
April 2012
Iridescence over Independence
This month’s cloud formation is a display of cloud iridescence. This colourful optical effect is caused by sunlight being diffracted as it passes around the cloud particles, and is seen mostly often when a cloud is forming or dissipating, which means its water droplets are all of a similar size. The beautiful and eery example shown here is in an Altocumulus cloud spotted by Andrew Kirk over Independence, California, US.
© Photograph Andrew Kirk.
bhesper
April 8, 2012 at 4:56 amImagine standing on that roof! Looking at this sunset.
( Was it a sunset? )
Hey, are there three faces to be discerned in this great picture?
Shall we try and give this pic some fancy name?
How about this for an opening scene as the curtains rise for act one of some classical play (which?)in a theatre somewhere? Three faces that don’t … etc.
I really love this example of iridescence.
It’s beautiful.
. Granny Weatherwitch, ex- U.K. Met. Office
April 8, 2012 at 2:30 pmThere were about 6 comments when I added mine yesterday, and now there is only one. Have I been edited out, together with the other comments? If so. I’d like to know why please :-) GWW
Michelle Keatinge
April 10, 2012 at 7:11 amWow! I’m speechless!
IanL Photo Gall Ed.
April 13, 2012 at 10:56 amHi GWW your comment is with the photo on the gallery page, is that where you intended it to be…
Anonymous
April 15, 2012 at 1:55 pmVery nice..! Altough being a Cirrus fan (name of my sailboat) I sure can appreciate an Altocumulus like this one…
Camilla Rogge
April 17, 2012 at 12:27 pmFantastic blog. Awesome.
Ryan Verwest
April 18, 2012 at 12:50 amBeautiful Image! Perfect exposure and backlighting!
Anonymous
September 15, 2012 at 6:33 pmIs this not just moist warm air emitted from the building?
Edward Nadalin
February 2, 2013 at 12:19 pmEerie Iridescence !