Brocken Spectre

Brocken Spectre

The Brocken Spectre (German Brockengespenst) is an optical phenomenon that got its name near the foggy peak called Brocken in the Harz Mountains in Germany. The illusion appears when a low sun is behind someone climbing these peaks looking downwards into the mist or fog from a ridge or peak. The shadowy figure is referred to as the “spectre”, which converges towards the antisolar point (or the point opposite the sun) around which the glory rings (light halos) are also centered. This phenomenon is often viewed from airplanes, as long as the sun is behind it and there is sufficient atmospheric moisture to cause the diffraction of sunlight.

Recent Infographics

Tornadoes

Tornadoes

Where do the most tornadoes occur in the U.S.? What kind of damage can an EF5 tornado do? How far can a tornado carry a cow? For information on tornado strength and damage, check out the tornado infographic by Weather Underground.

Tornado Safety

Tornado Safety

The do's and don’ts of Tornado Safety by Weather Underground. Remember to Get Away, Get Shelter, Get Low. Find a sturdy house or building and go to the lowest level. If outside, go to a low ditch and do not seek shelter under an overpass.

Climate Change Today

Climate Change Today

From diminishing snow and ice to increasing temperatures to rising sea level to more frequent and destructive extreme weather events, 97% of scientists agree climate change is happening and it is man-made. The Climate Change Today infographic by Weather Underground thoroughly describes these changes and how they are affecting the Earth’s ecosystems. If we continue on our current path, these trends are expected to accelerate.