Rainbow clouds: Rare phenomenon graces Northern Ireland skies
- Published
Because of the height and temperature needed this cloud is also known as polar stratospheric cloud - here's one pictured over Warrenpoint, County Down
Rare nacreous clouds have been photographed over Northern Ireland on Thursday morning.
Typically seen at high altitudes closer to the poles, they are a meteorological rarity in Irish skies.
Also known as 'mother of pearl' their occurrence requires specific conditions, namely extremely low temperatures in the upper atmosphere.
Forming in air around -80C, ice crystals reflect the sun, giving the cloud pearly colours.
Some lucky individuals captured the celestial spectacle, taking to social media platforms to showcase the event.
They normally form between 12-19 miles (19-31km) high, far above our normal clouds, as seen here in Warrenpoint
The rare formation is also known as mother of pearl
The celestial delight was snapped in Newry
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