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Glories are often appearing directly in the clouds or surrounding mountains. And sometimes they look like angels surrounded by lights or rainbows. For centuries the “very holy looking” phenomena were considered a sign from God.   

A glory, also known as Brocken specter, Brocken bow, or mountain specter, was recently photographed over New Hampshire’s 6,288-foot Mt. Washington by Mount Washington Observatory.  Facebook reported that “Alex photographed her Brocken specter surrounded by a glory in the clouds below the summit at sunrise.” 

The image was taken by Alex the meteorologist Tuesday, Sept. 27. And it looked like someone standing in the sky, encircled by a golden halo of light.

Mount Washington Observatory shared the image on Facebook. And offered a detailed scientific explanation.

Hundreds of commenters made their feelings known. And most of them, even some of the science nerds still believe that there are spiritual connotations to Glories. Some even thought that all that science talk was a “buzz kill.”

All about Glories  

Video of Glory seen from airplane 2015

Glories are seen with the naked eye. The weird weather image can appear to surround mountains or higher elevation objects. They can be seen looking up at a mountain or looking down upon clouds from an airplane.

It is caused when light scatters backward toward the viewer. And billions upon billions of water droplets, produce an oscillating pattern of colors ranging from golden to rainbow hues.

According to National Weather Service experts, glories show up at summits or in clouds “when light hits the little water droplets making up clouds or fog.” 

“Brocken specters have the same requirements. When you cast your shadow down into clouds or fog, the light exaggerates your figure. You seem much larger and longer limbed, and you may appear to be moving because of movement in the water droplets.” 

“These unnerving shapes coupled with glories fueled superstitions for centuries,” NWS added.

You may spot an angel, surrounded by a glowing golden light, or a saint surrounded by a circular rainbow. Keep in mind that according to science this is all shadows and light with water droplets added to give it color.

It is also acceptable if you believe that God, however you understand him or her, is totally in charge of science.