Javier Darnaude is a young man who lives near the Austrian Alps. He enjoys spending time outdoors, and his collection of uploaded videos on TikTok is breathtaking. Javier approaches each new experience in the Alps as if seeing it for the first time. It’s refreshing to see someone so excited about nature. Earlier this month, Javier was out exploring when he saw rainbow clouds for the first time. In the video post, he asked, “Why did nobody tell me rainbow clouds exist?”
The video begins showing Javier’s face as he sees the clouds. Although he doesn’t outwardly show joy, the gulp right before the camera turns is very telling. Javier did not know rainbow clouds existed before seeing them.
Rainbow clouds are a rare phenomenon that occurs when cloud iridescence is present. They can appear in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, cirrus, and lenticular clouds. Rainbow clouds occur when water droplets or tiny ice crystals reflect and scatter sunlight, much like the reflection that gives us regular rainbows. They may also be referred to as mother-of-pearl clouds. The scientific name for this type of cloud is the nacreous cloud.
Rainbow clouds can appear anywhere but occur more often in colder climates. The formation of ice crystals requires colder air temperatures. Reflection occurs when the sun is slightly below the horizon, causing the clouds to receive light from below. As the light travels through the ice crystals in the clouds, it creates iridescence and coloration.
Rainbow clouds are one of Mother Nature’s most astonishing feats. Unfortunately, they are so rare that many of us will only see them vicariously through images and videos from others. If you enjoyed learning more about this incredible phenomenon, please share with friends.
You can find the source of this storyβs featured image here.
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