Imagine looking up at the night sky and seeing tall beams of light shooting straight up like glowing towers.
That’s exactly what happened in Canada’s Manitoba region, on March 5, 2026.
A local photographer snapped a stunning photo of these light pillars over a snowy landscape. The image showed vertical streaks of light rising from the horizon, turning the cold night into something out of a fairy tale.
The photo was later picked up by social media, garnering the praise and attention of thousands.
But this beautiful sight came just before reports of possible tornado risks the same day, highlighting how quickly weather can change in this Canadian province.
WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF LIGHT?
Light pillars are a natural wonder that look like vertical beams of light extending up or down from a bright source.
Of course, they are not actual pillars but an optical illusion in the sky. Often mistaken for UFOs or auroras, these displays happen in cold places and can appear colourful depending on the light source.
In the captured photo, the pillars are seen glowing in soft whites and blues against the dark, snowy backdrop.
These pillars form when tiny, flat ice crystals float in the air on very cold, calm nights.
The crystals, shaped like hexagons, act like little mirrors. They reflect light from the Sun, Moon, or even streetlights and buildings below. When the air is below freezing, often zero degrees or colder, the crystals stay suspended and create the beam effect.
It is a type of halo, similar to rainbows but with ice instead of water droplets.
In the Canadian region where the image was captured, the sub-zero temperatures and still air were perfect for this show. Without wind, the crystals drift horizontally, bouncing light right back into our eyes.
WHY IS THE WEATHER CHANGING IN CANADA?
Manitoba’s early March weather can be unpredictable, swinging from bitter cold to sudden storms.
On the night of the light pillars, conditions were icy yet calm, but by the next day, warnings emerged for severe weather, including possible tornadoes moving into the region.
This volatility is part of the province’s climate, where cold fronts clash with warmer air, sparking everything from blizzards to thunderstorms.
Locals are used to it, but the spectacle provided a much-needed break from the extreme spell of weather. The dazzling display not only highlighted Manitoba’s harsh winters but also the simple forms of joy nature has to offer.
