One of the most important ingredients in unusual atmospheric displays is the angle of the Sun.
Around sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels through a much greater distance of Earth’s atmosphere before reaching an observer.
That longer path can make atmospheric effects particularly noticeable.
Light encounters molecules, tiny particles, moisture, and—in certain conditions—ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
These materials can redirect, scatter, or refract sunlight.
The result can include familiar phenomena such as halos, bright pillars, glows, arcs, and other optical effects.
Under unusual viewing conditions, these effects can combine in ways that are much harder for the eye to interpret.
A vertical streak of light may appear almost like a column.
A bright region may stretch upward or downward.
The edges of a luminous area can become surprisingly distinct.
Against a darker portion of the sky, the contrast can make the effect appear even more solid.
