Rainbow Clouds Captivate Bogor, Indonesia
“The phenomenon seen in the video is a common occurrence in the atmosphere and is related to atmospheric optics,” said Ida Pramuwardani, a meteorologist with Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
Last week, residents of Jonggol in Bogor, Indonesia, were treated to a breathtaking display of iridescent clouds. This rare weather phenomenon went viral on social media, captivating viewers with its vibrant hues.
Iridescent clouds occur when sunlight diffracts off ice crystals within a cloud—specifically, a cumulonimbus cloud topped by a pileus cap that provided the necessary droplets for this stunning effect. The colors can shift rapidly, often appearing in shades of pink, green, and blue.
According to BMKG, this particular sighting was genuine and natural. Iridescent clouds have been documented since at least 1911 and have previously been spotted in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Ida Pramuwardani explained that the phenomenon is linked to specific atmospheric conditions. It typically occurs near where the sun is visible, which can make direct observation potentially dangerous.
The colors of these clouds can change quickly and may disappear just as fast as they appear. For those lucky enough to witness them, it represents a fleeting moment of beauty in nature.
As residents shared their experiences online, curiosity about this unique weather phenomenon grew. Iridescent clouds can sometimes be confused with nacreous clouds or coronae—other fascinating displays of atmospheric optics.
This recent event has sparked renewed interest in studying such weather phenomena among both locals and meteorologists alike. The vivid colors and ephemeral nature of iridescent clouds remind us of the wonders present in our atmosphere.
