Residents and amateur photographers in the Leningrad Oblast recorded a striking optical display as vertical columns of light rose from the snowy landscape into the night sky. The footage, shared by the Telegram channel AstroFotoBoloto, shows a series of white pillars sweeping upward from near the ground, creating the impression of a luminous forest hovering over the region north of Saint Petersburg.
Light pillars in Leningrad Oblast
Witnesses reported the effect in the settlements of Garbolovo and Vartemyagi, where cold, clear conditions and a dusting of snow provided the backdrop for the phenomenon. The video shows still, pale columns of light extending above street-level sources and blending into the wintry sky. Observers initially compared the display to the aurora borealis, but the cause is entirely different.
Light pillars are an atmospheric optical occurrence that results from the reflection of light on flat, plate-like ice crystals suspended in the air. In freezing weather these tiny crystals act like microscopic mirrors, reflecting light from terrestrial sources such as streetlamps or from celestial sources such as the Sun or Moon. The resulting effect is a column of light that appears to extend vertically above or below the source.
Unlike the aurora, which originates from charged particles interacting with the upper atmosphere and produces shifting bands of colour, light pillars are typically monochrome and remain fixed in place. The recent footage from Leningrad Oblast shows predominantly white pillars, consistent with local ground lighting as the primary source.
Photographers are often drawn to the phenomenon because it can be captured clearly with long-exposure settings and a steady tripod. The conditions most favourable for light pillars include very cold temperatures, calm air and the presence of flat ice crystals. Urban or suburban lighting can amplify the effect, producing taller and more pronounced columns.
Meteorologists and atmospheric optics specialists note that light pillars are harmless and relatively common in polar and sub-polar regions during the winter months, though they remain an arresting sight when they appear. The recent event north of Saint Petersburg serves as a reminder of how everyday lighting and meteorological conditions can combine to create spectacular natural displays.
For those hoping to see or photograph light pillars, experts recommend seeking clear, cold nights with minimal wind. Positioning oneself near consistent light sources—lamps, illuminated buildings or a visible Moon—improves the chances of witnessing the effect. The footage from Garbolovo and Vartemyagi has already circulated on social platforms, drawing interest from both local residents and enthusiasts of atmospheric phenomena.
As winter continues across the region, similar displays remain possible when the right mix of ice crystals and light comes together. For now, the recordings from Leningrad Oblast offer a memorable example of a simple physical process producing an unexpectedly dramatic sky show.
Key Takeaways:
- Stunning footage shows light pillars in Leningrad Oblast, captured near Garbolovo and Vartemyagi.
- The phenomenon is caused by reflection from flat ice crystals, not the aurora borealis.
- Light pillars in Leningrad Oblast form when ground or celestial lights reflect off suspended ice crystals in very cold conditions.
