I’d Like To Know
Q I’m interested to know what a sun pillar is. I saw a picture of one recently and I’m keen to know more.
Mrs E.F., Cardiff.
A As opposed to rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds earthwards, a sun pillar is a vertical column of golden light rising from the sun skywards – though it can on occasions be beneath the light source, too.
It’s all to do with millions of ice crystals in the air and the light reflecting off them, creating the optical spectacle. It occurs in cold conditions and often when cirrus clouds are present.
Sun pillars have sparked many UFO calls, but this column of light is just nature and all its many wonders. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to spot this solar light phenomenon, though it is relatively rare.
Sometimes a column of light can also be created by the moon (lunar pillar), or even man-made sources, such as streetlights. The latter is known as a light pillar.
Q Is it true you can request a 60th wedding anniversary card from the King, and if so, how would you go about it? My husband and I celebrate 60 years in July.
Mrs A.M.L., Leeds.
A Congratulations on your forthcoming anniversary! You can request a card to celebrate special milestones, including diamond anniversaries, such as yours. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1917.
You can make your request online at www.royal.uk/anniversary-messages, where you can discover other eligible milestones.
Q Is the Douglas fir named after a person?
Mr L.N., Rosyth.
A Yes, it’s named after Scottish botanist David Douglas who first introduced the tree here in 1827.
The evergreen conifer, which originates from North America, can live for more than a thousand years.
One of the original Douglas seeds was planted in the grounds of Scone Palace and acts as a living memorial to the great man, who was born in Scone.