One man’s quest for an unforgettable New Year’s experience led him to an extraordinary sight atop Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. Hiker Rhys Pleming wanted to witness the first sunrise of the decade with his friend, yet the magic they encountered exceeded all expectations.
As the dawn broke, Rhys not only witnessed the breathtaking sunrise but also stumbled upon a truly rare spectacle known as the Broken Spectre. His incredible photographs reveal a figure walking amidst the clouds, surrounded by a captivating circular rainbow of light.
According to reports, this otherworldly phenomenon occurs when the low sun shines behind someone gazing into mist from a higher vantage point. The person’s shadow is projected forward, casting a silhouette against the rainbow and creating the illusion of someone walking among the clouds.
Reflecting on the experience, Rhys shared, “There was only a 50/50 chance of seeing the sunrise due to the cloudy conditions, but my friend and I decided to proceed anyway. He asked me to walk ahead as he was a bit slower, so I reached the summit around 8:15 am and started capturing a few pictures of the sunrise. There were a few other people present at that time as well. It was about an hour later when my friend arrived at the top that the Broken Spectre occurred. It was perfect timing. Pure luck.”
While pure luck played a role, there’s no denying the stunning result—Rhys’ photograph serves as a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As we embark on this new year, let’s appreciate the captivating moments that life has in store for us.
