Filenews 26 January 2026
An impressive and rare visual phenomenon was recorded in the Machaira area, causing questions and intense interest. The image, which shows a magnified shadow surrounded by a colourful circular halo, is not something metaphysical, but a purely meteorological phenomenon, known as the "ghost of Brocken".
The phenomenon occurs when the observer is at an altitude, with the sun behind him, while fog or clouds extend lower. Its shadow is projected onto the water droplets of the mist and appears huge and distorted, creating an eerie image.
A characteristic element of the phenomenon is the so-called "glory", a colourful circular halo that forms around the shadow's head. This phenomenon is caused by the refraction and scattering of light in the tiny droplets of fog.
Due to the movement of clouds and air currents, the shadow may appear to move abruptly, enhancing the feeling that it is something "alive". Despite its impressive and often frightening appearance, it is an optical illusion that can be observed on any mountain, as long as the right weather conditions prevail – even from an airplane.
Its name comes from Mount Brocken in Germany, where due to the frequent fog the phenomenon is regularly observed and has been historically associated with legends and folk beliefs.
