People were mezermized by the columns of light that were visible Monday December 2nd. These are known as light pillars! According to the National Weather Service, light pillars are an optical illusion that occurs when ice crystals in the air reflect light from a source, such as a street lamp or the moon. Ice crystals are also known for halos, sundogs, and sun pillars, however light pillars are far more rare in our area. 

Credit: Luke Graston 

Generally occurring in very cold regions, they are falling crystals of ice in the form of needles, columns, or plates. Also called "diamond dust", ice crystals appear like fog but with individual water particles forming directly as ice. The shape of the individual ice crystals causes the "light pillar" optical effect above a light source. Usually temperatures range from 20-30 degrees below zero in order for these to form. However, the light snow and flurry action acted as the "diamond dust" treating us to this insane optical effect!