The Broken specter
The Brocken specter, also known as Brocken bow or Brocken spectre, is a fascinating atmospheric optical phenomenon that occurs when a person’s shadow is cast on clouds or fog in mountainous areas. It is named after the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains of Germany, where it was first observed.
This phenomenon is created by the interaction of sunlight and water droplets or ice crystals in the clouds. When the sun is positioned behind the observer, their shadow is projected onto the cloud or fog bank in front of them. The light is refracted or bent by the water droplets or ice crystals, causing the shadow to appear magnified and surrounded by a halo of colored rings.
The specter is often accompanied by a glory, which is a series of concentric colored rings centered on the observer’s shadow. The colors of the rings are typically red, yellow, green, and blue, with red being the innermost and blue the outermost.
Several factors contribute to the formation of a Brocken specter. The sun needs to be at a low angle, usually near sunrise or sunset, for the shadow to be cast on the clouds or fog. The cloud or fog bank must also be sufficiently dense and have the right size distribution of water droplets or ice crystals to refract the light and create the spectre.
The Brocken specter is a captivating sight, often appearing surreal and mystical. It has been the subject of various myths and legends throughout history. Today, it continues to be a popular phenomenon for hikers and mountaineers who are fortunate enough to witness it in mountainous regions with the right atmospheric conditions.
