A sun pillar, also known as a light pillar or ice pillar, is a vertical beam of light that appears to extend from the sun or another light source. It’s an atmospheric optical phenomenon caused by sunlight reflecting off of ice crystals in the air or high-altitude clouds.
Sun pillars are most commonly seen during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon and cirrus clouds are present. They are less likely to occur during the summer.
Good Morning Gloucester 