By “The Neighbor”

So many things have happened in the natural world of Leeds that one can get breathless – bird and animal sightings to the transformation of the Mill River from 7 inches of skateable ice to ice-free in less than 12 hours (Sunday 1/19). But maybe the most interesting occurrence happened back on an early January eve when several neighbors gathered around from 5:45-6:45 to view something called “light pillars.” These optical phenomenons are made in very cold temperatures when falling ice crystals are present in the atmosphere – needing some unusual weather circumstances to occur (too scientific to explain). Anyway, the setting sun and moon can generate these pillars in the sky and artificial lighting can create even greater, taller pillars. This is what the neighbors witnessed on that early January eve. Chartpak’s yellowish parking lot lights shot way, way into the sky as if they were giant stationary spotlights which changed in texture so slowly. Over near the Overlook Nursing Home (now called Highview of Northampton) the columns were white, emanating from the street lights. To look at them it felt like you could have been beamed up to a UFO. In fact, these pillars often generate UFO calls. Niagara Falls is one place in particular where they are regularly seen. While our Mill River dams and falls are no Niagara, it’s sure nice to know that here in Leeds you don’t have to be honeymooners or vacationers to see special things. All you have to do is take advantage of what we have and step out of your door into your very own neighborhood.

Click photo to enlarge