SUN PILLAR Meaning and
Definition
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A sun pillar is a meteorological optical phenomenon that occurs during sunrise or sunset when certain atmospheric conditions align. It manifests as a vertical beam of light extending above or below the sun, resembling a pillar or column of radiant energy. This captivating spectacle is usually seen against a backdrop of clear or partly cloudy skies.
The sun pillar is formed by the reflection and dispersion of sunlight by ice crystals present in the atmosphere. These crystals are typically plate-shaped or hexagonal and are oriented horizontally. As sunlight passes through them, it undergoes a process called refraction, causing the light rays to bend, separate, and scatter in various directions.
In the case of a sun pillar, the phenomenon occurs when the ice crystals are oriented with their flat sides parallel to the ground. The reflection of sunlight off these crystals results in an elongated column of light stretching vertically from the sun. The intensity and color of the sun pillar depend on several factors, such as the size and shape of the ice crystals, the angle of the sun, and the presence of other atmospheric elements.
Sun pillars are often observed in cold regions or areas with high-altitude clouds, such as cirrus or altocumulus clouds. They are renowned for their aesthetic beauty and can create breathtaking scenes, transforming the sky into a mesmerizing tapestry of light and color. Sun pillars are a magnificent example of nature's ability to create ephemeral wonders that captivate and inspire observation and contemplation.
Etymology of SUN PILLAR
The word "sun pillar" is a compound noun consisting of two parts: "sun" and "pillar".
1. "Sun": The word "sun" comes from the Old English word "sunne", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "sunnon". This Proto-Germanic word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*suh₂el", meaning "the sun". This root has cognates in several Indo-European languages, such as the Latin "sol" and the Greek "helios".
2. "Pillar": The word "pillar" comes from the Middle English word "pilier", which came from Old French "pilier". This Old French term had its roots in the Latin word "pilāre", which means "to buttress".
