Motorists headed into Atlanta late Thursday or before daybreak on Friday probably noticed a huge, bright beam of light reaching skyward from the west side of downtown.

The light, just outside the Georgia Dome, was illuminated Thursday night as part of the Passion 2013, a gathering of young Christians that concludes Friday.

Thursday night, the 60,000 attendees held a candlelight vigil to draw attention to slavery and sex trafficking around the globe.

The light beam shooting straight up from the vigil could be seen from as far away as northern Cobb and Rockdale counties.

Passion 2013, which began on Tuesday for young people ages 18-25, ends Friday afternoon.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com