On Thursday afternoon, just around sunset, a remarkable light phenomenon known as a sun pillar captured the attention of residents in southern Finland. This spectacle was reported by Ilta-Sanomat's readers, who shared their images from areas such as Askolan, Porvoo, Lahti, and Järvenpää. The sun pillar appeared to paint the sky in shades of dark red, creating an awe-inspiring view that delighted those fortunate enough to witness it in person.

Meteorologist Sara Salonen from Foreca explained that the sun pillar is a type of halo phenomenon caused by the reflection of sunlight on specific hexagonal ice crystals formed in extremely cold temperatures. These ice crystals need to be flat and hexagonal to create the desired effect. When sunlight reflects off these crystals, it creates the illusion that a vertical beam of light is rising from the sun, resulting in the striking visual display seen on that day.

The brilliant dark red color of the sun pillar corresponded to the hue of the setting sun, which took on a reddish tone due to atmospheric impurities. This natural phenomenon not only showcases the beauty of Finland's winter skies but also highlights the scientific principles behind such optical features, drawing interest from both the public and meteorological experts alike.