Sunset and sun pillar with...
Sunset and sun pillar with the sun below the horizon, observed from the
top of Pitcher Mtn. in Stoddard, New Hampshire, June 16, 2004. This lasted
well over 10 to 12 minutes.
Sun pillars are caused by plate-shaped ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. Miles above
the ground, it's always cold enough for these crystals to form - even above a hot desert.