Cloud iridescence
Taken by Scott Randal on January 13, 2018 @ Stevens Pass, WA, USA
Click photo for larger image
  Camera Used: motorola Nexus 6
Exposure Time: 626/1000000
Aperture: f/2.0
ISO: 40
Date Taken: 2018:01:13 14:05:23
  
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Details:
Our snowshoe hike started in light sleet, but the weather cleared on our return leg. One member of our party happened to look up at the right time. (Nexus 6 phone)
Photographer's website:
No URL provided.
Comments
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Actually not the real physical iridescence, which has its origin in diffraction and interference in cloud droplets, but an ice crystal halo effect by refraction. I have determined this as the circumzenithal arc which appearts quite straight above your head, just as you did observe it. In your picture, we enjoy a quite bright example of this halo.
Posted by pphv 2018-01-15 02:31:29
I wasnt familiar with circumzenithal arcs and I agree that its a better explanation. Thanks for the information, pphv! Also, the sun was at 16.5 degrees, which is consistent with a CZA.
Posted by sokor 2018-01-15 03:57:25
 
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