A light pillar looks like a thin column that extends vertically above and/or below the source of light. The light pillar is prominently visible when the sun is low, or lies below the horizon. It normally forms an arc that extends from five to ten degrees beyond the solar disc. Light pillars can also be seen rising from the moon.

Light pillars appear as eerily upright luminous columns in the sky, beacons cast into the air above without an apparent source. 

Light pillars could also result from artificial ground sources such as street lighting and park lights.

Despite their appearance as near-solid columns of light, the effect is entirely created by our own relative viewpoint.

light pillar#1 [formed by moonlight reflection]