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Yosemite's Firefall Glows: Viral Video Captures Rare Phenomenon
3 Mar
Summary
- A rare Yosemite firefall phenomenon captured in a viral video.
- Horsetail Fall glows orange when backlit by sunset in mid-February.
- The natural 'firefall' is reminiscent of a historical human-made spectacle.
A video showcasing Yosemite National Park's rare 'firefall' phenomenon has achieved viral status on social media, amassing over 1.4 million views. The magical scene features Horsetail Fall, which cascades over El Capitan, illuminated with a fiery orange glow.
This natural occurrence is visible annually during mid to late February under specific conditions. Clear skies and the correct sunset angle are essential for the waterfall to glow orange. The National Park Service notes that even slight haze can obscure the effect.
The 'firefall' name originates from a historical spectacle initiated in 1872 at Glacier Point. Hotel owners pushed a bonfire off the cliff, creating a glowing cascade. This practice ceased in 1973, but a photographer later discovered the natural light phenomenon.
Viewers hoping to witness this natural wonder should plan their visit for mid to late February. The glow typically appears 5 to 15 minutes before sunset, requiring several hours of travel time to secure a viewing spot.
