Iridescent Clouds
By: Destiny Brown
What are Iridescent clouds?
Iridescent clouds are the occurrence of colors in a cloud similar to those seen when you blow a bubble. It is a fairly uncommon phenomenon, most often observed in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, and cirrus clouds. The colors that occur doing an iridescent cloud are typically pastel colors, but can be very vivid. Iridescent clouds are a diffraction (the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing across an edge) phenomenon caused by small water droplets or small ice crystals individually scattering light and usually occur after thunderstorms, just like regular rainbows. Did you know that they are known as "Fire Rainbows" or "Rainbow Clouds"?
Iridescent cloud occurence in India
A halo of multicolored mist floats over an ominous storm. At first glance it looks like a mural or even extraterrestrial activity. But this breathtaking photo is neither manipulated nor paranormal. It's an iridescent cloud, a phenomenon occurring right in our own atmosphere. In Noida, India during mid-July, a young photographer named Harish was working on photographs of dew drops. While within the works he noticed exuberant color patches above the clouds.
Taunus Iridescent Clouds!
These incredible Iridescent clouds were observed on March 6th, 2007 near Taunus, Germany. These colors in the altocumulus clouds rendered the sky. The iridescent clouds are sure to block out the sun's rays so your vision doesn't seriously get messed up.
Feed the Dinosaur!
Just before nightfall on October 31st, a young man was preparing for "Trick-or-Treaters" when he spotted a "dinosaur" in the sky. He thought it was a great way to kick off Halloween. He made a quick trip to the candy store to "Feed the Dinosaur"