Alpenglühen

(Section 3.2.3.11.3)

Near sunset, the Sun may be hidden for a low-level observer, while the mountain tops may still be in the Sun's direct rays. The mountain tops then assume a rosy, pink or yellow tint. This phenomenon is known as “Alpenglühen” (Alpenglow or Alpine Glow). It disappears after a short period of blue coloration, when the shadow of the Earth reaches the mountain tops. Sometimes, a second or even third Alpenglühen may be seen resulting from illumination of snowfields by the first or second purple light. Alpenglühen can also be observed near sunrise.