Rainbow clouds

A breathtaking iridescent cloud over Bogor, Indonesia, went viral last week, showcasing a rare atmospheric phenomenon that captivates viewers. Residents of Jonggol spotted the stunning display, which is related to atmospheric optics.

Ida Pramuwardani from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated, “The phenomenon seen in the video is a common occurrence in the atmosphere and is related to atmospheric optics.” This event highlights the intricate beauty of cloud iridescence.

Iridescent clouds occur when sunlight diffracts off ice crystals within clouds. They can appear in hues of pink, green, and blue. The colors change rapidly and can quickly disappear.

This particular instance featured a pileus cap—a lenticular cloud—that provided the consistent droplets required for iridescence. Such phenomena are not new; they have been documented since at least 1911.

Iridescent clouds can sometimes be confused with nacreous clouds and coronae. They typically occur near where the sun appears, making them potentially dangerous to observe directly.

The BMKG confirmed that this occurrence was genuine and natural. Similar iridescent clouds have also been sighted in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore in recent years.

The phenomenon went viral on social media platforms, sparking curiosity among locals about this captivating weather event.