Iridescent Clouds : Spotted
Iridescent clouds, known as nacreous clouds, were spotted over parts of Scotland, northern England, and the West Midlands recently.
- The clouds, resembling mother of pearl, are known for their pastel light reflections during sunset and sunrise.
- This phenomenon occurs as sunlight diffracts around tiny ice crystals within the clouds, creating an effect similar to a thin layer of oil on water.
- Nacreous clouds are rare in the UK and are usually seen when cold air from the polar vortex temporarily hovers over the region.
- Iridescent clouds is diffraction, which occurs when small water droplets or small ice crystals scatter the sun’s light.
- Larger ice crystals do not produce iridescence but can cause halos.
