The term "perihelion" refers to the point in the orbit of a planet or other astronomical body, at which it is closest to the sun. Earth is closest to the sun at 7:38 p.m. ET on Jan. 2, 2023. The word comes from Greek and literally means around (peri) the sun (helios). Sun pillars usually appear 5-10 degrees high—sometimes even higher. (Your clenched fist held at arm’s length measures roughly 10 degrees). Pillars can sometimes appear even longer and brightest in the moments just before sunrise or just after sunset. They may take on the colors of the Sun and clouds or appear white. Other times they are shades of yellow, red, or (infrequently) purple. Crystals reflect the rays of the Sun. When the crystals align they create a pillar effect.

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