Plate crystal pillars

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Plate Crystal Pillars: A Fascinating Atmospheric Phenomenon

Plate crystal pillars are a captivating atmospheric optical phenomenon that occurs when crystals with Lowitz orientations form sun pillars. These pillars, along with the rare Lowitz arcs, create a stunning display in the sky. While similar to the pillars produced by column crystals, plate crystal pillars have their own unique characteristics that make them a remarkable sight to behold.

The formation of plate crystal pillars is influenced by the combination of two possible crystal rotations. This combination increases the probability of the prism end faces being nearly horizontal rather than inclined at other angles. When sunlight reflects off these nearly horizontal faces, it gives rise to the pillars. This phenomenon occurs due to the specific orientation of plate crystals with Lowitz orientations.

Plate crystal pillars are often accompanied by other atmospheric optical phenomena, such as sundogs and what may appear to be a 22° halo. These additional features are also produced by plate crystals with rare Lowitz orientations. The prism end faces of these crystals are more likely to be nearly horizontal, which leads to the appearance of sundogs and a circular halo.

One remarkable aspect of Lowitz pillars is their height, even when the sun is moderately high in the sky. This height adds to the grandeur of the display and makes plate crystal pillars even more captivating. The combination of the upper and lower circular Lowitz arcs contributes to the formation of an almost circular halo.

To better understand the formation and characteristics of plate crystal pillars, researchers have used simulations like HaloSim. These simulations help visualize the phenomenon under different solar elevations, allowing for a deeper understanding of how plate crystal pillars interact with sunlight and contribute to the overall atmospheric optics.

It's important to note that this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. However, the essence of plate crystal pillars remains fascinating and worthy of exploration. To experience the true beauty of this atmospheric phenomenon, it is recommended to observe it firsthand and marvel at the wonders of nature.

In conclusion, plate crystal pillars are a captivating atmospheric optical phenomenon that occurs when crystals with Lowitz orientations form sun pillars. The unique combination of crystal rotations results in prism end faces that are more likely to be nearly horizontal, leading to the formation of these pillars. Accompanied by sundogs and a circular halo, plate crystal pillars create a mesmerizing display in the sky. Their impressive height adds to their allure, making them a sight to behold even when the sun is moderately high. Through simulations and observations, researchers continue to unravel the intricacies of plate crystal pillars, further enhancing our understanding of this fascinating natural phenomenon.

Crystals with Lowitz orientations, i.e. ones taking all orientations about the nearly horizontalred rotation axis shown below, form sun pillars in addition to the rare Lowitz arcs.

The pillars arise for the very same reasons as those produced by column crystals. The combination of the two possible crystal rotations causes the prism end faces to have a greater probability of being nearly horizontal than being inclined at other angles.

Sunlight reflected off the end faces when they are nearly horizontal faces produces the pillars.

A sun pillar, sundogs and what at first sight looks like a 22° halo all produced by plate crystals with rare Lowitz orientations. The pillar and sundogs appear because the prism end faces of Lowitz oriented crystals are more likely to be nearly horizontal than be otherwise tilted. Lowitz pillars are tall even when the sun is moderately high. The almost circular halo is a combination of the upper and lower circular Lowitz arcs. HaloSim simulation. for a solar elevation of 1º.

Note: this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. You can find the original article here.

Reference Atmospheric Optics

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