Light in the sky · optical effect
Cloud iridescence
Pastels at the edge of a cloud
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Own work
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Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Swipe or scroll sideways to explore the photographs. Photos may include other cloud types; names and credits come from their source records.
Spot it
Soft pinks, greens and other colors close to bright thin cloud edges.
How it forms
Light is diffracted by small cloud particles.
Read the sky
The colors describe an optical effect, not approaching severe weather.
Where to look
Look in thin cloud near a bright light source, with the Sun safely blocked from view.
Little sky facts
Reveal fact 1
Iridescence is a light effect rather than a cloud genus.
Reveal fact 2
Colors may follow a cloud’s edge.
Reveal fact 3
The effect can be irregular rather than a complete ring.
Reveal fact 4
Never stare at the Sun to look for cloud colors.
Try this
Build a palette from the colors in a credited photograph.
Draw your own cloud ↗Read a little deeper
Conditions described here are places to look, not a global frequency ranking. Use local weather forecasts and warnings for decisions. Never look directly at the Sun.