Yosemite waterfall turns to lava as sun and earth align

[Ichingcarpenter]

A window of time just opened in Yosemite National Park when nature photographers wait, as if for an eclipse, until the moment when the sun and earth align to create a fleeting phenomenon.

This marvel of celestial configuration happens in a flash at sunset in mid-February — if the winter weather cooperates. On those days the setting sun illuminates one of the park's lesser-known waterfalls so precisely that it resembles molten lava as it flows over the sheer granite face of the imposing El Capitan.

Every year growing numbers of photographers converge on the park, their necks craned toward the ephemeral Horsetail Fall, hoping the sky will be clear so they can duplicate the spectacle first recorded in colour in 1973 by the late renowned outdoors photographer Galen Rowell.


Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/weather/let-the-fire-fall-yosemite-waterfall-turns-to-lava-as-sun-and-earth-align-20120221-1tk90.html#ixzz1n07mOM6D

[fishwax]

1. I saw that on MSNBC earlier today -- looks amazing

[orwell]

2. Galen Rowell...

...was a tremendous photographer.

[keopeli]

3. A misleading title, to be sure. It doesn't "turn to lava".

Rather, it "looks like lava", but it's still water.

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. Duh......

Your title is too long for a headline.

[leveymg]

5. If I were superstitious, I'd say this is a bad sign.

[OKIsItJustMe]

6. I don’t think you would

This occurs annually, like the Winter solstice
http://news.google.com/search?q=yosemite%20waterfall

Unlike comets (for example) which occur sporadically. (Comets were taken to be ill omens.)