Reflected Town Map in the Sky - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Reflected Town Map in the Sky: A Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon

Have you ever imagined seeing a town map reflected in the sky? Well, for Mia Heikkilä of Kauttua/Eura, Finland, this extraordinary sight became a reality. She captured a breathtaking image of street lights being mirrored in the sky, forming an accurate map of her town. This rare atmospheric phenomenon left many in awe and puzzled as to how such a spectacle could occur.

Typically, light pillars are a relatively common occurrence in cold weather, but what Mia witnessed was something truly unique. Her sighting caught the attention of the Finland astronomy magazine, Tähdet ja avaruus, and it was later shared with the world. Interestingly, Mia's experience is not entirely isolated. Bertram Radelow also captured a similar event a few years ago in Davos, Switzerland, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this phenomenon.

The key to this remarkable spectacle lies in the presence of a thin layer of ice crystals in the atmosphere. These ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting the town lights and creating the illusion of a town map in the sky. The accuracy of the reflection is astonishing, with individual street lights imaged in parts of the mirrored map.

To produce such a clear reflection, the ice crystals need to be well aligned horizontally. The layer of crystals can vary in thickness, with the thickest portion typically found closer to the zenith. In some instances, when the layer is relatively thick directly overhead, it can create a complete "map" of the town. These ice crystals are predominantly composed of horizontal plate crystals, with their upper and lower hexagonal faces responsible for reflecting the town lights. Collectively, these millions of crystals act as a single giant mirror.

It is worth noting that while Mia's image showcases the reflected town map, there are also some light pillars visible. These light pillars are created by the same ice crystals, but they are distributed over a range of different heights, resulting in a different visual effect. This comparison highlights the uniqueness of Mia's sighting and emphasizes the rarity of such a phenomenon.

The formation of this reflected town map in the sky is a mesmerizing example of the wonders of atmospheric optics. It serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between light, ice crystals, and weather conditions. While this phenomenon may be rare, it demonstrates the astonishing beauty and complexity that can be found in the natural world.

In conclusion, Mia Heikkilä's capture of a reflected town map in the sky is an exceptional occurrence that has captivated the attention of many. The presence of a thin layer of ice crystals, well aligned horizontally, creates an accurate reflection of the town lights, resembling a map. This rare atmospheric phenomenon showcases the stunning interplay between light and ice crystals, leaving us in awe of the intricate beauty found within our own atmosphere.

Reflected Town Map

Mia Heikkilä caught this extremely unusual sight in the sky over Kauttua/Eura, Finland.

The street lights are reflected in the sky to form an accurate map of the town - see the comparison below.

Light pillars in cold weather are relatively commonplace but this sighting is something different!

Mia's sighting was first published in the Finland astronomy magazine T�hdet ja avaruus.

Bertram Radelow caught a similar event a few years ago in Davos, Switzerland.

Image ©Mia Heikkilä, shown with permission

A town map to the approximate scale. the map has been mirrored.

In parts, individual street lights are imaged in the sky

A thin layer of ice crystals produced the accurate reflection. The closer to the zenith the thicker can be the layer. Directly overhead a relatively thick layer might produce a 'map'. The layer was composed of horizontal plate crystals and their upper and lower hexagonal faces reflected the town lights. The crystals need to be well algned horizontal. There are millions of crystals and collectively they act as a single giant mirror.

In comparison, the more common light pillars (there are some in Mia's image) are from the same crystals but distributed over a range of different heights.

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