Pillars with Flares

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Pillars with Flares: A Mesmerizing Atmospheric Phenomenon

Have you ever witnessed pillars of light seemingly emanating from bright lights on a cold night? These captivating pillars, known as trumpet or flared pillars, are a fascinating atmospheric optics phenomenon that can be observed under specific conditions. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of these pillars and explore their formation and characteristics in more detail.

The Formation of Trumpet Pillars

The mesmerizing trumpet pillars are created by column-shaped ice crystals suspended in the frigid air. These crystals have their long axes almost parallel to the ground, causing them to drift horizontally. Contrary to what it may appear, the crystals are not situated directly above the lights but rather between the lights and the observer. This positioning gives rise to the illusion of pillars of light extending upwards from the light source.

Unusual Trumpet Shapes

While most pillars are generated by plate-shaped ice crystals, the trumpet pillars discussed here are unique. They originate from other types of crystals and exhibit distinctive trumpet-like curved tops. This deviation from the norm can be attributed to the presence of column crystals, which played a significant role in shaping these flared structures.

The Role of Column Crystals

Ordinary plate crystals lack the ability to produce trumpet-shaped pillars. The formation of these flared shapes can be attributed to the presence of column crystals. Although the exact mechanisms behind their formation are explored in greater detail in another article, it is worth mentioning that horizontal column crystals likely played a pivotal role.

Evidence from Observations

Observations made during instances of trumpet pillar displays provide valuable insights into their formation. For example, in the Netherlands display, traces of upper tangent arcs were observed at the top of 22-degree halos surrounding nearby street lights. Additionally, a circumscribed halo around the Moon indicated the presence of horizontal column crystals. These observations suggest that column crystals are closely associated with the generation of trumpet pillars.

The Dynamics of Trumpet Pillars

To gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of trumpet pillars, let's examine a sequence of images captured by Aigar Truhin in Sigulda, Latvia. In the first frame, a faint pencil-shaped pillar is visible. However, within a span of 30 seconds, this pillar transforms into a weak trumpet shape. Subsequent frames reveal the presence of both pencil and trumpet-shaped pillars. These observations indicate that the position and extent of the trumpet-shaped top depend on the spatial distribution of the ice crystals.

Captivating Visuals

The allure of trumpet pillars lies in their enchanting appearance. Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure's images from Deventer, The Netherlands showcase stunning trumpet pillars emanating from identifiable light sources. The proximity of these lights allows for a more detailed examination of the flared structures, highlighting their intricate beauty.

In conclusion, trumpet or flared pillars are an enthralling atmospheric optics phenomenon caused by column-shaped ice crystals drifting horizontally in the cold air. Their unique trumpet-like shapes differentiate them from ordinary plate-shaped pillars. Observations and sequences of images provide valuable insights into their formation and dynamics. The captivating visuals produced by these pillars make them a sight to behold on cold winter nights.

Trumpet (flared) Pillars

(1-3) Sigulda, Latvia Dec 28, '08 imaged by Aigar Truhin.

(4-6) Deventer, The Netherlands Jan 8/9 '09 images by Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure.

The pillars apparently shining upwards from unshielded bright lights on very cold nights are generated by column shaped ice crystals drifting in the cold air with their long axes nearly horizontal. The crystals are not actually above the lights but are but are between them and you.

Most pillars are generated by plate shaped crystals and these here are unusual in that they come from other crystals and the pillars themselves have trumpet-like curved tops.

Ordinary plate crystals are not able to produce trumpets. More on how the flared shapes were generated is in a later OPOD, suffice to say here that column crystals were almost certainly responsible. Horizontal column crystals were present in the Netherlands display as evidenced by the circumscribed halo around the Moon (image 4) and Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure saw traces of upper tangent arcs at the top of 22 degree halos around nearby street lights.

Aigar Truhin imaged one of his pillars at 30 second intervals to produce the sequence in (3). The first frame shows a weak pencil shaped pillar and 30s later there is instead a weak trumpet. The next frame has a strong pencil and a trumpet then shows in the next two frames. The last two images show that the trumpet position and extent depends on the spatial location of the crystals.

Peter-Paul's image (6) shows trumpets from very close and identifiable lights.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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