Sunset and sun pillar with the sun below the horizon, observed from the
top of Pitcher Mtn. (elev. 2,162 ft), in Stoddard, New Hampshire. This lasted
well over 10 to 12 minutes.

Sun pillars are caused by plate-shaped ice crystals in high cirrus clouds. Miles above
the ground, it's always cold enough for these crystals to form - even above a hot desert.