refraction of artificial lights off ice crystals in the atmosphere, offer a breathtaking visual spectacle. With their vibrant colors and ever-changing shapes, light pillars remind us of the intricate beauty that can be found in the natural world. So, the next time you find yourself beneath the Alaskan sky, don't forget to look up and witness the captivating dance of light pillars.

Light Pillars - Anchorage, Alaska imaged by Michael Sierra December 2003. Produced by reflections of artificial lights from the lower faces of plate-like crystals, usually light pillars appear like beams shining upwards from the lights. Here the ice crystals are floating in layers and the reflections look like candles hanging in the sky. ©Michael Sierra, reproduced with permission.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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