If you go outside nocturnally during the winter, you may be able to experience a rare and beautiful phenomenon in the sky. Known as light columns, these bands of light appear as vertical streaks in the sky and can come in all colors, ranging in width and length. These light columns are a phenomenon that only occurs in winter and only in areas where it is cold enough to freeze.
Unlike the aurora borealis, these light columns have nothing to do with solar winds or position of the planet. The light columns are created by ice crystals, when ice forms in the air and the hexagonal shape is reflects light. The light columns, or pillars as many people call them, are a reflection of lights on the ground coming up through the icy air.
The color and strength of the light will depend on the source – street lights, for instance, will make beautiful rows of bright white columns. Much like a rainbow, these columns of light do not last long.
As the ice moves through the air, the reflections will change or fade. This is what makes it so thrilling when you can actually see the columns appear. This phenomenon happens all around the world in areas where it is cold enough to freeze the air.