If you've ever looked out of an airplane window and seen a bright, colorful ring surrounding the aircraft’s shadow on the clouds, consider yourself lucky!  You’ve witnessed the Pilot’s Glory, also known as the Anthelion.

The Anthelion, a term derived from Greek meaning "opposite the sun", is an optical phenomenon that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere. It’s often mistaken for the Brocken Specter, another optical effect that can sometimes accompany the Anthelion.

🔍 What is it, and why does it happen?

This phenomenon occurs when sunlight interacts with water droplets in the clouds, creating an iridescent ring 🌈 around the airplane's shadow. It’s a unique optical effect that can only be seen from above the clouds and under the right lighting conditions.

However, it’s more than just a beautiful sight —it has practical applications in aviation. For pilots, it serves as more than just an enchanting display; it can indicate atmospheric conditions during flight, including the presence of ice crystals in high-altitude clouds—valuable information for route planning and flight safety. 🛫✅

Whether seen from the cockpit or as a passenger, spotting this phenomenon is a perfect reminder to pause and appreciate the magic of flying. 🌍✨

If you’d like to learn more about fascinating aviation phenomena like the Pilot’s Glory, visit our blog! And don’t forget to share if you’ve ever witnessed this incredible spectacle.

Have you ever seen the Pilot’s Glory?