Iridescent Clouds
Iridescent clouds, also known as rainbow clouds, are a stunning atmospheric phenomenon that appear near the Sun or Moon. These clouds form under specific conditions in the stratosphere, typically at heights of 12 to 19 miles above the Earth. They are characterized by their brilliant, pastel or vivid colors, which are caused by the diffraction and interference of light passing through small, uniform water droplets or ice crystals in the cloud. These clouds are more likely to be seen in polar regions during winter and are best observed before sunrise or after sunset. Studying these clouds provides valuable insights into the composition and properties of the Earth’s atmosphere and the intricate interactions of light with atmospheric particles. However, their rarity and the difficulty in observing them due to factors like the Sun’s glare present challenges.
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