The mystery of Heiligenschein in Norfolk

Imagine setting out for a peaceful morning walk along the riverbanks of Norfolk. The sun rises softly, casting long shadows across dew-covered grass.

As you stroll, something extraordinary catches your eye – a radiant halo appears to glow around the shadow of your head, creating an almost magical effect. This mesmerising phenomenon is known as Heiligenschein, which translates from German as ‘holy light’.

What is Heiligenschein?

Heiligenschein is a rare optical effect that can appear when sunlight interacts with tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the air. Positioned opposite to the sun, this halo-like glow centres around the observer’s shadow, creating the appearance of a radiant aura. The sight is enchanting and fleeting, visible only when specific atmospheric conditions align.

This luminous effect is not exclusive to human shadows, it can also be observed around objects such as trees, grasses, or even fences, as long as they are surrounded by dew or fog.

The magic behind this phenomenon lies in the way water droplets act like miniature mirrors, reflecting sunlight directly back towards the viewer, and producing a concentrated glow.

How Does Heiligenschein Work?

Heiligenschein appears when sunlight hits tiny, uniformly-sized water droplets on surfaces like grass or leaves. These droplets act as reflective lenses, bending light back towards its source. The result is an intensified glow that seems to follow the observer’s shadow. Smooth, spherical surfaces reflect light evenly, making the effect even more pronounced on misty or dewy mornings.

On closer observation, you may even notice subtle colour variations in Heiligenschein – from pale white to faint blues – due to sunlight scattering as it passes through atmospheric particles.

The position and brightness of the effect can change with movement, making it a captivating experience to observe, especially on calm, clear mornings in Norfolk.

Spotting Heiligenschein in Norfolk

While Heiligenschein can appear wherever the conditions are just right, the open fields, riverbanks, and wetlands of Norfolk provide ideal settings for spotting this phenomenon.

Dewy mornings, especially in late autumn and early spring, offer the perfect conditions for Heiligenschein, as cooler temperatures allow dew to form, refracting sunlight and creating that awe-inspiring glow.

To catch Heiligenschein on your next walk:

• Look out for dewy grass or misty conditions early in the morning when sunlight is low.
• Stand with the sun behind you, as the halo forms opposite to the sun’s position in the sky.
• Move around and experiment with angles; even slight movements can change the appearance of the halo.

A Reminder of Nature’s Intricacies

Heiligenschein is a reminder of the delicate interactions between light and atmosphere that constantly shape our natural world. For those of us at CPRE Norfolk, it’s another example of just what can be found by stepping outside.

From the thrill of discovering this halo on a morning walk to the quiet beauty of watching sunlight dance on water droplets, nature offers us endless moments of awe.

So, next time you’re out in the early light along Norfolk’s countryside, keep an eye out for Heiligenschein. Whether you catch a glimpse of it on the dew-covered grass or in the misty air, it’s sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the magic that surrounds us daily.