Strange mountain phenomenons.
On all previous occasions that I have been lucky enough to come across a Brocken Spectre whilst in the mountains I have been able to see my shadow within the glory rings. For some reason, perhaps the fact that the cloud base was quite some way below my spectre didn't appear. This must be the only time I can recall coming across such a display.
By way of a little explanation here is an exert I have found online which explains the creation of these rare phenomenons.
The Brocken Spectre materializes when a mountaineer gazes downwards into the mist from a ridge or peak, with the low sun positioned behind them. As the climber's shadow extends forward through the mist, it creates the shadowy figure that is commonly referred to as the "spectre." What adds to the mystique of this spectacle are the shimmering rings and glow surrounding the spectre, known as a glory. The glory is centered directly opposite the sun at the antisolar point, where all shadows converge. It is similar to other atmospheric phenomena such as anti-crepuscular rays and cloud shadows.
By way of the topography of this view, the photo was taken from near the summit of Fairfield and looks down on part of Cofa Pike (the rest was engulfed in the cloud) with the whaleback ridge of St Sunday Crag in the background. My return home route would take me down the treacherous icy descent of Cofa Pike and then back up and over St Sunday Crag. Of course the location of the Brocken Spectre would depend upon where I was on this return track. At one point it partially appeared just twenty yards infront of me.
Strange mountain phenomenons.
On all previous occasions that I have been lucky enough to come across a Brocken Spectre whilst in the mountains I have been able to see my shadow within the glory rings. For some reason, perhaps the fact that the cloud base was quite some way below my spectre didn't appear. This must be the only time I can recall coming across such a display.
By way of a little explanation here is an exert I have found online which explains the creation of these rare phenomenons.
The Brocken Spectre materializes when a mountaineer gazes downwards into the mist from a ridge or peak, with the low sun positioned behind them. As the climber's shadow extends forward through the mist, it creates the shadowy figure that is commonly referred to as the "spectre." What adds to the mystique of this spectacle are the shimmering rings and glow surrounding the spectre, known as a glory. The glory is centered directly opposite the sun at the antisolar point, where all shadows converge. It is similar to other atmospheric phenomena such as anti-crepuscular rays and cloud shadows.
By way of the topography of this view, the photo was taken from near the summit of Fairfield and looks down on part of Cofa Pike (the rest was engulfed in the cloud) with the whaleback ridge of St Sunday Crag in the background. My return home route would take me down the treacherous icy descent of Cofa Pike and then back up and over St Sunday Crag. Of course the location of the Brocken Spectre would depend upon where I was on this return track. At one point it partially appeared just twenty yards infront of me.