Light Pillars over Finland . ... In most places on Earth, a lucky viewer can see a Sun-pillar , a column of light appearing to extend up from the Sun caused by flat fluttering ice-crystals reflecting sunlight from the upper atmosphere. Usually these ice crystals evaporate before reaching the ground. ... These ice crystals may then reflect ground lights in columns not unlike a Sun-pillar . ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...