One of nature’s most stunning events, the fireball is only possible over a two week period every year.
The phenomenon gives the appearance of fiery lava tumbling down the Horsetail Fall waterfall in Yosemite, California.
Though it looks like the waterfall has turned into a raging cliff fire, the impressive effect is an optical illusion.
In February when the conditions are just right, the sun’s rays turn melted snow bright orange on the 1,500ft cliff.
Usually beginning on February 16, the firefall surprised early visitors with an appearance on February 12 this year.
The waterfall put on an extra special show for the lucky audience, as it had swollen much bigger this year due to heavy rain and snow over the season.
National Park Service spokesman Scott Gediman told CNN: “People come from all over the world to see this.”
For the incredible event to take effect, the sky has to be clear to allow the sun’s rays to shine through
Temperatures throughout the day have to be warm enough to melt the snow.
The first known person to photograph the fireball was photographer Galen Rowell in 1973.
In recent years the phenomenon has gained even more popularity through social media.
One user posted a photo of the fiery sight on Instagram, writing: “Still amazed at seeing this and also the rarity of it being visible for only a few minutes out of the entire year.”
