A MEMBER of the Leader Camera Club has shared his images of a rare, natural phenomenon.
The photos, taken by Simon Dean, from Broughton, feature a Brocken spectre.
He caught the moment during a recent hike over the weekend to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
A Brocken spectre, captured during a hike on Snowdon. Picture: Simon Dean
It was a double delight for the 58-year-old keen photographer, who also managed to witness a cloud inversion at the peak.
Posting into the Leader Camera Club Facebook group, Simon said: "I didn't notice the spectre at first while up at the summit until it was pointed out to me.
"I had heard of them, so it was an amazing thing to finally see one.
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"I was in to minds to go up Snowdon looking at the weather forecast, as it said there would be a slim chance of a cloud inversion, plus getting up at 2am to get to Llanberis for 4am to get to the summit for 6.30am for the sunrise and spectacular views of sunrise, cloud inversion and the spectre.
"I was so glad I made the effort."
Snowdon Summit cloud inversion. Picture: Simon Dean
Named after the German mountain where it was first recorded, a Brocken spectre is a large shadow of an observer cast onto cloud or mist.
A Broken spectre happens when someone stands on a hill which is partially enveloped in mist and in a position where their shadow is thrown onto it.
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When this happens, people may get the illusion the shadow is a person seen dimly through the mist.
The illusion is that this person is gigantic and miles away from them.
The sun shining behind the person looking out at the Broken spectre projects their shadow through the mist.
A Brocken spectre, captured during a hike on Snowdon. Picture: Simon Dean
The figure's head can be surrounded by a bright area called Heiligenschein, or halo-like rings of rainbow-coloured light forming a glory.
The term Brocken spectre was first coined in 1780 by German pastor and natural scientist Johann Silberschlag.
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The Leader Camera Club is a friendly and welcoming group, made up of amateur and professional photographers.
Members share images daily on all manner of topics, and take part in regular themed photo challenges.
To see more or to join, visit the Leader Camera Club Facebook page.
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