Rare Lightshow Follows Winter Storm

Brocken spectre seen from the South Rim | Photo by Mike Buchheit

While enjoying a breaking winter storm from the South Rim’s Mohave Point, I witnessed a rare meteorological event called a “Brocken spectre.” More commonly seen by pilots and mountaineers, a Brocken spectre occurs when a viewer’s shadow is cast upon clouds or mist located directly opposite from the sun.

I was lured to the scene when I noticed several Chinese visitors gleefully waving into the canyon. During my research after the fact, I uncovered that, in their homeland, this phenomenon is traditionally referred to as “Buddha’s Light.” Sightings in their cloud-shrouded high mountains such as sacred Mount Emei have been recorded as far back as A.D. 63.

Whatever the label, it was certainly a sight to behold, and proof positive that the canyon is full of surprises, even for a longtime resident who thought he had seen it all.

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About Mike Buchheit
Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.
As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.