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Mysterious Pillars of Light Cover St. Petersburg Night Sky

Darya Batanova / Instagram @daryabat

Residents of St. Petersburg were treated to stunning views of multicolored beams of light adorning the nighttime skies over the weekend.

Locals took to social media to share photographs of the breathtaking phenomenon known as light pillars. 

Light pillars appear when sunlight, moonlight or streetlights are reflected on falling ice crystals. 

The light hits the crystals and is reflected up or down in a mirror-like effect.

The phenomenon often occurs at sunset and sunrise.

Публикация от void (@7dhw0)

The vertical bands of light are a rare sight.

Публикация от @borozdin3

People in St. Petersburg braved the cold to snap their best shots.

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