Understanding Alpenglow: The Twilight Mountain Glow

Alpenglow is a reddish or pinkish light visible on mountain peaks during twilight. Unlike sunrise or sunset, it's a distinct atmospheric phenomenon involving indirect sunlight.

Alpenglow occurs when sunlight is scattered by particles in the atmosphere, filtering out shorter blue wavelengths and leaving behind the longer red wavelengths that create the glow.

Contrary to belief, alpenglow is not caused by direct sunlight. It happens after the sun has set or before it rises, illuminating the sky opposite the sun.

Higher altitudes with cleaner air enhance alpenglow. Fewer particles mean less scattering, allowing the distinct colors to travel further and create a more intense glow on the peaks.

Alpenglow is most vivid when the sky is clear of clouds but the horizon still holds enough particulate matter to scatter the sunlight and enhance the reddish hues.

Distinguished from the 'golden hour,' alpenglow lacks direct sunlight. The golden hour refers to the warm lighting just after sunrise or before sunset, with direct sunlight.

While alpenglow is often associated with the Alps, it can be observed around the world on any mountain range given the right atmospheric conditions.

Alpenglow can also occur with moonlight, casting an eerie yet beautiful pinkish glow on mountain peaks during twilight hours.