What Are Light Pillars Observed in Yaroslavl Oblast?
Residents of Yaroslavl Oblast recorded a rare optical phenomenon — light pillars — on the evening of February 3.
Apr 28, 2026 0
Light pillars observed over Yaroslavl Oblast on a February evening.
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In Yaroslavl Oblast on February 3 at approximately 20:00, residents witnessed light pillars, a rare optical phenomenon. Observations came from Yaroslavl, Rybinsk, Danilovsky District, and the settlement of Borisoglebsky.
The phenomenon was visible in several populated areas of the region.
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Nikolay Fomichev, an amateur astronomer and senior lecturer at P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University (YarSU), previously explained the nature of this phenomenon. According to him, light pillars resemble solar halos and occur in frosty weather when ice crystals form in the atmosphere.
One of the light pillars exhibited a blue glow.
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These crystals refract light from the sun or artificial sources, creating vertical luminous columns. If several pillars are visible in the sky, their sources are most often streetlights or other lighting fixtures.
A view of light pillars against the night sky in Yaroslavl Oblast.
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The phenomenon is best observed on clear evenings at low temperatures. Similar cases have already been recorded in the region, for example, in early January 2026.
Rural residents report frequent observations of similar phenomena.
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Specialists from the meteorological center «Fobos» have also drawn attention to the weather conditions that contribute to such optical effects.
The sky was also shaded with pink sunset colors.
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Experts note that light pillars occur in frosty weather.
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Evening hours provide the best visibility for the phenomenon.
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Clear weather is a necessary condition for light pillar formation.
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