What does rainbow with clouds mean?
Iridescent clouds, known as “fire rainbows” or “rainbow clouds,” occur when sunlight diffracts off water droplets in the atmosphere. And the recipe for these heavenly sights is actually pretty simple. Like common cloud-to-ground rainbows, iridescent clouds usually accompany thunderstorms.
Are cloud rainbows rare?
These clouds that look like rainbows aren’t very common, but chances are you’ve seen one or two in your life. Some people refer to them as rainbow clouds.
What is the meaning of cloud iridescence?
Cloud iridescence is the occurrence of colors in a cloud similar to those seen in oil films on puddles, located in the general vicinity of the sun or moon. It is a fairly common phenomenon, most often observed in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular clouds and cirrus clouds.
What is a rainbow in a cloud called?
Cloud iridescence or irisation is a colorful optical phenomenon that occurs in a cloud and appears in the general proximity of the Sun or Moon. The colors resemble those seen in soap bubbles and oil on a water surface.
What is an ice rainbow?
Ice rainbows are very rare. They can be seen only when the sun is very high in the sky and the ice crystals in the air have to be hexagonal in shape with their thick plates parallel to the ground. Ice rainbows are very rare.
How common is cloud iridescence?
According to News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges, they are called cloud iridescence. “This is rare,” Bridges said. “Several factors need to be in place in order for this to happen. The recipe for iridescence: very thin clouds with lots of water droplets that happen to be the same size.
What is a sundog rainbow?
A sundog is similar to a rainbow, and more common than rainbows. Sometimes they look like bright rainbows or colorful spots on either side of the Sun. Other times they are brighter and actually look like two extra Suns. Sundogs are also known as “mock suns” or “parhelia,” which means “with the Sun”.
What does the Bible say about rainbows?
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
Are fire rainbows rare?
As mentioned above, fire rainbows are rare. The source of light—the Sun (or Moon)—needs to be at least 58o above the horizon, meaning that fire rainbow is almost impossible to see in places north of 55oN or south of 55oS. Also, in places where it is spotted, its frequency of occurrence and duration varies widely.
What are winter rainbows called?
Sundogs
Sundogs appear when sunlight passes through a thin veil of ice crystal clouds (usually cirrus or cirrostratus) and the ice acts a prism, refracting the light. A sundog is seen about 22° to the left or right of the Sun. Sundogs often form in pairs on either side of the Sun.