Sunday, February 8, 2009



Iridescent Clouds. I remember the first time I saw this phenomena. I was at the Stella-Della Valley Star Party, and looked up at the sun. And saw colored clouds. I was astonished. And I've been been keeping an eye out for them ever since. I find them simply incredible.

13 comments:

Chesney said...

This image is incredible! Love those colors!

Linda aka Elemobe said...

Wow, that is so gorgeous. Never seen clouds like that.

Debra said...

I first saw clouds like that about five years ago and keep a close eye for them. I have never seen ones quite as nice as those. Wonderful shot.

Anonymous said...

Very cool, had to look up the name but is that a circumhorizontal arc?

MevetS said...

@ Ellen. No, it's not a circumhorizontal arc. That arc is formed by ice crystals, whereas the cloud colors are due to water droplets. And excellent site for learning about atmospheric phenomena like these is Les Cowley's http://www.atoptics.co.uk/ . Enjoy.

@ Everyone. Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Steve! That's an amazing catch. I've never seen the phenomenon myself. Nice shot!

Sunny said...

What a neat photo! The colors are amazing. Clouded rainbow. (Or rainbow clouds.)

Anonymous said...

Spectacular sight! I've never seen anything quite like it. Your blog is a great place for learning...

Anonymous said...

Amazing shot! I've never seen or heard about them before. Mother Nature at her best!

terricreates said...

Beautiful, I have never seen anything like that in Virginia, will have to keep my eyes open.

Kerri said...

This is beautiful! Although, you already know this! I've never seen, or heard of, this before! It's really neat.

Anonymous said...

chemtrails go to you tube and search "what in the world are they spraying on us?"

MevetS said...

No not "chemtrails" but rather simple physics.

See Atmospheric Optics