Winterline enchants tourists in Mussoorie

MUSSOORIE, Nov 24: As the sun takes shelter behind the Shivalik ranges, a meteorological wonder called the “Winterline” gradually makes its presence felt on the imaginary horizon overlooking the Doon Valley. The tourists, especially the honeymooners, watch this phenomenon with awe from the Mall Road here. It is believed that this imaginary crimson line, separating two layers of air, can be witnessed only at two places, one in Switzerland and the other in Mussoorie.
The Winterline appears for two months from Mid-October to Mid-December.
The black line distinctly separates the gray, murky air of the atmosphere from the golden-brown and crimson red of the sunset sky and it seems as though a divine hand is busy painting in the sky.
The closest meteorological explanation for this evening wonder witnessed from Mussoorie is that the contrast in the temperature during winter in interaction with the refractive rays of the setting sun may be the reason for its occurrence.
For tourists like Madhu Khurana from Punjab, who is on holiday, here, this was her first opportunity to witness this wonder. She said, referring to the sky, “It seems like God is painting on the blue canvas.”
Many couples start occupying the benches available on the Mall Road in anticipation of the Winterline. The view is also a photographer’s delight, be it amateur or professional.
The Winterline of Mussoorie has inspired many photographers or artists.
A student of painting from Patiala says that witnessing the Winterline cleared one’s head and new imaginative ideas germinated as a result.
There is a Winterline Foundation at the famous Woodstock School, which is run by former students, with the name probably inspired by this phenomenon.
It, however, remains a mystery that during snowfall, this Winterline is not visible. Also, why it occurs only in the winter months. Conclusive research needs to be conducted by the scientists on this phenomenon to determine the actual cause of the ‘Winterline’