Swiss Alps Glitter With Rare Diamond Dust and Light Pillars
A rare and dazzling weather phenomenon lit up the Swiss Alps on Friday morning. In the high Alpine area of Leukerbad, temperatures plunged to -20°C, creating perfect conditions for both diamond dust and towering light pillars to appear. Diamond dust forms when water vapour skips the liquid phase and turns straight into ice crystals. These tiny crystals hang in the air, catching sunlight and scattering it like glittering gemstones. This is why the phenomenon earned its name. The combination of extreme cold, calm winds, and lingering humidity produced a spectacle rarely seen outside polar regions. Residents and visitors witnessed shimmering air by day and luminous pillars by night, all thanks to the unique interaction of ice crystals and light.
