A beautiful optical phenomenon was spotted across the South Coast Tuesday afternoon as residents were treated to a show of clouds streaked with rainbow colours.
Global BC senior meteorologist Kristi Gordon said this is called “cloud iridescence,” which is similar to a typical rainbow, but not quite the same.
Get daily National news
“These less common rainbows look like they’re painted on the clouds,” Gordon said.
“The reason is the sun’s light is getting diffracted or bent by the water droplets or ice crystals in the clouds. This diffraction causes the sun’s light to separate into its individual colours.”
- Sudbury, Ont. declares state of emergency, braces for more flooding
- Parts of New Brunswick’s Saint John River at or near flood level
- River Watch: Flooding expected in some N.B. communities, residents warned to be prepared
- Gatineau homes at risk from rising waters as Ontario, Quebec face flooding concerns
Gordon described the colours in the cloud iridescence as vivid. For this to occur, the water droplets in the clouds must be a uniform size, which causes a more efficient diffraction of the light, she said..
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.