Magical Skies in Mohe
Beiji — also known as Arctic Village — in Mohe, Heilongjiang Province on the Chinese mainland, recently lit up with a brilliant display of multicolored light pillars. Locals and visitors alike flooded social media with stunning photos of these glowing beams stretching toward the sky. ❄️🌈
What's a Light Pillar?
Light pillars are vertical shafts of light that seem to rise into the sky. They're an optical illusion caused by flat, hexagonal ice crystals hanging in frigid air. When light from the ground — think street lamps, cars, even phone flashes — hits these crystals, it reflects back as pillars. Easy, right? 📸✨
Why Arctic Village?
Extreme cold is the secret sauce here. With winter temps dipping below -40°C, the air is packed with ice crystals. Add clear, dark nights and minimal light pollution, and you've got perfect picture-perfect moments. 🌌
How to Catch Your Own Shot
- Gear up: a tripod or stable surface helps steady your phone or camera.
- Settings: try manual mode with a slow shutter speed (2-5 seconds).
- Timing: head out just after sunset when it's coldest and crispiest.
- Share: tag your pics with #LightPillars #ArcticVillage to join the hype!
Whether you're a local or planning a winter adventure, keep an eye on the sky. These rare light pillars are proof that nature's full of surprises! ✨❄️
Reference(s):
What's behind rare light pillars over China's Arctic Village?
cgtn.com
