Solstice Glory & Broken Spectre, Carrauntoohil Ireland - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Solstice Glory & Broken Spectre: Exploring Atmospheric Optical Phenomena on Carrauntoohil, Ireland's Highest Peak

Carrauntoohil, the highest peak in Ireland, offers a breathtaking vantage point for observing atmospheric optical phenomena such as the Solstice Glory and the Brocken Spectre. These awe-inspiring sights were captured by photographer Micheál Burke, who spent the previous night on the mountain to witness the Summer Solstice. Let's delve into the intricacies of these phenomena and understand what makes them so captivating.

The Brocken Spectre: A Play of Shadows

The Brocken Spectre is a captivating optical illusion that occurs when an observer casts their shadow onto mist or fog. As the sunlight passes through the mist, it interacts with the observer's shadow, creating a long, almost parallel tube of shadow extending down the mountain. When the observer looks straight down this shadow tube, perspective comes into play, causing their legs and arms to appear greatly elongated. This phenomenon is akin to anticrepuscular rays, with the observer finding themselves within the shadow itself. The unexpected appearance in mist, along with the distortion caused by perspective, contributes to the otherworldly nature of the Brocken Spectre.

The name "Brocken Spectre" finds its origins in sightings by early climbers on the Brocken Mountain in Germany's Harz Mountain range. Due to frequent mists in the region, these climbers often encountered this fascinating optical phenomenon. However, it's important to note that the Brocken Spectre and the glory are separate effects and are not always observed together.

The Enigmatic Glory: A Play of Light Waves

Contrasting with the simplicity of the Brocken Spectre, the glory is a more complex and colorful optical phenomenon resulting from the wave nature of light. To witness a glory, direct sunlight must shine through mist or fog droplets. Waves of light enter these small droplets and undergo deflection of approximately 180 degrees before emerging. The primary wave path involves a single internal reflection, which is not possible according to geometric optics. It is believed that this path incorporates waves along the surface of the droplet, contributing to the glory's formation.

In addition to the primary wave path, other wave paths with different numbers of internal reflections also contribute to the glory's appearance. These varying paths create a diffraction pattern that is dependent on the wavelength of light, resulting in the colored rings observed within the glory. The most spectacular glories, with numerous rings, are often seen when mist droplets are nearly uniform in size, as found in freshly formed fog.

A Captivating Combination: Brocken Spectre with Glory

The imagery captured by Micheál Burke on Carrauntoohil showcases the rare occurrence of witnessing both the Brocken Spectre and the glory simultaneously. As the observer's shadow extends over the slopes of Caher, Ireland's third highest mountain, the glory becomes centered on the shadow cast by Carrauntoohil's summit. The position of the camera's shadow, if visible, would align with the glory's center. This unique combination of phenomena adds an extra layer of wonder and beauty to an already mesmerizing display.

Observing these atmospheric optical phenomena from a high vantage point, such as Carrauntoohil, enhances their visibility and allows for a more immersive experience. However, it is worth noting that these phenomena can also be observed from earthly locations under the right conditions. The interplay between sunlight, mist, and the observer's perspective creates an ethereal sight that leaves spectators in awe.

In conclusion, the Solstice Glory and the Brocken Spectre are captivating atmospheric optical phenomena that occur when sunlight interacts with mist or fog. The Brocken Spectre manifests as an elongated shadow cast onto mist, while the glory arises from the deflection of light waves through mist droplets. Witnessing both phenomena together, as captured on Carrauntoohil by Micheál Burke, is a rare and enchanting experience. Whether observed from a mountain peak or a more accessible location, these natural wonders never fail to inspire wonder and appreciation for the beauty of our atmosphere.

Solstice Glory & Brocken Spectre

Imaged by Micheál Burke on Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak. "I had bivvied up there the previous night for the Summer Solstice and awoke to see this beautiful sight." Zoomed view below.

Images ©Miche�l Burke, shown with permission

The Brocken Spectre and glory are two separate effects. They are not always found together.

The Brocken Spectre is a simple shadow. The colourful ringed glory is altogether more complicated.

Both are directly opposite the sun. Both need direct sunlight shining through mist. Both best seen from a high vantage point but more earthly places work..

Brocken Spectre

The observer casts a long, almost parallel, tube of shadow through mist lower down the mountain.

The observer looks straight down the shadow tube. Perspective makes the legs and arms greatly elongated. The shadows and rays can be thought of as a form of anticrepuscular rays with the observer inside the shadow.

The unexpected appearance in mist, the distortion and the occasional surrounding by a glory combine into an unearthly sight.

The name originates from sightings by early climbers of the Brocken in the Harz Mountains of Germany, a place of frequent mists.

A Glory..

..is a product of the wave nature of light. Waves enter small mist droplets and somehow emerge after deflection through 180 degrees or so.

The main wave path is one where they are internally reflected once. This is an impossible path for geometric optics through a water drop and part of the route is thought to involve waves along the drop surface.

Other wave paths with 10, 6 and 5 internal reflections contribute.

The glory diffraction pattern is wavelength dependent, hence the coloured rings. The best glories with many rings are from the almost monosized droplets of freshly formed fog.

The Brocken shadow has extended legs and (faintly) arms with a diminutive head. It is a tube of shadow extending from the observer rather than a flat shadow as cast on a walll.

This glory has two obvious rings and traces of a third.

The shadow of Carrauntoohil falls on the slopes of Caher, Ireland's 3rd highest mountain. The glory is centred on the shadow of Carrauntoohil's summit and the position of where the camera's shadow would be if we could see it..

Note: this article has been automatically converted from the old site and may not appear as intended. You can find the original article here.

Reference Atmospheric Optics

If you use any of the definitions, information, or data presented on Atmospheric Optics, please copy the link or reference below to properly credit us as the reference source. Thank you!