Hiker photographs stunning ‘angel in the sky’ – a strange phenomenon called a ‘Brocken spectre’
AN INCREDIBLE image of a weather phenomenon that looks like an "angel in the sky" has been caught on camera by a hiker.
Lee Howdle was out hill-walking in the British Peak District National Park in Derbyshire when he noticed the misty spectacle.
The unusual site is something known as a 'Brocken spectre' or 'mountain spectre' and requires misty weather and a shadow.
explained to SWNS: "My shadow looked huge. It was in this circular rainbow.
"I took some photos of it and carried on walking. It was like an angel in the sky over the hills, it was quite magical."
The hiker is a keen photographer and managed to snap the image of his Canon 5d Mk4 camera.
He added: "'I have never seen this before in my life. I read about it once on the internet.
"It's really amazing and I feel very blessed to have captured such a magical moment."
Howdle thinks the shadowy figure looked around a mile long.
The Brocken spectre effect is listed as one of the "top ten spookiest weather conditions" by the UK Met Office.
The UK's national weather office explains on its website: "This effect is produced when an observer stands above the upper surface of a cloud – on a mountain or high ground – with the Sun behind them.
"When they view their shadow the light is reflected back in such a way that a spooky circular ‘glory’ appears around the point directly opposite the Sun."
Howdle was stood on Mam Tor Hill in the High Peak area of the National Park when he saw the amazing scene.
Experts say mountainous areas are the place to see Brocken spectres because you need to be elevated.
What is a Brocken spectre
Here's what you need to know...
- A Brocken spectre is a huge shadow that is cast by an elavated observer as the Sun is behind them
- To create one you'd need to be out in a moutainous area on a misty day, on a hill that has the clouds below you
- The Sun also needs to be low and shining upon the surface of the clouds
- The phenomenon is named after the Brocken mountain in northern Germany
In other news, rare footage of 20 sharks doing a 'pipi dance' on the beach has been captured in Australia.
A stunned scientists recently recorded the moment a 120ft ‘tower block’ of ice split from an Antarctic glacier.
And, this snap of Mars shows a huge dust devil whirlwind.
What are your thoughts on the angelic image? Let us know in the comments..
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk