Very Rare Light Pillar in Hawaii

Taken by Frankie Lucena on February 13, 2018 @ Gemini Observatory/AURA in Hawaii Click photo for larger image Camera Used: Canon Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi

Exposure Time: 30/1

Aperture: f/1.8

ISO: 1600

Date Taken: 2018:02:23 13:23:15

More images Details: This light pillar was captured on the night of February 13/14, 2018. The Gemini skycam was facing south from the top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. I was searching for thunderstorms and just happened to come across this rarely seen event in this part of the world. Light pillars usually occur in cold climates like Canada so to see them this far south is indeed very rare. I emailed Les Crowley and here is what he says: "Hi Frankie, !!!! Very nice. These high altitude light pillars/reflections need a thin cloud layer containing large oriented plate shaped ice crystals. Altostratus/cumulus clouds have these and that is likely what we have here. You don't need Arctic locations or freezing temperatures at ground level. Nonetheless, I do not recall seeing examples of these so far south or in a location like Hawaii. So yes, (very) rare! All the best, Les" Here is the video: https://youtu.be/fuqe35QnIeU You must be logged in to comment.