A breathtaking iridescent cloud over Bogor, Indonesia, went viral last week, captivating viewers with its stunning display of colors. The phenomenon, known as cloud iridescence, occurs when sunlight diffracts off ice crystals within clouds.
Ida Pramuwardani from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noted, “The phenomenon seen in the video is a common occurrence in the atmosphere and is related to atmospheric optics.” This statement underscores how such weather phenomena can mesmerize even as they remain scientifically grounded.
The sighting took place in Jonggol, where residents marveled at the vibrant hues of pink, green, and blue that danced across the sky. These colors can shift rapidly and may vanish just as quickly. Such fleeting beauty often leaves observers in awe.
Iridescent clouds have been documented for over a century—Edward Wilson even painted them during his Antarctic expedition in 1911. However, their recent visibility in Southeast Asia is noteworthy; they have also been spotted in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
In this instance, the pileus cap—a type of lenticular cloud—provided the necessary droplets for the iridescence to manifest. Still, it’s essential to distinguish these clouds from nacreous clouds and coronae that can sometimes look similar.
The rapid spread of images on social media sparked curiosity among locals about this remarkable event. Yet while many were enchanted by the spectacle, officials cautioned that observing iridescent clouds directly could be dangerous due to their proximity to the sun.
