Sun pillar and sun dogs
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Sun pillar and sun dogs
MODEL RELEASED. Sun pillar and sun dogs. Man standing in from of a sun pillar (centre) with two sun dogs either side of it. These optical effects are most commonly seen near sunrise or sunset. The sun pillar is caused by sunlight reflecting from the surface of falling ice crystals. The sundogs are caused by horizontally oriented ice crystals refracting the sunlight. Photographed in West Antarctica
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6375941
© DAVID VAUGHAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antarctic Antarctica Atmospheric Effect Climate Effects Meteorological Meteorology Optical Effect South Pole Weather West Antarctica Sun Dog
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing display of nature's wonders in the icy wilderness of West Antarctica. Standing at the forefront is a lone man, dwarfed by the immense beauty surrounding him. In the center, a striking sun pillar stretches towards the heavens, its radiant glow illuminating the frozen landscape. Flanking it on either side are two enchanting sun dogs, casting an ethereal aura that seems almost otherworldly. These extraordinary optical effects are commonly observed during sunrise or sunset and occur due to specific atmospheric conditions. The sun pillar arises from sunlight reflecting off falling ice crystals, creating a vertical beam of light that appears to reach for infinity. Meanwhile, the sundogs result from horizontally oriented ice crystals refracting sunlight and forming bright spots on both sides of our celestial star. In this remarkable image, we witness not only nature's artistic prowess but also humanity's unwavering curiosity and resilience in exploring even Earth's most extreme corners. This brave individual stands as a testament to our collective pursuit of knowledge about meteorological phenomena and their impact on our planet. As we gaze upon this photograph from Science Photo Library, we are reminded of how small yet interconnected we all are within this vast universe—a reminder that humbles us while igniting our sense of wonderment for both scientific discovery and Mother Nature herself.
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