Weather Service Explains Illuminated SoCo Skies: Photos Of The Day

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Aurora borealis? Debris from space? Patch reader Ethan Stretton was not sure, but he took the opportunity to capture some cool nighttime images.

"Took these [Monday] on my iPhone 16 in Guerneville around 8:30 p.m. not sure but it may be some rain illuminated by Santa Rosa city lights," Ethan wrote in an email to Patch.

Patch sent the photos to the National Weather Service's Bay Area office, which said the images appeared to show light pillars.

The captivating atmospheric optical phenomena are seen during extremely cold weather conditions. The mesmerizing columns of light appear to beam directly upward from unshielded lights, creating a spectacle that captures the imagination. While they may seem otherworldly, light pillars are a result of plate-shaped ice crystals suspended in the air close to the ground. A photo from Oulu, Finland, shows light pillars similar to the ones seen this week in Sonoma County.

Awesome shots, Ethan! Thanks so much for sharing.

ALSO SEE:

• Sonoma County Treated To Northern Lights: Photos Of The Day
• Moon Over Occidental: Sonoma County Photo Of The Day
• Stunning West Sonoma County Sunrise: Photo Of The Day
• Photo Of The Day: Is This Heaven Or Sonoma County?

It's Your Shot: Pictures You Take and We Share

Have you got the next incredible photo? If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to see, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty of the North Bay and show off your unique talents.

So, bring 'em on. No selfies. Not here.

Send your photos to maggie.fusek@patch.com. Please include the following information: 1) photographer's first and last name; 2 ) time and day of photo/s; 3) location of photo/s; 4) what you love/don't love about the photo/s. Hope to see your work soon!