A weak pillar over Antwerp, Belgium, photographed on November 14, 2007 at 8 p.m..

The combustion flame that caused the reflection is just behind the horizon. It was located at the BASF petrochemical complex, 20 km (12.4 miles) north-northeast of the city. The flaring activities were part of a start-up procedure of a remodelled and expanded steam cracker.

The brightly lit tower on the right is the 123 m high spire of the Cathedral of Our Lady, at the time of its completion (1521) the highest church tower in Europe.

The spherical light on the left is a weak flare from the Total Fina complex closer to the city. This flame produced no reflection.

Camera: Nikon D40; exposure time: 1.8 sec.; aperture: 5.3; ISO setting: 800; focal length: 45 mm.

[© WVdE - photo used with permission]