Sunrise Surpise
2014-02-22 16:29:48.000 – Michael Kyle, Weather Observer
Phantom Peak
As many of you know, sunrise on the summit of Mount Washington is a remarkable sight. Many of you also know that as a weather observer part of my job is to go outside to the Observation deck at the top of the hour and observe the weather. During this time of the year, being the morning weather observer you get the unique perk of watching the sun rise while taking the 6:45AM Observation. Since I was the morning observer this morning and the summit was in the clear, I got to enjoy the view of the early morning sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, but I also got to see the phantom peak.
Since the sun rise in the southeast most people normally look to that direction to watch the sunrise with hopes of catching a glimpse of the green flash. They never turn around to see the phantom mountain peak to the Northwest. This phantom peak seems to appear suddenly shortly after the sun breaks over the horizon, then slowly shrinks and fades away. In all actuality the phantom mountain peak I’m referring to is an illusion of a mountain on the horizon, but it is nothing more than the shadow of Mount Washington being casted on the horizon by the rising sun. If you want to get a chance to see this phantom peak I’m talking about sign up for one of our overnight EduTrips, just don’t forget to look to the northwest during the sunrise.
Michael Kyle, Weather Observer
Seek the Peak Spotlight: The Cloud Chasers
Seek the Peak Spotlight: The Cloud Chasers By MWOBS Staff Mike Bergeron and Desiree Bolton have been participating and volunteering for Seek the Peak for three years now. Together, they comprise Team Cloud Chasers
Celebrating 250 Years: The Declaration’s Legacy in the White Mountains
Celebrating 250 Years: The Declaration's Legacy in the White Mountains By Peter Crane We are now approaching July Fourth, Independence Day, the day when we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in
Seek the Peak Spotlight: Ryan Shepard
Seek the Peak Spotlight: Ryan Shepard By MWOBS Staff Before Ryan Shepard moved to Conway, he was in Western New York celebrating his 40th birthday party. “I wanted to go big,” he said. “Big”
