A remarkable and rare optical illusion, known as the “sun candle,” recently appeared in the sky over Austria, leaving viewers spellbound. Skier Lenka Lanč captured the phenomenon on video, and it quickly gained traction across social media, with audiences describing it as surreal and awe-inspiring.

This rare event showcases the intricate interplay between natural elements. For Lanč, witnessing it firsthand was an unforgettable experience. In his now-viral footage, he humorously pondered whether the glowing beam of light was a gateway to another dimension.

The “sun candle”—technically a subsun—occurs when sunlight reflects off tiny, flat ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically found in cirrus clouds or ice fog. These floating crystals act like miniature mirrors, redirecting sunlight in a way that produces a brilliant, vertical column of light. The illusion is most visible from high altitudes, such as mountain peaks or airplanes, and tends to appear around sunrise or sunset when the sun is just below the horizon.

Lanč’s video has sparked widespread fascination online, with countless users likening the radiant spectacle to something supernatural. Some jokingly suggested it was a cosmic portal, urging, “Step through it!” The event has reignited appreciation for nature’s stunning and unpredictable beauty, leaving people amazed at the wonders that surround us.