Iridescent Clouds Seen Over Bogor Indonesia Create Rainbow Sky

Rainbow-colored clouds, also known as nacreous clouds, were seen over Bogor, Indonesia. This is a rare sight outside of polar regions.
By Newsroom | Environment, Indonesia |

Occurrences Documented Over Bogor

A rare celestial event, characterized by clouds shimmering in a spectrum of rainbow colors, has been observed and documented over Indonesia, specifically near Bogor. These luminous formations, scientifically known as 'nacreous clouds', owe their vivid hues to the peculiar way sunlight interacts with minuscule water droplets or ice crystals within the clouds.

The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as 'mother-of-pearl' clouds, occurs when sunlight diffracts through uniformly sized particles in high-altitude clouds. This precise alignment of light and atmospheric conditions results in the vibrant, shimmering display that has captivated onlookers. While such clouds are most commonly found in polar regions due to the extreme cold required for their formation, occasional sightings occur at lower latitudes when specific meteorological circumstances align.

Global Sightings and Scientific Context

Reports of similar iridescent clouds have surfaced in various locations, including recent observations in the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, sparking public awe. These high-altitude clouds form under intensely cold conditions, typically above 70,000 feet, a stratum far exceeding the altitude of most common cloud types. Their ephemeral nature and dependence on precise atmospheric variables make them a seldom-seen marvel.

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The scientific term for this light play is 'cloud iridescence'. It's a visual effect resulting from diffraction – the bending of light waves. This happens when light passes by the edge of a particle or through a very narrow slit. In the case of these clouds, the uniformly tiny water droplets or ice crystals, each about the same size, act as prisms, splitting sunlight into its constituent colors. The regularity of the particle size is key to the distinct separation of colors, unlike the scattering of light in a typical rainbow, which is caused by refraction through larger raindrops.

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The specific conditions for their appearance are stringent. They require temperatures dipping below -78°C (-108°F). This extreme cold allows for the formation of ice crystals with very uniform sizes, a critical factor for the iridescent effect. While Indonesia is not typically associated with such frigid upper atmospheric conditions, atmospheric dynamics can create localized pockets of extreme cold at high altitudes, enabling the formation of these remarkable nacreous clouds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the rainbow-colored clouds seen over Bogor, Indonesia?
The rainbow-colored clouds are called nacreous clouds. They get their colors because sunlight bends through tiny, equally-sized ice crystals in the clouds.
Q: Why are these rainbow clouds rare in Indonesia?
These clouds usually form in very cold, polar regions. They need temperatures below -78°C, which is rare at high altitudes in Indonesia.
Q: Who saw the iridescent clouds in Bogor?
People in and around Bogor, Indonesia, saw the iridescent clouds. The sight has amazed onlookers who witnessed the rare event.
Q: What causes the colors in the nacreous clouds?
The colors are caused by a process called diffraction. Sunlight bends around tiny, uniform ice crystals in the clouds, splitting the light into different colors like a prism.
Q: What happens next after seeing these clouds?
These clouds are temporary. They disappear when the atmospheric conditions change. While rare, similar sightings have been reported in other parts of the world recently.