Some people call it the staircase to the moon, either way it is a natural phenomenon, that can be seen at a place called Broome in Western Australia. The best viewing spot for this is at Roebuck Bay. This beautiful illusion is only created when the tide is fully out, which exposes mudflats, and the moon is full.
Broome location map in Western Australia
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As the moon rises over the exposed mudflats it creates the optical illusion of a staircase or stairway leading up the the full moon, simply stunning.
This phenomenon happens between March and October every year. There are a lot of tourists as well as locals that go, so expect crowds, if you are thinking of going, also some nights they have markets on or entertainment, so it can be a great night out for the whole family.
You can find the dates for this event for 2012 on the Broome Community web site. (also photo source)
It was hard to find real pictures of this event, a lot of people posting pictures that was just the moon shinning on the water, not the actually stairway to the moon, but I did find a very nice photo of the event on flickr if you would like a have a look
I found 2 videos that was fairly good, both had Embedding disabled, I feel this one got the best shot of the event. Staiway to the moon.
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Isn’t this fascinating. I love naturally occurring phenomenons such as this!
Hi writingfeemail,
There are a lot of wonders in the world, and this one is beautiful.
This is amazing… I am impresses so much… Thank you dear Mags, you share always such a beautiful and interesting events, fascinates me… Love, nia
Hi Nia,
This one is a bit different, but it is amazing.
Amazing … never heard about this … love the photo. It’s was like I always heard that the moon was bigger and much more red in Japan before I saw it with me own eye – it was massive and it was like I could have touched and burned orange in color. Fantastic.
Hi viveka,
The moon is amazing, it can look so different in many places of the world.
A natural, phenomenal, wonder of the world. Another learning for me today – thank you.
Hi Laurie,
Yes I feel it is a wonder of the world in a way, it is unreal how this illusion happens.
This is incredible! I will be sure to be in Australia between March and October! I want to see this
thanks for letting me know Mags! I love reading and discovering new things!!
Adri
Hi Adri,
Isn’t it amazing what some mudflats and reflections from the moon can do.
Mother nature certainly has a lot of tricks up her sleeve for us to enjoy
.
Hi Winsmoke,
She certainly does.
That’s incredibly cool! Such a beautiful sight. I’m going to start making a list of some of these wonderful sights to see in Australia. If I ever visit I’ll be ready!
Hi A Gripping Life,
It is magical in a way this illusion.
So cool! Can I go with you next time it happens?
Hi robincoyle,
Most definitely I will keep a good spot for you.
This must look so beautiful live and in person. Incredible!
Hi The Scrumptious Pumpkin,
I haven’t been lucky enough to see this in person, a couple of friends that live a bit closer have been there and they said it was magical was the exact words.
Broome where this event takes place, is about 4.000 km or just under 2,500 miles from where I live in Brisbane.
I really want to go and see this. It is like a real piece of magic. WOWEEE!!
Hi Selma,
It certainly is and it changes from red as it’s rising to the white, very magical.
Wow! Look at that! Another wonder I’ve never heard of before and probably never would without your blog Mags!
Hi Linda,
Isn’t it gorgeous, such a beautiful illusion.
Another learning experience….very fascinating. It must be lovely to see in real life.
Hi purpleborough,
It is a beautiful illusion.
Mags, that is so cool. I would love to see that in person. Don’t know if I’ll ever get up the courage to fly that far though.
Hi mj monaghan,
It is a long way.
I agree though it is cool.
Oh, wow! That is an incredible phenomenon. I wouldn’t have known if not your wonderful post. I would love to see a “Stairway to the Moon” one day. Beautiful post. Thanks for the sharing and for the recent comment.
http://thismansjourney.net/2012/06/13/weekly-image-of-life-happiness/
Hi island traveler,
It is very beautiful, the moon is amazing with all the different illusions it does around the world.
Hi Magsx2, this is lovely. I looked at the photo on Flickr and the thought which struck me was what a great book cover it would make. It must be amazing to see it in reality.
Hi loonyliterature,
The photo on flickr is just gorgeous, I thought it was one of the best that I could find of this beautiful illusion. I totally agree, I think it would also look great on a book cover. Oh yes it would be fantastic to see this phenonmenon.
Hi Magsx2, I think we are so lucky these days. For instance, an ordinary person living in England in the 1700s would never get the chance to see a photograph of the moon looking like that.
That is so true, but they would of most likely drawn the illusion, but I think they would of still worked out how the illusion happens.
This is just amazing! Never saw anything like this before!
Hi Writes2escape,
It is very unusual, and definitely amazing.
Thanks Mags. I don’t know how you do it, but you consistently come up with posts of interest about the World – both natural and man-made. Thanks for extending my education and broadening my knowledge of the world we live in! Cheers, Mal.
Hi Mal,
Thank You for those kind words.
It is even better I feel if I can show something that’s a bit different here in Oz.
Seen pics of it mate but never had the chance yet to see it in person
Apparently it is spectacular
Cheers
Ian
Hi Ian,
I have friends that were lucky enough to see this a couple of times, they don’t live that far away from the area, and yes it is spectacular.
Not only another new one for me … but awesome!
Hi Frank,
Definitely one to put on the bucket list.
Truly fascinating! You do ferret out the most amazing things to educate us with! Thank you
Hi Madhu,
Thank You.
An amazing sight to see. :0
Fabulous phenomenon and so well photographed.
Hi adinparadise,
It is amazing what wonders nature can show us.
Thank You very much for visiting and also for taking the time to comment.
That is so cool.
I’d like to see something like that someday.
And I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Reader Apprecation Award.
Hi paigeddams,
It certainly is.
Thank you very much I am honored.
Thank You Mags for sharing this. I had no idea and had not heard about the stairway to the moon. How Wonderful. :+)
Hi starlaschat,
A beautiful natural phenomena. :0
Beautiful photo! And interesting phenomenon!
Hi allthingsboys,
Nature can throw some great illusions, this I feel is one of her more beautiful ones.
I agree!
COOL!!! That is definitely worth a trip around the world!
Hi El Guapo,
It is different then the normal moon shinning on the water thing, a great illusion from Nature.
Yet another incredible thing I never knew about. It’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog, Mags. Thank you.
Hi bronxboy55,
Thank You.
This illusion is really beautiful, and of course the different colours as well that it seems to bring up as the moon is rising just adds to the wonder of it all.
Wow mags , photo and video both are fascinating.
Hi Indira,
I’m glad to hear you had a look at the video, it is lovely to watch, the illusion from the moon is definitely fascinating.
That would be something to see!
Hi Russel Ray Photos,
It truly is a beautiful illusion.
I have never heard of this “stairway”. The flickr link was beautiful. Thanks, you have just added a new spot to my extensive bucket travel list.
Hi FindingStrengthToStandAgain,
It is an amazing illusion, especially with the added colours as the moon rises. I also have a long bucket list.
Thank You very much for taking the time to comment.
That is really cool!
Hi Michael,
I’m sure you would be able to get beautiful photos of this phenomena, so many changes of colour as the moon rises.