Jessie Taylor
A sun candle is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with flat ice crystals, creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This phenomenon, also known as a sun pillar or subsun, is an illusion caused by the reflection of sunlight off the flat, six-sided surfaces of ice crystals suspended in the sky. While it is not an official term, the sun candle has sparked widespread amazement and fascination among those who have witnessed it, leaving many in awe of nature's beauty and mystery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official Term | No |
| Alternate Names | Subsun, Sun Pillar, Lower Tangent Arc |
| Occurrence | Rare |
| Appearance | Vertical column of light, resembling a candle flame |
| Cause | Reflection of sunlight off ice crystals at a specific angle |
| Ice Crystal Characteristics | Flat, Six-sided, Mirror-like |
| Observation Conditions | Calm air, low sun, usually sunrise or sunset |
| Observed Locations | Austria, Mountain tops, Planes |
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What You'll Learn
The sun candle is an optical illusion
The sun candle is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This phenomenon is also known as a subsun, sun pillar, or lower tangent arc. It is considered an optical illusion, as the ice crystals reflect sunlight at a specific angle to form the illusion of a bright pillar of light.
The sun candle typically occurs during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting the sun's rays vertically and causing the appearance of a glowing column of light shooting up into the sky. This optical phenomenon is part of a family of halos and is often witnessed from high altitudes, such as mountain tops or planes.
To observe a sun candle, certain conditions must be met. The ice crystals need to be perfectly horizontal, requiring calm air. The sunlight reflects off the ice crystals at a highly specific angle, forming the vertical beam of light. This precise alignment of crystals and sunlight creates the illusion of a candle-like flame.
The phenomenon was recently captured on video by a skier in Austria, Lenka Lanč, who described the experience as "'breathtaking." The video quickly went viral, sparking awe and wonder among viewers. Lanč humorously speculated whether the sun candle could be an entrance to another dimension or a parallel universe.
While the term "sun candle" is not official, it aptly describes the rare and beautiful optical illusion created by the interaction of sunlight and ice crystals in the atmosphere. This phenomenon showcases the intricate and fascinating ways in which natural forces interact with our environment, providing a glimpse of nature's magic and mystery.
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It's also known as a subsun
The "sun candle" is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. This phenomenon is also known as a "subsun".
The ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This optical illusion can be witnessed from high altitudes, such as mountain tops or even from planes. It is mostly observed during sunrise or sunset, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.
When the "subsun" is stretched vertically, it becomes a lower sun pillar or simply a sun pillar. This phenomenon is part of the family of halos, which also includes similar occurrences like sundogs and halos themselves, bright circles that appear around the sun or moon due to the refraction of light from ice crystals.
The "sun candle" or "subsun" is a breathtaking and astounding sight, as described by those who have witnessed it. It is a testament to the intricate and fascinating ways in which natural forces interact with our environment.
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It's caused by sunlight reflecting off ice crystals
The "sun candle" phenomenon is an optical illusion caused by the reflection of sunlight off ice crystals. This rare occurrence is also known as a "sub-sun" or "sun pillar". It happens when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. These ice crystals act like mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame.
The phenomenon occurs when the sunlight reflects off the ice crystals at a highly specific angle, forming the vertical beam of light. It is most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The ice crystals have to be almost perfectly horizontal for the phenomenon to occur, which is why calm air is necessary.
The sun candle can be witnessed from great altitudes, such as mountain tops or even from planes. It appears as a glowing spot visible within clouds or mist when observed from above. The effect belongs to the family of halos and is also related to other phenomena like sundogs, which appear as bright circles around the sun or moon due to the refraction of light from ice crystals.
The term "sun candle" was popularized by a viral video captured by skier Lenka Lanč in Austria. In the video, Lanč described the phenomenon as "'breathtaking' and expressed a desire to "'drive through that light.'" The video sparked widespread amazement and humor online, with many viewers describing the sight as otherworldly.
The sun candle is a rare and fascinating occurrence that showcases the intricate ways in which natural forces interact with our environment. It is a testament to the delicate exchange between sunlight and ice crystals, creating a mesmerizing display of light that has captivated people worldwide.
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It's most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset
The "sun candle" is a rare optical phenomenon, also known as a "sub-sun" or "sun pillar". It occurs when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, which reflect the light to create a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This phenomenon is most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The ice crystals act as mirrors, reflecting the sun's rays vertically to create the illusion of a bright pillar of light. The phenomenon is believed to be caused by the reflection of sunlight by ice crystals with vertical axes and is best observed when the crystals are perfectly horizontal, which is why calm air is necessary.
Sun candles are often witnessed from great altitudes, such as mountain tops or planes. In fact, a skier in Austria's SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, Brixental, recently captured a video of the phenomenon, which quickly went viral on social media. Those who have witnessed the phenomenon describe it as "breathtaking" and "astounding", with some even wondering if it could be a gateway to another dimension.
The sun candle is part of a family of halo phenomena, which also includes sundogs and halos, which appear as bright circles around the sun or moon due to the refraction of light from ice crystals. These phenomena provide a glimpse into the intricate ways in which natural forces interact with our environment.
While the term "sun candle" is not official, it aptly describes the appearance of this rare and beautiful optical illusion.
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A skier in Austria captured it on video
A skier in Austria captured a rare optical illusion known as a \"sun candle\" on video. The phenomenon, which is also referred to as a subsun, occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically in cirrus clouds or ice fog. Each ice crystal acts as a tiny mirror, reflecting sunlight and creating a vertical beam of light that resembles a candle flame. This optical illusion is similar to a sun pillar and is often visible from high altitudes such as mountain tops or airplanes.
The video, captured by skier Lenka Lanč on December 10, 2024, at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, Brixental, quickly went viral on social media. In the video, a tall, glowing pillar of light rises from the snowy landscape, leaving Lanč and other skiers in awe. Lanč described the moment as \"breathtaking\" and expressed a desire to \"drive through that light.\" He humorously speculated whether the light could be a gateway to another dimension or a parallel universe.
The sun candle phenomenon is a rare occurrence that offers a glimpse into the intricate ways in which natural forces interact with the environment. It typically happens during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, and the conditions have to be perfect for it to occur. The ice crystals need to be at a specific angle for the vertical beam of light to form. This rare and beautiful moment, captured and shared by Lanč, has sparked widespread amazement and humor online, with many commenting on the supernatural and magical appearance of the phenomenon.
The \"sun candle\" term is not official, and the phenomenon is more accurately described as a lower tangent arc or a sun pillar when it stretches vertically. However, the video has created a wider conversation about the incredible moments nature can offer and our ability to capture and share them with others. The experience of witnessing the sun candle was described by Lanč as life-changing and one of the most amazing experiences of his life. The video has allowed others to share in the awe and mystery of this rare optical illusion.
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Frequently asked questions
A sun candle is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight reflects off the surface of ice crystals, creating a vertical beam of light. It is also known as a sun pillar or sub-sun.
Sun candles occur when sunlight interacts with small, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, usually within cirrus clouds or ice fog. These ice crystals act like mirrors, reflecting sunlight and creating the illusion of a bright pillar of light.
Sun candles are most commonly observed during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. They can be witnessed from great altitudes such as mountain tops or even from planes.
A viral video captured by skier Lenka Lanč in Austria shows a sun candle appearing in the sky. Lanč described the phenomenon as “breathtaking” and said it was one of the most amazing experiences of their life.
In some beliefs, the sun candle represents higher consciousness, cosmic awareness, and the ability to recognise higher truth. It is associated with the solar plexus and the heart, as well as deities such as Helios, Apollo, Bel, and Christ.
